women's wetsuit recommendations?

I'm having a hard time finding an open-cell dive wetsuit that fits. Any recommendations of good wetsuits with women-specific cuts? I've tried on men's wetsuits but it doesn't work because I'm kind of pear-shaped. I'm looking to keep the cost under $300 if possible.

The past two season I've gone through some rental suits that did not keep me warm, a stiff straightjacket of a scuba suit, and an ill-fitting wetsuit from a french company. My current wetsuit is cut in a way that fits no actual human being: there is a big empty space in upper torso area where a 13-year-old boy might draw boobs on a picture of a lady (i.e. melon sized and way up at the base of the neck). I've made do for the last couple of seasons (despite the bizarre fit it is warm), but it's time to upgrade.

A lot of us get pear shaped as we get older. Unfortunately there is no pear shaped model for wetsuits. A proper fit is most important when diving but nobody wants an ill fitting wetsuit.

If it's really important to you then you should have a custom wetsuit made to your measurements. The least expensive custom that I know of is Elios.  They are in Italy so there is at least a 4 week wait.  The price fluctuates based upon the dollar to euro, but I would expect between $400-$500

A lot of us get pear shaped as we get older. Unfortunately there is no pear shaped model for wetsuits. A proper fit is most important when diving but nobody wants an ill fitting wetsuit.

If it's really important to you then you should have a custom wetsuit made to your measurements. The least expensive custom that I know of is Elios.  They are in Italy so there is at least a 4 week wait.  The price fluctuates based upon the dollar to euro, but I would expect between $400-$500

I had a custom suit made from Florida.  I spend an hour measuring and re measuring.   Cost was 500.00 and it was junk.  Be careful when ordering custom suit.

Research, research and more research!

There may a shop/brand that has one that will be right for you without going custom.  Have you lolled at the Mako wetsuits?

http://www.makospearguns.com/Womens-Reef-Camo-Wetsuit-2-Piece-Open-Cell-p/m2yrcw.htm

Talk to em at Red Triangle, talk to them at the Freedive shop (1-877-WETSUIT) talk to Subsurface Progression (707) 964-3793.

Hi!
I love my wet suit, and its a NRS 3.0 Venus. I've always stayed warm and as a curvy gal, it fits me really well. It has short sleeves (a different material) and enough room for the "girls".
I tried to find the link for it, but sadly, NRS might not make them any longer - but they have excellent customer service and I would recommend giving them a call to see what "replaced" the 3.0 Venus.
Another good thing is that if you order anything over $75, shipping is free, and so is the shipping back to them if you have to return something! You can get a free return shipping label and they are incredible about returns. Love their company.

Here is a link to the site:
http://www.nrs.com/category/2618/women/wetsuits

 I don't see a lot of options for queen size ladies open cell wetsuits although I bet they're out there somewhere.  How about finding a men's king size open cell for someone your height and weight they will have shorter legs.Plenty of the fellas have man boobs and we make it work Perhaps consider one slightly less thick than you normally might to optimize fit comfort.  I really think the key is to find a lady who has your general build and find out where she got hers.  You're not alone most of the male free divers my size weigh 60 pounds less than I do and I am much more attractive

What type of wetsuit are you looking for? Lined? Open cell? 3mm? 5mm? 7mm?

Thanks for all the suggestions! One of the problems I'm having with finding information is the way "pear shaped" can get misinterpreted as "queen sized" or "middle-aged man shape". I meant pear shaped in the more traditional sense, as in I'm a 125-lb lady with a slim torso and some junk in the trunk. Definitely not enough junk to qualify a queen-sized women's wetsuit or a king sized mens though!  

There may a shop/brand that has one that will be right for you without going custom.  Have you lolled at the Mako wetsuits?

My bf really likes his Mako suit. It seems soft and stretchy enough that it might compensate for slight fit issues. Anyone here have experience with the women's suit? I noticed the women's scuba/surf/paddling wetsuits that I've used vary greatly in shape, with some brands being cut for a slim-hipped busty lady and others for more of a pear or hourglass.

If looking for a custom let us know. We can do customs under 400.00 and the turn around depends on customs but is a month or 2. Send a pm or email to [email protected]

I think my boyfriend knows some of you guys. Custom might be a good option, will be in touch. Thanks!

What type of wetsuit are you looking for? Lined? Open cell? 3mm? 5mm? 7mm?

7 mm open cell

Hello gingerwasabi! I own pacificnalu spearfishing located in Monterey bay.
We have wetsuits available for women! It comes down to a mix and match for specific body types. I can help you with this! I offer a 7mm open cell wetsuit "Speardiver" branded that may work for $290.
Please give me a call if you have any questions.
Joe
408.891.0980

Hey Joe, thanks for the info! I'll give you a call next time I'm headed to Monterey.

Hi!
I love my wet suit, and its a NRS 3.0 Venus. I've always stayed warm and as a curvy gal, it fits me really well. It has short sleeves (a different material) and enough room for the "girls".
I tried to find the link for it, but sadly, NRS might not make them any longer - but they have excellent customer service and I would recommend giving them a call to see what "replaced" the 3.0 Venus.
Another good thing is that if you order anything over $75, shipping is free, and so is the shipping back to them if you have to return something! You can get a free return shipping label and they are incredible about returns. Love their company.

Here is a link to the site:
http://www.nrs.com/category/2618/women/wetsuits

Thanks for the tip about free shipping from NRS. I've been on the lookout for a 3 mm farmer Jane also. Will be ordering one of those shortly  I bought a Stohlquist farmer jane and it definitely didn't fit-- they only had bust and waist measurements on their site, and I purchased a size where I was in the low end of the range for both, and it ended up being too tight in the hips. I'm glad NRS has a more thorough size chart.

Hey I would highly recommend considering a custom. Saw a post on here from Red Triangle, they're local and that always a good thing and probably have incentive to do a good job for you. I have two daughters, both spearos and one of the best buys of anything ever (don't let my wife hear this because maybe a ring is supposed to be more important than dive gear) was getting my younger daughter, Dana, a custom 5 ml suit. What a freakin' difference! She absolutely loves it. I can't say for sure whether it has all been the suit, but in the last couple of years she always wants to go diving with me if she's around. almost never wants to get out until I'm getting leg cramps, and has been doing stuff like spearing her personal best fish and hand popping her abs . I love watching her in the water because she's just so much more comfortable.

There just aren't that many womens suits on any rack and let's face it, women's bodies vary even more than ours. You can imagine how it would crimp your style if your chest or neck always felt too restricted. So I got mine through Petros of Spear America in LA, it came direct from his friends in Greece but compares very nicely to my own Sporasub suit. You might talk to him and the Red Triangle guys and see if that's a path you want to explore. Like I say, one of the best "buy" decisions ever!! good luck, dive safe!

@dirkbeachman, your daughter is badass, you must be super proud And thanks for the advice, I'm convinced on getting a custom suit and currently shopping some quotes.