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How to Buy Waders

Waders sizing guide

How to Buy and Size Waders

Waders are the one thing we sell where fit decides everything. Get the size right and a good pair lasts for years. Get it wrong and you fight them every time you step up a bank.

Here's how we size people at the counter, what boots you need, and the waders we sell the most of. If you'd rather talk it through, call us at 605-341-2450.

On this page:
Shop waders & boots:
What you’ll need (2 minutes):
  • A soft tape measure (or a string + ruler)
  • A friend (optional but helpful)
  • Your typical fishing layers (base + mid layer)
Pro tip: Measure standing naturally. Don’t suck in your stomach. Keep the tape level all the way around.

Step 1: Take these 4 measurements

1) Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms.

2) Waist / Girth

Measure around your natural waist. If a brand uses Largest Girth, use the largest of your chest, waist, or hips.

3) Inseam

Wearing socks, measure from crotch to floor along the inside of your leg.

4) Shoe size

Use your regular street shoe size as a starting point. (Boot sizing is separate from wader sizing for stockingfoot waders.)

Step 2: Pick the right size

  • Always use the brand chart for the wader you’re ordering (fits vary by brand and model).
  • If you’re between sizes, most anglers prefer sizing up for layering and mobility.
  • Prioritize upper-body fit (chest/shoulders) first, then solve length with Short / Regular / Long / Tall when available.

Stockingfoot waders

Almost every wader we sell is a breathable stockingfoot. The wader has a neoprene bootie sewn on, and you wear a separate wading boot over it. The boot fits better and supports your ankle on slick Black Hills rock. Bootfoot waders, with the boot built on, don't fit or walk as well, and we rarely sell them.

  • Wader size is based on body measurements
  • Neoprene bootie has a size range
  • Wading boots are sized separately

How should waders fit?

A good fit is roomy but not baggy. Try them on with your typical layers and do this quick test:

  • Deep squat
  • Step up onto a chair/bench
  • Reach overhead like you’re casting
Red flags (common return reasons):
  • Crotch feels low/tight when stepping up (often too small or too short)
  • Shoulder straps maxed out (often too small)
  • Excess fabric pooling at ankles (often too long)

You need boots too (and how to size them)

Stockingfoot waders don't come with boots, so plan on buying both. The neoprene booties on stockingfoot waders add bulk, and the boot has to fit over them, not over your bare foot.

  • Start about one size up from your street shoe. Then check that boot brand's chart, since some already build in the extra room.
  • Try boots on with your waders on, or at least in the socks you fish in. Your heel should stay put when you walk, and your toes shouldn't hit the front going downhill.
  • Felt soles are banned in South Dakota. Rubber soles only. Studs help a lot on slick rock.

Wading boots we sell the most of

Tier Boot Why
Good Simms Tributary Wading Boot Simple, comfortable and fairly priced. A good first boot.
Better Skwala Carbon Boot Our best-selling boot over the last year. Light, Vibram sole, takes studs.
Better Patagonia Forra Wading Boots Supportive and grippy.
Best Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots II A heavy-duty boot for people who fish a lot of days.

Shop all wading boots

Staying warm in the winter

We fish all year here. Rapid Creek and Spearfish Creek in town fish through the winter, and midges come off on the warmer days. Breathable waders are what we wear every month of the year. In the cold you just layer underneath.

  • Fleece pants or a heavier base layer under the waders.
  • Wool socks, one thick pair. Too many socks makes your boots tight and your feet colder.
  • A warm layer up top and a wading jacket over the waders on windy days.

This is why the sizing steps above say to measure in your fishing layers. If you fish in the winter, you want room for fleece underneath.

In the heat of summer a lot of people skip the waders and wet wade. Wear your wading boots with a pair of wet wading socks or the Skwala Backeddy socks so the boots still fit.

Good, better, best: the waders we sell most

These are the waders people actually buy from us, sorted by price.

