Are average sized women not allowed wetsuits?

[GrumpyDullard]

I’m 50, 5’5” with a 32” waist. I am pretty much the average British woman.

According to various wetsuit retailers’ websites that I have perused, wetsuits are not for me. If I want one that fits my height, I should have a 28” waist. If I want one that fits my waist, I should be 5’9”.

I can’t order a wetsuit for my teenage daughter either, as she’s 5’10” and a size 8 - too tall for her waist and too skinny for her height, apparently.

We want wetsuits for winter dinghy sailing. We’ve never worn them before. I have no idea whether the retailers’ websites are misleading. Surely average sized middle aged women and their tall skinny daughters wear wetsuits. Where do they get them from?

There are no physical wetsuit shops near me (NW England) where I might try one on, but I would consider a day trip to Manchester or Liverpool if I there’s a shop with a good range there.

I first started kayaking before I conquered my weight

The centre I paddled from had kayaks suitable for me (despite being obese at 5' 7) and could loan short sleeve wetsuits that fitted (OK, it was a men's size enormous, but it did up!)

After I lost the weight, I was a size 6-8 (BMI 19.5-20.5) and was a men's M and a women's L in paddler's wetsuits.

So yes, I agree, the sizing is seriously weird! A "normal" size woman is probably XXL in wetsuit sizing!!

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone. You've been really helpful.

I’d love a drysuit, but they’re too expensive.

Lomo really does have a great range of sizes (although still nothing for my beanpole daughter). I’ve taken the plunge (see what I did there?!) and ordered one of these https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/selene-5mm-ladies-wetsuit/

@bellac11 here's one your size
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/dwarka-womens-4/3mm-wetsuit-p40199.aspx/black/

I am 5'2 and size 10, I bought a wetsuit from wiggle in size large!

I gave up trying and bought separates, which has actually given me much more freedom when the weather blows hot and cold. It's the same as dresses for me, my boobs are disproportionate to my lower half so an all in one would never work. If you were swimming or spending a lot of time in the water I'd see the benefit of all in one, but if not consider buying separates.

My measurements are 39, 28, 47. I can fit into most size 12 wetsuits but not all Kayaks unfortunately. You need to try lots on.

Aaargh this drives me mad too. And its the same with cycling kit. "Oooh over a size 14??? - you should be ashamed to be seen on a bike madam"

I did find a wetsuit that fitted a couple of years ago from alpkit. I said I was short and fat, they had one that was classified as "small, strong" which I quite liked. Not sure if it would do up now though....😥

Mountain warehouse has up to size 24

Lomo or for custom Snugg.

Mountain warehouse, bought one 2 or 3 years ago. Long legged and sleeved, not the best quality but that range went up to at least a women’s size 28.

Alpkit
Yonda - they have an office in Honley (near Huddersfield) where you can arrange for a fitting. They have a massive range of sizes.
My wetsuit problem is a very long torso.

So true about the cycling gear!

I am 6’1, a size 18 , 36 inch waist with a really big bum and I bought myself a new c-skins wetsuit from Ann’s cottage last year in a size 18 and it a good enough fit (could be longer in the legs and sleeves but that’s my life with all clothes). I did go to their warehouse near Newquay and they were really helpful - they might be worth a call? Agree on the arms and legs, you can just trim the length to suit.

Ive just ordered and received 2 bare feet in 2xl the shorts/leggings, didnt fit, got to send them back. My waist is a 38 inch but I couldnt even get them up my legs

Thank you for that, Im looking for top and bottoms though, I dont want a full one.

Yonda brand are really good for inclusive size wetsuits too. For shorter curvier people they do size SS, as well as bigger sizes up to about 3xl.

No idea how possible this is, but I'm considering making my own wetsuit leggings or shorts as I've been unable to find any that come all the way up to my waist. All in one suits never have enough length in the body or room at the bust.