Purchasing a pair of fishing waders can also seem like a task where you need to try them on in the store before making that investment, but that is not always an option when you don't have a fly shop in your area. This guide is intended to make the process of buying fishing waders online a more viable notion.
Sizing is quite possibly the most important aspect to consider when buying waders online. Knowing your size or understanding how waders are sized will not only impact your overall comfort, but also determine the longevity of the wader. Wader sizing will vary between brands and models but there is some common ground between nearly all wader manufacturers. Before purchasing, please follow the sizing charts and information provided below by the manufacture to ensure a perfect fit for your next purchase.
Finding your specific measurements on the sizing chart is a very reliable way to accurately size yourself for waders. Our best tip is to break out the measuring tape and get some accurate measurements. The three most important measurements to size yourself for waders are Girth, Inseam, and Shoe Size
Girth - Your largest measurement around in inches (chest/bust, waist, or hips)
Inseam - Your inseam in inches, measuring crotch to floor
Shoe Size - Your shoe size adjusted for the thickest sock you intend to wear while wading.
Questions
The Pro Staff at ReelFlyRod has compiled a few sizing questions to think about when choosing your correct size wader. Using these questions, we have outfitted hundreds of customers in person, online, and over the phone with correctly sized fishing waders.
How tall are you?
Your height will ultimately help determine the inseam length of your waders. Our Pro-Staff suggests anyone 5” through 5’7 typically runs as an inseam short. 5’8 through 6’1” is considered a regular, while 6’2 and over we suggest getting a long inseam.
What size T-Shirt do you wear?
A T-shirt size does help with the size on the upper wader. Typically, the shirt size may indicate if you are small, medium, large, or extra-large in the top half of the wader.
Ex: If you wear a large shirt, a large wader should fit your chest, with enough space for layers underneath.
What shoe size do you wear?
We typically recommend sizing up this measurement one or sometimes even two sizes. It is most ideal to try on your waders with the thickest sock that you intend to wear while fishing in colder month. For summertime anglers, we do recommend sizing the boot to your shoe size but also make sure to accomodate room for a wading sock or neoprene gaiters if you will be wearing those.
Ex. Size 10 boots with thicker socks would recommend wearing a size 11.
SIMMS WADERS
Simms offers a tremendous array of wader models, from the G3 and G4, to the Freestone and Tributary, there’s a perfect set of waders at any price point. Simms selection of waders include breathable GORETEX® technology, waterproof nylon options, long-lasting durability, and boot-foot and stocking-foot designs.
ORVIS WADERS
Orvis offers the some of the highest-quality waders in the fly-fishing industry, featuring innovative technology and the most durable performance materials. The PRO wader, Clearwater and Ultralight are known for their comfortability, light weight material and breathability. Orvis waders fit true to size, based on reviews.
Orvis Wader Sizing Information
REDINGTON WADERS
Redington carries a few different and unique models of waders including the Sonic-Pro, the Escape and Crosswater wader. Redington offers an affordable, yet durable wader that you can depend on. These waders will perform exceptionally well in any kind of environment, whether it’s deep steelheading or hot summer trout runs.
Redington Wader Sizing Information
PATAGONIA WADERS
Patagonia’s variation of the Swiftcurrent and Middle Fork waders offers versatility and breathability with different models to tailor to any angler. Whether you choose the classic model, front zip or the packable version, these waders are nothing short of reliable and top-notch quality.
Conclusion
Buying waders online can be a bit overwhelming, but with a little research and personal measurements, we are confident anyone can choose the perfect waders based on needs.
Using the questions provided above our knowledgeable Pro Staff is confident that we can outfit you in the perfect pair of waders. Please contact us here at ReelFlyRod if you find yourself having trouble choosing the correct size or have any additional questions.
You can reach us by calling us a 937-434-8472, emailing us at [email protected], or by visiting us at the shop in Bellbrook, Ohio.
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