Larger size Wetsuits

[JimandPam]

Hi all

I'm due to go on a uk holiday this summer. I never usually get in the water as I find it too cold and to be honest am a little self conscious

But I have young children and they love paddling in the sea and swimming so I'd like to be brave this year and get in

Can anyone recommend a short wetsuit that will fit a larger lady (size 18) that doesn't cut the circulation off at the arms and legs?

Thanks!

How tall are you? I'm asking as modern wetsuits tend to stretch on all directions and there is more to spread out if less stretch is needed up. I'm 5'5" and average a 16 and have just purchased an orca swimming shortie in XL which is super comfy. I reckon it would still be ok it I was a size bigger but possibly not if a size bigger and also 6'.

There will be cheaper options out there, and I think as an 18 you will still have a reasonable amount of choice.

FWIW I feel really confident in my shortie, much more do than in swimwear 🤣 Have a wonderful holiday xx

I'm size 18 and I swim outdoors all year round.

Some years Tesco and Sainsburys sell shortie wetsuits and they usually have a whole range of sizes. Decathlon have some but didn't go up to size 18 when I looked.

I get mine second hand off Vinted or eBay to be honest.

Thank you both so much for your replies

Hmmmm, height is definitely something to consider as I am probably taller than avg at 5'9 so might leave less room to stretch out rather than up 😝

I do find some jumpsuits create the cringe camel toe so need to bear that in mind

Good to hear others feel comfy in theirs!

And one ridiculous question!

Presumably you wear a swimming costume underneath? I say this as will likely be on the beach so want to be able to take it off and then lie on the beach to dry.

Silly question I know!!

Yes I wear a swimming costume underneath.

Two BareFeet (I have their Arabella wetsuit and its fab and long enough in the body) or Decathlon. Two BareFeet also do jackets and shorts which are very practical, and yes to wearing a cossie underneath

Have you tried Lomo? They make larger sizes in different heights. Although most wetsuits tend to go out as they get longer so I reckon it'll be easier to find one that fits as a 5'9" size 18 than if you were a short size 18.

I got one from Lidl a few years ago and its fabulous. Easy to get on and of, generous enough in the arms and legs so not tight. I think its either unisex or mens not a womans cut. For comparison I tried some full length ones on at mountain warehouse a while ago and couldn't even zip them up and that was once I'd done battle with the arms and legs.

I have a shortie with elbow sleeves from Go Outdoors. They go beyond a size 18! Also check vinted (as mine will be on there soon, ha).

I second Lomo. https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/womens-delta-shorty-wetsuit/?_gl=11udvnam_upMQ.._gaOTkwMzc3NTU0LjE3MTU4MDkxMTA._ga_YRS5S6FPPY*MTcxNTgwOTEwOC4xLjAuMTcxNTgwOTEwOC4wLjAuMTE5NzczNDA0&gclid=CjwKCAjwupGyBhBBEiwA0UcqaF4LKdjYp77bfpx3hBG-NXnayHNAGYtIArsWozq5nywiNr2iry3CrxoCh9QQAvD_BwE

and I find a 2 piece much easier than a one piece for wearing underneath.