Are neoprene fishing waders supposed to be skin tight?

Question

I'm new to fishing and I bought some waders on craigslist. When I tried them on I found them to be quite snug, especially on my nuts. It fits like a wetsuit, really. Is this normal, or are these things way too small and I'm just naive?

Answer 1

No, its not normal, they are too small, there should be a good amount of room with you being able to slide your hands into the chest space. Guide on selecting waders, scroll down.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lp2/wad...

Answer 2

Sounds like they're too small.  Waders are technical clothing, so how they function is what matters most.

If waders don't allow good leg mobility, they're useless.  For a simple test to determine wader fit, do the following.  With one foot flat on the ground, raise the opposite knee until it's parallel with your hip.  If the waders bind and won't allow you to freely raise your knee to this height, they're not right for you, even if they fit great in the torso and legs.  With your nads being strangled by your craigslist purchase, I doubt this pair will pass the test.

Don't worry so much about how tight waders are on the legs themselves (as noted above, the crotch is different).  In the water, all waders are compressed against the leg due to water pressure, assisting in the support of leg muscles.

For your next waders, get some breathables.  Unless your standing nipple deep in a near freezing steelhead stream in February, you won't go back to neoprenes.

Answer 3

It sounds like they are WAY too tight.  Neoprenes are supposed to fit tighter than breathable waders but not as tight as a wetsuit.  I'd sent them back. Can you buy them at a local sporting goods store where you can try them on?  If not I think if they are THAT tight you're going to need at least 2 sizes lareger. It's better if they are a little too loose than too tight.  

Another thing--did you order the right FOOT size?  The problem when you buy waders, people don't know you have to get the proper foot size.  If you don't, they'll hurt your feet inside your wading boots, then you'll have to buy bigger boots.  :)

Answer 4

I've never seen any fisherman in skin tight waders. That is why I like to buy clothing local. ;)

Don't feel bad, as I had that happen with some ski bibs years ago, which again, is why I buy clothes local.

P.S. Sorry about your "boys"...Hahaha!

Answer 5

better save your boys and buy some that fit.