When buying waders for fly fishing or other outdoor activities, one common question is whether you should size up when choosing the right size. Waders that are too small can be very uncomfortable, restrict movement, and even leak. However, waders that are too big can also cause problems. Ultimately, the ideal waders should fit snugly while still allowing full range of motion. Here are some key considerations when deciding if you should size up your waders or not.
Reasons to Size Up
There are a few scenarios where sizing up your waders can be beneficial:
- If you plan to wear bulky clothing underneath – Waders are designed to fit close to your body. If you will be layering extensive cold weather gear underneath, then a size up may allow better insulation without compressing those layers.
- If you are between sizes – When in doubt, opting for the larger size can provide a bit more comfort and flexibility.
- If you anticipate weight gain – Getting waders slightly large allows room for moderate weight fluctuations without compromising fit.
- If you want maximum range of motion – Larger waders will enable easier crouching, climbing, and full leg strides.
Reasons to Stick with Your Normal Size
However, in many cases you’ll want waders that fit close to your true size:
- To prevent excess water – Overly loose waders will hold more water when submerged, becoming heavy, uncomfortable, and hazardous.
- To limit air bubbles – Excess material can cause air bubbles that get compressed, making the waders tighter when under water pressure.
- For safety – Properly fitted waders reduce the risk of getting trapped, snagged, or weighed down by loose material in fast water.
- For temperature regulation – A closer fit retains more body heat than loose waders withexcess air space.
- To prevent chafing – Loose waders will rub and chafe more, especially around the shoulders.
Key Fit Considerations
When trying on waders, keep these key points in mind:
Length
- Waders should come up to around your mid-chest level or just slightly below your collarbone.
- The straps should fit snugly over your shoulders without pinching.
- Wader legs should cover down to just above your feet when standing straight.
- When crouching, waders shouldn’t pull up more than a couple inches above your boots.
Waist and Torso
- The wader waist should sit at your natural waistline and feel secure without digging in.
- There should be enough room to twist and bend freely.
- You should be able to fit a couple fingers between the wader fabric and your stomach.
- If wearing a belt, make sure it’s not overtightened to allow hip mobility.
Legs
- Legs should fit close but not compressed.
- Knee, thigh, and crotch areas should enable full range of motion for walking and high steps.
- Err on the roomier side if selecting thick insulating wader liners.
- There should be minimal excess fabric around your calves and ankles.
Neck and Arms
- With shoulder straps properly adjusted, the neckline should seal closely under your chin without rubbing or gaping open.
- Armholes allow free overhead reaching without pulling across the chest or back.
- Sleeves seal snugly around wrists but don’t feel tight.
Choosing Breathable vs Neoprene Waders
When selecting a wader size, also consider the material:
Breathable Waders
- Made from waterproof, breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex.
- More compressible to fit body shape.
- Enable evaporation of sweat for comfort.
- Require a closer fit for maximum performance and mobility.
- Ideal for warm weather or highly aerobic activities.
Neoprene Waders
- Made from neoprene rubber for insulation.
- More rigid and less compressible.
- Retain body heat but moisture can’t evaporate through.
- Usually worn looser for layering clothes underneath.
- Better for cold water use with minimal exertion.
Getting the Right Chest Wader Size
Chest waders have a bib-style upper portion and are a common choice for fishing, hunting, or other outdoor work. Follow this sizing guidance:
Height
Select your overall height range, as chest waders don’t adjust in length:
Height Range | Chest Wader Size |
---|---|
5’0″ – 5’3″ | Small |
5’4″ – 5’7″ | Medium |
5’8″ – 5’11” | Large |
6′ – 6’2″ | X-Large |
6’3″ – 6’6″ | 2X-Large |
Chest Measurement
- Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
- Compare to size chart and order according to your chest width, not shirt size.
- Err on the roomier side if layering bulky clothing.
- Neoprene chest waders may run snugger than breathables.
Inseam
- Measure your inseam from crotch to just below ankle bone.
- Select waders with 1-2 inches more inseam than your measurement.
- Allows room to size down bootfoot waders if needed.
Getting the Right Hip Wader Size
Hip waders are shorter, covering just your legs and waist. Use this approach for best fit:
Waist Size
- Measure around your waist at navel level.
- Compare to waist size chart and order according to your waist width.
- If between sizes, size up for more comfort and flexibility.
Height
- First select based on your waist size.
- Then choose hip wader height according to your height below:
Height | Hip Wader Height |
---|---|
Under 5’6″ | Regular (32-35 inches) |
5’6″ to 6’0″ | Tall (35-38 inches) |
Over 6’0″ | X-Tall (38-42 inches) |
Inseam
- For stockingfoot hip waders, measure your inseam as above.
- Choose waders with 2-3 inches more inseam than your measurement.
- Allows fitting different boot sizes if needed.
Getting the Right Bootfoot Wader Size
Bootfoot waders have boots permanently attached instead of separate stockingfoot liners. Use this approach:
Shoe Size
- Start with your normal shoe size.
- Size down 1⁄2 to 1 full size if between boot sizes.
- Neoprene boots fit snugger than breathables.
- Thicker socks require more room in the boot.
Leg Fit
- Breathable bootfoot waders are more adjustable in leg length.
- Neoprene bootfoots have less give so sizing is more critical.
- Ideally, boot footies just touch the ground when standing straight.
- Err toward more inseam to allow shrinking if needed.
Calf Width
- Try on boots and walk around before purchasing if possible.
- Focus on calf and ankle fit, not just foot length.
- There should be no pinching or pressure points in the calves or ankles when walking.
Getting the Right Waist High Wader Size
Waist high waders come up to your chest and fasten around your waist. Use the following tips for best fit:
Height
- First determine your overall height range.
- Choose waist high waders according to the height chart below:
Height | Waist High Wader Size |
---|---|
5’0″ – 5’5″ | Regular (32-34″ inseam) |
5’6″ – 5’11” | Tall (34-36″ inseam) |
6’0″ – 6’3″ | X-Tall (36-38″ inseam) |
Waist Size
- Measure around your natural waistline.
- Refer to waist size chart for appropriate wader waist width.
- Size up if layering bulky clothing underneath.
Inseam
- The ideal inseam allows 1-2 inches of boot to show below waders.
- Provides room for boot thickness and wader shrinkage over time.
- Too short can pull up excessively when bending or crouching.
Tips for Maximizing Comfort and Performance
Beyond fit, also consider these tips for comfortable, protective waders:
- Select wader features like hand warmer pockets, self-rescue cords, gravel guards, and cleated soles for your specific needs.
- Breathable waders require special washing care to maintain waterproofness.
- Periodically re-treat waders with durable water repellant (DWR) spray to prevent leakage.
- Wear wicking synthetic base layers to keep yourself drier.
- Use wader accessories like shoulder straps and belt for better support.
- Carry wader repair kits to quickly fix minor leaks and punctures.
Conclusion
Finding the optimal wader size involves balancing snugness for performance with allowance for flexibility and layers. Take the time to carefully assess your individual height, measurements, intended use, and layering needs. When in doubt, lean slightly towards more room in the legs, chest, and waist for maximum comfort and mobility while out in the water. With the right fit, you’ll stay drier, warmer, and safer during all your adventures.