wetsuits... perfect fit or one size down?

i am just going by the sizing charts online. i need to upgrade but i don't want to get the wrong size. is it better to have a suit that fits you skin tight or one that fits perfectly normal? like, is it better to go by height or weight?

There's really no substitute for trying something on. If you're ordering online, I would very strongly recommend making sure there's a return policy if something doesn't fit. Also make sure you know what the return policy is ahead of time (e.g. they may accept returns/exchanges only if it hasn't touched water yet).

That said, I would not recommend ordering a size down. If you're on the border, I would actually go with the larger one. It may just be my body size/type, but I've always ended up getting one size up from what the sizing charts say. That's just my very limited experience though. I do not recommend ordering something you can't return if you can't try it on first.

Edit: Also, if you're buying from a local shop but they have to order in, many won't let you return that even if they would normally let you return something that they had in stock. Make sure you know what you're getting into ahead of time. Don't buy from a local shop if they don't have it in stock and won't let you return/exchange something they order in.

personally, I would not buy a wetsuit online, that you have not tried on before. they all fit differently, regardless of what the sizing chart says. some people have a longer torso, or longer legs, but may be the same overall size, and the suit fits both completely different.
with that said, an undersized suit is extremely uncomfortable as far as being able to breath goes. an oversized suit can cause rashes, and bring in water through a gap in the neck, etc, etc.
good luck with your purchase.

it says height and chest are most importantly. i went ahead and rolled the dice on this one. there is a return policy however so im good

We have suits and sell several online to our customers and know the suits inside and out. You can return anything you buy from us. It is our responsibility to make you happy and you should never feel threatened or unsure of doing business with any merchant. If you have a good local shop, give them a shot so you can try on several and if not, call us and we will do everything to EARN your business and return business. Thanks for being on this forum.

Tommy
www.gettommys.com