L W Since this is a super stretchy wetsuit, can I buy a 3XL and stretch it to a 4XL or possibly a 5XL when I do gain a size? Are these rubber band stretchy or bungee cord stretchy?
The 4XL and 5XL's price increases dramatically.
SUSAN P I'm afraid I can't be much help regarding how much this suit will stretch to fit. I've been up and down weight-wise by 30 lbs. and it still fits. I love this suit and have been pleased with the durability. Just had a "re-test" off of Kauai today!
NIKOLAOS G The Henderson Thermoprene 5 mm wetsuit that I purchased in 2008 has disinegrated after two summers of use even though I was washing it with fresh water after each use and I never left it in the sun. When I was putting the wetsuit on my legs, the thermoprene fabric would stretch and result in several holes. I don't think I'll purchase another Henderson wetsuit.
Bill P L,
I believe the materials ability to stretch allows free and unrestricted movement of the arms, legs and torso, but does not apply to overall size of the suit. In my opinion, wearing a suit that is not the proper size would lead to muscle fatigue due to the constant pressure. Also keep in mind that any material that might stretch as much as you suggest would become thinner, and in the case of a wetsuit, decrease in insulating capacity.
My suggestion is to buy a suit that fits you well. You will never regret it!
Have fun,
Raymond
OSMAN A hi,
it can stretch remarkably and I guess you will be fine w one size smaller
I suggest you go ahead and save some money
the 4xl is out of stock anyway
like all wetsuits it gets thinner in time so there will not be a problem if you gain a size in future
hope this helps
cheers
osman
MARK M the suit is strechy in the meaning that its not confinning it streaches with your body movement with less restriction then a confentional wet suit you still need to buy the proper size you never want a suit that is to tight because it wont alow water movement through it and thats what keeps you warm and if te suit is to big then there is to much water movement and you will be cold hope the this helps from a SSI INSTRUCTOR
KATHLEEN C I bought this for my husband and a similar women's version for myself. We both found that the stretch is good for ease of getting in and out of the wetsuit. And while it is forgiving for some over indulgences, I probably would not count on it being accommodating enough for significant size variations.
GEORGE W In some wet suits, for example a Fourth Element, I need a large. I wore a large when I had a Henderson hyperstretch. In the one-piece Henderson Thermoprene, I wear a Medium and it fits great. Don'y know if this helps your decision.
JAMES S I would call them flexible instead of stretchy. If you're a 4XL now I'd get a 4XL and hope you still get the warmth you expect in a 5mm if you grow to a 5XL. I would think that as it stretches, its also compressing so you're not going to have the protection you're buying a 5mm for.
MICHAEL S I recommend that you buy the size that fits you at your present size. It will be a snug fit - which is the way it is supposed be in order to provide proper insulation. The Thermoprene material is not "rubber-band stretchy" or "bungee cord stretchy". It is elastic, but does not stretch that much.
If you buy one size above where you are now - i.e. 4XL, the wetsuit will be too large and will defeat its purpose - keeping you warm.
By the way, this is a great product - the best out there in my opinion. Henderson wetsuits are superior to everything else currently on the market.
MOE H They stretch much like most wet suits
The suit is very thick and can limit movability if it's too tight, so I would try it on before purchasing.
DAVID W I have a large,medium was too tight and XL too big,baggy in places.I would equate the stretch to a good ski glove,it will give some,but not 2 sizes.The seals around the neck and wrists aren't going to stretch 2 sizes.If 3XL fits you good,the way it should,it is going to be tight if you gain a size.But my opinion is,it is not going to fit if you gain 2 sizes.I would suggest,if you can ,try on a size or 2 smaller and you will see the stretch it has.If you plan on gaining 2 sizes,comprimse now and get the 4XL,,save you money and time.I have been pleased with mine,the sizes are pretty true to the charts.Hope this helps you in some way..Happy diving