How to Size Chest Waders

A fisherman wears chest waders.

Chest waders are an essential piece of equipment for any fly fisherman. Fishing with waders allows the fisherman to reach deeper sections of streams, lakes and rivers. Harsh weather conditions and brisk water temperatures can prevent fishermen from spending long amounts of time in the water. Wearing chest waders can protect you from the elements while keeping your body warm and dry. Appropriately sized waders are loose, non-restricting and allow you to move comfortably in and out of the water.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pad of paper

Instructions

1. Measure your chest girth. Put on a shirt or jacket that you would normally wear when on a fishing trip. Have a friend or an assistant handy, raise your arms slightly above your head. Have your friend wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest and shoulder blades. Write down this measurement on a pad of paper for future reference.

2. Measure your inseam. This is best done with bare feet. Have a friend measure from the floor to the inner crotch. Write down this measurement on the pad of paper.

3. Women should measure hip girth; some manufacturers make models specifically to fit women.

4. Try on waders, as some are sold by sizes small through extra large and others are sold in sizes 5 through 15. Stores online will have a size chart to help you select your size.

Tips & Warnings

• Most waders are measured in inches. If you are measuring in centimeters, divide the number by 2.54 to obtain inches.

• Small waders will fit a man or woman 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, with an inseam of 28 to 30 inches and chest measurement of 34 to 36 inches.

• Medium waders will fit someone 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, with an inseam of 30 to 32 inches and chest girth of 38 to 40 inches.

• Large waders will fit a man or woman 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, with an inseam of 32 to 34 inches and chest girth of 42 to 44 inches.

• Extra-large waders have an inseam of 34 to 36 inches and a chest size of 46 to 48 inches; they will fit a man with a height of 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 4 inches.

• Size 5 waders will fit a man or woman with an inseam of 29 inches and chest size between 36 and 38 inches.

• Size 6 waders will fit a person with an inseam of 30 inches and a chest size between 38 and 40 inches.

• Size 7 will fit a man or woman with an inseam of 31 inches and chest that measures 40 to 42 inches around.

• Size 8 or 9 will fit an inseam of 32 inches and chest size 42 to 44 inches.

• Sizes 10 and 11 are for someone with an inseam of 33 inches and have a chest measurement of 44 to 46 inches.

• Sizes 12 and 13 will fit an inseam of 34 inches and chest size 46 to 48 inches.

• Sizes 14 and 15 have an inseam of 34 inches and fit a chest girth measurement of 48 to 50 inches.

• Poorly fitting chest waders can be dangerous, as they can let in large amounts of water, leading to drowning.

References

• Fly Fishing For Beginners: Waders
• Top Fishing Secrets: Chest Waders, Types, Sizes, Purchasing Techniques and Fitting
• United Kingdom The Sunday Times: Fisherman Drowns As Waders Fill With Water
• Threads Magazine: How to Measure Up