FS Digest

Hey gang,

I recently purchased waders from my local fly shop, LL 12-13 Simms Freestones, and I’m concerned the chest/body is too big. Perhaps it’s optics, but whenever I see pictures online, etc, it looks like the “body” is a bit more snug on other folks compared to how mine looks. (Granted, I haven’t worn layers yet.) regardless, was looking for some further guidance on how waders should fit. They seems to fit the inseam, stockingfoot, etc; it’s just the chest I’m worried about.

Thanks!

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by Primal47

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Are there belt loops?

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Wear a snug belt, mostly for safety, and you will appreciate the ability to move freely.

Please don't tell us that you came to this quandary by standing in front of a mirror and judging...... pretty much everyone looks lousy in waders (even WITH the belt), especially if you are built like me !

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Before starting to use waders if this is your initial try, practice GETTING THEM OFF in case ya
need to do so quickly in the water.
I got dragged into a deep pool by the current as a teenager and it was seriously scary.
I was lucky to learn this ( the hard way) when I was young, healthy, and fit.
Waders get mighty heavy when the empty spaces in them fills up with water,
and they can be tough to get out of. I don’t know why I never see this mentioned
by others, or was I just doing something different than everyone else ?

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Because we wear a snug-fitting belt....A MUST HAVE !!!

Still a good idea to become familiar with your gear. I still go out in the backyard and practice fly rod casting....and I have been doing so for the past 57 years when I started casting flies "for real, actually at fish" at age 11. My great-uncle had me practicing for about 2 years before that !

Ed Peter Loc: Clifton, VA

Don't forget - those pictures you see are usually professional models posed by professional photographers. And quite often they use the same "tricks" employed by on-screen personalities so shirt fronts won't sag/bag: they use clips in the back to gather up the excess material so the front looks snug and form fitting.

But as many have already posted, a tight belt can save your life. I can speak from personal experience. A belt will prevent your waders from filling when you take a tumble. My last dunking made me an absolute true believer.

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

The safety tips are real!!!
Many wear their chest waders that are worn loosely so they can bend over and pick up the fish or anything on the ground, and they waders will fill up with water really really fast if you fall down into a hole or even any water you can't sit on the bottom with your head sticking out.. The belt does help but only slows down the influx of water. The belt is a definite must. Keep your head about and give your tackle second priority when you feel like your about to be fighting from being flushed to the bottom. A total neoprene that fits snug to your body works well but is very hot. I received good advice at an early age, buy 2 foot sizes larger. You don't want to struggle getting your feet released then worked out to the top and out especially if your trying to hold all of your gear and rod.
Neoprene tight waders with a pair of wading shoes will keep you safe.

JimCT Loc: Connecticut

Wading belt is a must . An yes you need to be able to were layers if lice i. The north or fish the ocean. I always carry a knife in case I need to cut the waders away in an emergency situation

Lovefishing2021 Loc: Lower Delaware

I agree