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Made-to-measure wetsuits are manufactured to a diver’s individual body measurements rather than standard size templates. For divers whose body proportions fall outside the standard size range — or who simply can’t achieve the close seal fit that maximizes thermal performance — a custom suit provides what no off-the-shelf suit can: a consistently water-tight seal at every opening, and neoprene that sits flush against the body across the full torso length.
Who Benefits from a Made-to-Measure Suit
Standard wetsuit sizing is based on statistical averages of body proportions. Most divers fall within the range covered by the standard size grid — but a significant minority have torso-to-leg ratios, arm lengths, shoulder widths, or body shapes that create irresolvable fit conflicts in standard suits: a suit that fits the torso is too short in the arms; one that fits the chest is too narrow across the shoulders; one that fits the waist gaps at the lower back. For these divers, no standard suit size provides the combination of correct sleeve length, body seal, and torso coverage that thermal performance requires.
Four models are available: Men 5mm (blue/black, plush interior, nylon exterior) and Men 7mm (dark grey/black) alongside Ladies 5mm (pink/black) and Ladies 7mm (dark red/black). All use a plush interior lining for warmth and comfort against bare skin, and a nylon exterior laminate for durability and abrasion resistance. The 5 mm models are appropriate for temperate water (18–24°C); the 7 mm models for cold-water diving in the 10–18°C range.
The ordering process requires a set of body measurements taken following a measurement guide — typically including height, weight, chest, waist, hip, inseam length, arm length, and several segment lengths. These measurements are submitted at the time of order. Lead times for made-to-measure suits are longer than standard stock items; contact Soprassub directly to confirm current lead time before ordering for a specific dive trip.
What to Look For
- Measurement accuracy is critical. A made-to-measure suit is only as good as the measurements provided. Take measurements wearing only thin base clothing — not over a bulky garment. Inseam and arm length measurements in particular are frequently measured incorrectly; follow the measurement guide precisely. Inaccurate measurements cannot be corrected after production without full remanufacture.
- Specify the intended use when ordering. A 5 mm or 7 mm suit can be cut for a full range of motion (more relaxed panel geometry) or for minimal water entry (tighter cut with less room for movement). Inform the supplier of your primary diving activity — photography, technical diving, recreational reef diving — so the panel geometry can be optimized accordingly.
- Thickness selection: apply the same criteria as standard suits. The thermal performance of made-to-measure neoprene at a given thickness is equivalent to standard suits — the advantage of a custom suit is fit, not a different thermal material. Select 5 mm for 18–24°C conditions and 7 mm for 10–18°C conditions using the same guidelines as for standard suits.
- Plush interior lining: maintenance implications. All made-to-measure models here use a plush interior lining, which is warmer and more comfortable than standard nylon lining but requires more careful drying to prevent mold growth in the thicker lining fabric. Allow extra drying time between uses and do not store damp.
- Price versus benefit evaluation. A made-to-measure suit at €280–320 costs more than the Antibes or CIPRO equivalents but less than the Freddo Extreme extrastretch in the same thickness. For a diver who truly cannot achieve correct fit in any standard size, the made-to-measure price premium is justified — a correctly fitting standard-grade suit outperforms a premium suit that doesn’t fit. For a diver who fits acceptably in standard sizes, the extrastretch construction of the Freddo Extreme typically provides more functional benefit than made-to-measure construction.
Maintenance and Care
Made-to-measure suits use the same neoprene materials and construction techniques as the equivalent standard models — maintenance is identical. Rinse inside and out with fresh water after every salt water dive, dry completely in shade before storage, and store on a wide wetsuit hanger. The plush interior lining requires complete drying before storage to prevent mold — hang the suit interior-side out and allow at least 12–24 hours of drying in a ventilated area. For repair of minor tears or seam delamination, use the same neoprene adhesive products available in the Neoprene glues subcategory that would be used on any standard suit.
FAQ
How do I know if I need a made-to-measure suit?
If you have tried suits from multiple manufacturers in multiple sizes and consistently find that every suit either gaps at the wrist/ankle/neck when the fit is correct elsewhere, or fits the openings correctly while being too short or too long in the torso or limb segments, you are a candidate for made-to-measure. A suit that fits correctly in the chest but leaves more than a two-finger gap at the wrist seal when the arm is extended forward will flush heated water continuously during a dive, negating the thermal value of the suit’s thickness. If this describes your experience with standard suits, made-to-measure is the practical solution.
How are the measurements taken and submitted?
Contact Soprassub directly for the current measurement form and measurement guide. Measurements are typically taken by the diver or with assistance from a partner — a full set of approximately 10–12 measurements covers the key dimensions needed to cut the suit panels correctly. Soprassub can advise on measurement technique to ensure accuracy. Do not submit measurements taken over clothing — thin base layer only, or bare skin where possible.
Can a made-to-measure suit be altered after delivery?
Minor alterations — shortening sleeves or legs by a small amount — are possible on a delivered suit using neoprene adhesive and field trimming tools. Structural alterations to the torso panels or adding length are not practical after manufacture. This is why measurement accuracy before ordering is critical. If measurements are taken and submitted correctly, the likelihood of a significant fit issue on delivery is low — but verify the suit fit in the water before a planned dive trip rather than discovering a problem at the destination.
How long does production take?
Made-to-measure suits are produced to order and have a longer lead time than stocked standard suits. Lead times vary by production schedule and season — contact Soprassub directly for the current production timeline before placing an order for a specific dive trip. For a trip planned 4–6 weeks in advance, confirming lead time first is essential to ensure the suit arrives in time for fitting and any necessary minor adjustments before travel.
Is the made-to-measure option available in thicknesses other than 5mm and 7mm?
The currently listed made-to-measure models are available in 5 mm and 7 mm only. For divers requiring a custom 3 mm tropical suit or a custom 2 mm underlayer, contact Soprassub directly — production capabilities may extend beyond the listed standard configurations for special orders.