Or: Seven ways not to end up with a brand-new suit that doesn’t fit
All images courtesy Tonfly
You might think twice (or three times, or – well – never) about dropping many hundreds of pounds on a dapper tuxedo. A skydiving suit, however?
Shut up and take my money, dear manufacturer. Just make sure it’s in my colours and that the sponsor logos are right.
When you’re slinging that kind of cash around, the last thing you want is for the object of your ardent longing to show up too loose, too tight, too short, or too long. Unfortunately, due to a bafflingly high instance of improper measuring on the part of the buyer, that happens all the time.
Don’t let it happen to you. There are steps you can take to avoid such dreaded suit malfunctions as the Sausage Belly, the Unbendable Knee and the Knife Crotch. Here’s how:
1. Get someone to help
While it’s technically possible to measure yourself, it’s not recommended. There are plenty of measurements that are basically impossible to get accurate as a solo tape-wielder.
There will be some touching. Try not to make it weird. Perhaps buy your buddy dinner first.
2. Don’t forget your underpants
If you’re likely to wear it under the suit, put it on, and measure over it. This means everything you wear under your suit on a normal skydiving (or tunnel) day: base layers, thermals, ceremonial underwear, thick socks, jeans… You’ll want your new suit to fit comfortably over all of it, not strain and chafe over a pair of baggy, beloved chinos you didn’t wear to the fitting.
3. Follow along
All manufacturers have fitting guide videos available. When you and your buddy are ready to measure, pop it up on the most convenient device and follow along like you’re measuring-by-numbers (which, coincidentally, you are). These guides will coach you on exactly the proper spot to take the measurements for the particular suit you’re planning to buy. Don’t leave it to guesswork or prior experience: these are different from manufacturer to manufacturer (and, often, from suit to suit).
4. Measure twice, cut once
Pro tip: when you measure the second time, try measuring the limb the other way around – and/or switch limbs – to see that the numbers match up.
5. Go easy
Tickle with the tape, don’t strangle. A measuring device wielded like a tourniquet does not facilitate a well-fitting end result.
6. Don’t let your ego get in the way
Suit manufacturers ask for a lot of measurements, for a reason. The best results come from sticking to the plan. If you fudge anything, it can throw out the form of the suit and compromise its fit and finish. When being measured, stand naturally: don’t puff out your chest, or suck in your stomach, or clench any muscles.
If you’re a little dismayed that a measurement is a little larger or smaller than it was the last time you bought a suit, take a deep breath and write down the real, verified measurement you just took. Don’t adjust it based on the diet you just started or the gym membership you just bought, or you might end up in a very literally uncomfortable position. Your suit will feel better, fly better and look better if it fits you as you really are, right now.
7. Bring in an expert
At the end of the day, the best way to get measured for a suit is to seek out an official dealer and have them do the measuring. Not only will they be faster and more accurate, but they’ll be able to advise you regarding add-on features and any special requirements you might have.
These dealers have the benefit of many years of combined experience, as well as a direct line to the manufacturer for questions. As a rule, they’ve generally tried and tested a smorgasbord of suits over their years in the game, and will be perhaps even too willing to offer plenty of horse’s-mouth feedback and general knowledge. Ask for such help at your local gear shop, on a manufacturer’s website or – if you happen to be in the right place at the right time – at a boogie tent.
…And that’s really all there is to ensuring that your new second skydiving skin turns up and fits like a dream.
Just don’t wear it to your next wedding.
Unless you really want to.
