If you love fishing, angling, waterfowl hunting, etc., waders would be a great asset for you. Neoprene waders are among the best for standing in water for hours, especially in the cooler and cold seasons. Getting the right fitting waders takes a bit of effort, and people often ask how neoprene waders should fit.
Neoprene waders should fit comfortably without stressing the seams when you sit, kneel, crouch down, etc. The waders should be slightly bigger than your regular size to accommodate the underneath layers of clothing.
In the rest of this article, I will discuss neoprene waders and how neoprene waders should fit. Let us dive right in.
The Ideal Fit of Neoprene Waders
Although the boot foot neoprene waders and stocking foot neoprene waders are different, you should get the right fit for comfort and functionality. Here is how neoprene waders should fit.
The Boots Should Be Slightly Bigger Than Ordinary Boots
If you decide to go for boot foot neoprene waders, you can go for boots slightly bigger than your regular boots. The reason is that you wear thick socks before wearing the waders, and a slightly larger boot creates room for the socks. For example, if you wear boots size 10, order size 10.5 or 11.
As a result, the boots will not pinch you, and you can thus enjoy your water adventure without any discomfort.
If you go for stocking foot neoprene waders, the wading boots you choose should also be slightly bigger than your standard boots. The stockings or booties of this style of neoprene waders are puffy, so the boots should have room to accommodate the booties without causing any discomfort.
The Waders Should Not Be Too Tight
Waders are the last layer of clothing as they are supposed to keep you dry. Depending on the weather, you can wear underwear, pants, t-shirts, and even a jacket underneath the waders. You should therefore ensure that your neoprene waders are not too tight so that they can accommodate the other layers of clothing.
In addition, you need room for bending, kneeling, sitting, climbing, etc., and if the waders are too tight, some seams could burst. If the seams burst, water could get into the underneath layers and make you wet, uncomfortable, and cold.
The Neoprene Waders Should Not Be Too Large
If the neoprene waders are too big, there is a risk that they could tear because the excess material hangs and folds around you. If the waders pull apart, you could get wet and cold, leading to illness. The extra space can also let in a lot of air around your body, thus making it difficult for you to stay warm.
You can enhance the fitting of your neoprene waders with a wading belt around the torso. The belt also prevents water from entering the lower parts of your body if you accidentally fall into the water.
What Are Neoprene Waders?
Neoprene waders are waterproof gear that enables people to stand for long periods in water without getting wet or cold. Neoprene is a water-resistant, synthetic rubber material that is stable and maintains its flexibility in diverse temperatures.
Neoprene Waders Styles
Neoprene waders come in two styles, like waders made from other materials. The two styles are:
Boot-Foot Neoprene Waders
Boot-foot neoprene waders are a one-piece suit; the wading boots are in-build and thus attach to the gear permanently. So, when you slide into the waders, you do not have to wear any boots because they are already inbuilt. The work of the boots is to keep your feet warm and dry and support and protect them in the water.
Stocking Foot Neoprene Waders
Stocking foot neoprene do not have boots attached; they have neoprene booties attached to the legs. The booties keep the feet dry but do not support or protect you when standing or wading in the water. You, therefore, have to purchase a pair of wading boots to wear on top of the stocking foot neoprene waders.
Neoprene Waders Lengths
Now that you know how neoprene waders should fit, it is essential to know the different heights of neoprene waders. These heights are:
Hip Boot-Foot Neoprene Waders
Hip boot neoprene waders or pant waders are the shortest waders as they reach the hips. They are two separate boots with loops at the top that you attach to your belt or belt loops to stop them from falling. Since they reach the hips, these waders are ideal for wading in shallow, slow-moving water.
Waist-High Neoprene Waders
Waist-high neoprene waders are also known as wading pants as they extend up to the waist. They look like a pair of baggy trousers, and you can hold them in place using suspenders or a belt. You can choose either the stocking foot or boot foot style; they are ideal for wading in deeper and faster-flowing currents.
Chest Neoprene Waders
Chest neoprene waders are the tallest waders as they reach the chest; they are one piece and usually have in-built suspenders to stop them from falling. They are ideal for adventures in deep waters and navigating new and fast-flowing waters. It is better to wear a wading belt not to flood the chest waders.
How To Find the Perfect Fit for Neoprene Waders
Below is how to fit neoprene waders:
- If you decide to buy waders from your local sports store, put on the thick socks and other layers of clothing you intend to wear underneath the waders before fitting the waders.
- Wear the waders and test whether you are comfortable wearing them in different positions; you can kneel, sit on your heels, bend, sit, etc.
- If you purchase the waders online, check whether the seller has a size chart and go for your largest size so that the waders can leave room for the other layers of clothing.
- Once the waders are delivered, test whether you are comfortable wearing them in different positions.
Conclusion
Neoprene waders are a worthwhile investment; they are thick and robust and last for years. There is no standard size of waders, making it tricky to find the right fit. You can use the tips above to ensure that your waders fit comfortably and functionally regardless of the style or length you choose.
There are also neoprene waders designed especially for women and children in different styles and lengths. So, today, men, women, and children now have a wide selection of neoprene waders.
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