Tier Wader Who it's for
Good (about $300) Simms Tributary or Simms SecondWind Upcycle New anglers and anyone who fishes a few days a season. The SecondWind is built from leftover G3 material and is a lot of wader for the money.
Good (about $400) Grundens Bedrock A step up in fabric for not much more.
Better ($450 to $550) Simms Freestone, Grundens Boundary, Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip Front Someone who fishes most weekends. The Swiftcurrent Traverse is the wader we sell the most pairs of.
Best (about $600 and up) Simms G3 Guide, Skwala RS Lots of days on the water, brush and winter fishing. The RS is our biggest wader by sales.

Women's waders: we carry the Grundens Women's Bedrock and the Patagonia Women's Swiftcurrent Traverse. Use the women's charts below.

Small creeks: for short trips on small water, the Simms SecondWind Hip Wader packs small and is often all you need.

Shop all waders

Brand size charts

These charts are a helpful starting point. Not every model comes in every size, so always check the product page for the exact wader you’re ordering.

Jump to a brand:

Simms

Shop Simms waders

Simms Men’s Stockingfoot Wader Size Chart

All measurements in inches. “Largest Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips.

Simms Men’s Wader Size Inseam Type Largest Girth Inseam (crotch to floor) Stockingfoot (Shoe Size)
M 9-11 Short 39-40 31-32 9-11
M King 9-11 Short 41-42 31-32 9-11
L 9-11 Short 43-44 31-32 9-11
L King 9-11 Short 45-46 31-32 9-11
XL 9-11 Short 47-48 33-34 9-11
2XL 12-13* Short 51-52 33-34 12-13
3XL 12-13* Short 55-56 33-34 12-13
S 7-8 Regular 35-36 31-32 7-8
S King 8-9 Regular 37-38 31-32 8-9
M 9-11 Regular 39-40 33-34 9-11
M King 9-11 Regular 41-42 33-34 9-11
L 9-11 Regular 43-44 33-34 9-11
L 12-13 Regular 43-44 33-34 12-13
L King 9-11 Regular 45-46 33-34 9-11
XL 12-13 Regular 47-48 35-36 12-13
XL King 12-13 Regular 49-50 35-36 12-13
2XL 12-13 Regular 51-52 35-36 12-13
2XL King 12-13* Regular 53-54 35-36 12-13
3XL 12-13* Regular 55-56 35-36 12-13
4XL 12-13* Regular 59-60 35-36 12-13
Medium 9-11 Long 39-40 35-36 9-11
Large 9-11 Long 43-44 35-36 9-11
Large 12-13 Long 43-44 35-36 12-13
XL 12-13 Long 47-48 37-38 12-13
2XL 12-13* Long 51-52 37-38 12-13

*These sizes may be limited/extended sizing depending on model.

Simms Women’s Stockingfoot Wader Size Chart

All measurements in inches. “Largest Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips.

Simms Women’s Wader Size Inseam Type Largest Girth Inseam (crotch to floor) Stockingfoot (Shoe Size)
S 6-7 Short 37 28-29 6-7
S 6-7 Regular 37 31-32 6-7
S Full 6-7 Regular 38 31-32 6-7
M 8-9 Short 39 28-29 8-9
M 8-9 Regular 39 31-32 8-9
M Full 8-9 Regular 40 31-32 8-9
M Tall 8-9 Tall 39 33-34 8-9
L 9-10 Short 41 28-29 9-10
L 9-10 Regular 41 31-32 9-10
L Full 9-10 Regular 43 31-32 9-10
L Tall 9-10 Tall 41 33-34 9-10
XL 9-10 Regular 45 31-32 9-10
2XL 9-10 Regular 49 31-32 9-10

Inseam by height (women): Regular = 5'4" to 5'7" • Short = 5'1" to 5'3" • Tall = 5'7" to 5'9"

Orvis

Shop Orvis waders

Orvis Men’s Waders (PRO / Ultralight / Clearwater)

All measurements in inches. If you’re between sizes, Orvis recommends sizing up for layering.

