How to Buy Plus Size SCUBA Gear

Scuba diving is a sport for all ages, genders and sizes of people. There are few limitations in scuba when it comes to size, except in finding appropriately sized gear. With the average size of both American women and men increasing, some retailers are keeping pace with the trend. If you're looking for plus size scuba suits, gloves and more, there are ways to find exactly what you're looking for.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Friend (optional)
  • Paper and pencil
  • Phone
  • Internet access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure your dimensions. Use a measuring tape to measure each part of your body that will be covered by scuba gear: arms, chest, waist, hip and thigh. For better accuracy, ask a friend or spouse to do the measuring. Write down your measurements and use them when shopping for gear.

    • 2

      Determine your scuba needs. The temperatures where you plan to dive dictate what type of wetsuit and other gear you might need.

    • 3

      Research scuba gear companies. You can find dive retailers on the Internet or in the phone book. Most online retailers will have size charts featuring average sizes along with the measurements on which they are based. O'Neill and Body Glove offer lines of men's wetsuits--both short and long--in sizes up to 3XL. O'Neill carries women's sizes up to size 16. Diveintoscuba.com offers plus size unisex suits up to a 6XL. Online auction sites, such as eBay, also might offer plus size dive gear for sale.

    • 4

      Check local dive shops and stores that carry scuba equipment. Try on some suits and take note of the fit. Just because a suit is marked as one size does not mean it won't fit you. You can get a better idea of what you need by trying on suits, gloves and other gear. The shop also might be able to order larger sizes or suggest where you could go to find them.

    • 5

      Most weight belts, gloves and masks have adjustable straps and can be made to fit any size head, waist and hands. Dive fins have some room to stretch around the foot bed and can expand to fit most foot widths. Brands such as Mares and Oceanic offer sizes up to a men's 13.

    • 6

      When you purchase scuba gear, be aware of the retailer's return and exchange policy. Know ahead of time if you will be able to return merchandise that is defective or that you simply don't like.