This is a rant about products made for fat Americans!

I've been wearing Neil Pryde wetsuits since I learnt to windsurf. The XL has in the past always fit me perfectly. For the last 5 years I've lived 3.5 hours from the closest store that sells them. Around the same time I needed a new 3/2 so I telephonically ordered a Rise 3/2. The fit was normal over my shoulders and forearms, but abysmal over my stomach, massive over my bum. I figured it was because I got the el cheapo suit and swore to drink more beer.

Seems all that beer went straight to my thighs. I recently bought a new Mission 3/2. I tried the LT but it felt too tight on my thighs, so I ended up on the XL again. Bum / waist is still too big, but everywhere else fits well. Love the quality of the suit, really warm for a 3/2. But the fit over my waist/bum area still isn't good enough.

What brand makes suits for athletic shapes? Big shoulders, oversized forearms, tiny bum/waist and big thighs?

It's probably because in China people are eating more. LOL so their XL sizes != S in US but M.

As far as wetsuits go, and from my limited experience...
I would buy O'neill Psycho 1 for warmer weather. I have 3/2 MT which I use in spring, fall. I'm 6.0' 180. Latest ones are made from some cloth/special neoprene and they stretch unreal and super light. Not sure you can beat these by any other brand. Don't go for NP for these flexier/thinner ones.

However, for winter ones...
A month or so ago I went to Neilpryde website to see if they have some more iterations of their Elite/5000 series. I have 5000 size LT and used to have 3000 short sleeve size LT as well. I have 32-33 waist muscular build and they fit me perfectly. But no more of these models are produced. These were amazing because they had full wind protection layer. Now it looks like they have Combat.. which doesn't have full body wind layering. Looks like the butt and arms are open to freezing.. A pity..
Wonder why they stopped producing them..

XL should be ok for 200 lbs.
180 maybe L
155 M.
140 S

At 195 lb and 6' 2" I cannot fit into an XL that anybody makes. I have to go with XXL for everything.

It also depends on how hard you want to work to stretch the thing on. My grandson is a 6' 4" 180 lb surfer on the Oregon coast. He takes a M T (medium tall). He prefers to work like crazy to shoehorn himself into it, but he prefers it.

Philn I think that one of your answers just vanished...
The Psycho 1 MT is your wetsuit. Will fit you perfectly. You are 3cm taller than me. Everything else same. It stretches like crazy.
us.oneill.com/products/4964-a00-psycho-1-zen-zip-3-2
Psycho 1 doesn't have any wind protection panels.

With Neilpryde I haven't bought anything from them since Elite series... but 3000 and 5000 size LT fit me perfectly and was recommended by a friend who has same measurements as you.

Old age has a say.
At 5'10 and 3/4" and 158lbs.
Surfing in 50 degree water, I need a ST.
Surfing or ws in 55 water, M
Windsurfing in 58 degree water but air -55, L.

I remember NP used to make 2 types of each size. One with longer sleeves/legs and narrow, another with shorter sleeves/legs and wider.
Don't know if they still do that, and you were unlucky to get the wrong one, or they just decided to make one version.

XCel, and spend as much as you can afford (they're discounted at Evo) because the high-end suits are disproportionately better made and more durable than the entry-level. The Celiant/Drylock are a pain to get into and out of but incredibly limber once you're in and absurdly warm. I've sailed in the 4/3 in 40? water... Big shoulders, big forearms, and the stretchiness means they'll fit waist and hips snugly even if the size is a little off. I'm 5'11"/215 and the XXL is slightly too long-legged but otherwise perfect (Couldn't find a 2XLS).

Select to expand quote

philn said..

What brand makes suits for athletic shapes? Big shoulders, oversized forearms, tiny bum/waist and big thighs?

Seventh Wave wetsuits will custom make a suit for you. They are in New Zealand but if you send them your measurements they will make one to fit you. They are very particular about the quality of fit and the type of neoprene they use. here is the link www.seventhwave.co.nz/

I have not needed to use the company myself however they were highly recommended on a Seabreeze post some time back.

O'neil 3/2 reactor has a nice fit for athletic builds, with room in the biceps so you do not get fatigued as much.

Philn, have you tried Billabong? The cut is great for the leaner/athletic figure. I'm 6"4, 220lbs and XL is like tailor made for me.

Select to expand quote

mark62 said..
Philn, have you tried Billabong? The cut is great for the leaner/athletic figure. I'm 6"4, 220lbs and XL is like tailor made for me.

That would be equivalent to American ladies' size 6.

Select to expand quote

aus201 said..

mark62 said..
Philn, have you tried Billabong? The cut is great for the leaner/athletic figure. I'm 6"4, 220lbs and XL is like tailor made for me.

That would be equivalent to American ladies' size 6.

Everythings bigger in Texas (and Ohio and Louisiana and Georgia and Florida and... OK you get the picture)

Women's suits are no better. They all tend to have narrow shoulders and wide hips. If I can get the butt to fit right, my arms and neck are cramped. If I get the top to fit, baggy butt.