Wader Size Chest* Pant Inseam (up to) Bootie Range (US)
Small 34-36 28-30 7-9
Medium/Short 38-40 28-30 8-10
Medium 38-40 30-32 9-11
Medium/Long 38-40 32-34 10-12
Large/Short 42-44 28-30 9-11
Large 42-44 30-32 10-12
Large/Long 42-44 32-34 11-13
Large/XLong 42-44 34-36 12-14
XL/Short 46-48 28-30 10-12
XL 46-48 30-32 10-12
XL/Long 46-48 32-34 11-13
XL/XLong 46-48 34-36 12-14
XXL/Short 50-52 28-30 11-13
XXL 50-52 30-32 11-13

*Orvis refers to “Largest Girth” as the key body measurement on their guide.

Orvis Women’s Waders (PRO / Ultralight / Clearwater)

All measurements in inches.

Wader Size Body Size Bust* Waist* Hip* Pant Inseam (up to) Bootie Range (US)
XS/Petite 2-4 33½-34½ 25½-26½ 35½-36½ 30 5-7
XS 2-4 33½-34½ 25½-26½ 35½-36½ 32 5-7
Small/Petite 6-8 35½-36½ 27½-28½ 37½-38½ 30 6-8
Small 6-8 35½-36½ 27½-28½ 37½-38½ 32 6-8
Small/Tall 6-8 35½-36½ 27½-28½ 37½-38½ 34 7-9
Medium/Petite 10-12 37½-39 29½-31 39½-41 30 7-9
Medium 10-12 37½-39 29½-31 39½-41 32 7-9
Medium/Tall 10-12 37½-39 29½-31 39½-41 34 8-10
Large/Petite 14-16 40½-42 32½-34 42½-44 30 7-9
Large 14-16 40½-42 32½-34 42½-44 32 7-9
Large/Tall 14-16 40½-42 32½-34 42½-44 34 8-10
XL/Petite 18-20 44-46 36-38 46-48 30 8-10
XL 18-20 44-46 36-38 46-48 32 8-10
XL/Tall 18-20 44-46 36-38 46-48 34 8-10
XXL/Petite 22-24 48-50 40-42 50-52 30 8-10
XXL 22-24 48-50 40-42 50-52 32 8-10
Orvis Kid’s Clearwater Waders

All measurements in inches.

Body Size Chest* Inseam Range Bootie Range (US) Height Range
Small 24-27 21-23 4-6 4'-4'4"
Medium 28-30 24-26 5-7 4'5"-4'10"
Large 31-33 27-29 6-8 4'11"-5'3"

Redington

Shop Redington waders

Redington Men’s Wader Size Chart

All measurements are body measurements (in inches). Note: not all models include every size.

Size Chest Waist Inseam Shoe Size
S 35-37 28-31 30-31 7-8
M-Short 39-41 32-34 30-31 8-10
M 39-41 32-34 30-32 8-10
M-Long 39-41 32-34 32-34 8-10
M-King 43-45 35-38 30-32 8-10
L-Short 43-45 35-38 30-32 9-11
L (9-11) 43-45 35-38 32-34 9-11
L (12-13) 43-45 35-38 32-34 12-13
L-Long 43-45 35-38 34-36 10-12
L-King 46-48 39-42 32-34 9-11
XL-Short 47-49 39-42 30-32 10-12
XL 47-49 39-42 32-34 10-12
XXL 51-53 43-46 32-34 12-13
Redington Women’s Wader Size Chart

All measurements are body measurements (in inches). Note: not all models include every size.

Size Dress Size Bust Seat/Hips Inseam Shoe Size
S 4/6 33-35 36-38 31-32 6-7
S-Short 4/6 33-35 36-38 28-29 6-7
M 6/8 36-37 39-41 31-32 7-8
M-Short 6/8 36-37 39-41 29-30 7-8
M-Long 6/8 36-37 39-41 33-34 9-10
M-Full 10/12 38-40 42-44 31-32 7-8
L 10/12 38-40 42-44 32-33 8-9
L-Short 10/12 38-40 42-44 29-30 8-9
XL 14/16 41-44 45-47 32-33 9-10
Redington Kid’s Wader Size Chart

All measurements are body measurements (in inches).

Size Chest Inseam Shoe Size
K8-10 26-28 22-24 2-4
K12-14 28-30 25-28 4-6

Patagonia (Swiftcurrent)

Shop Patagonia waders

Patagonia Men’s Swiftcurrent Waders Size Chart

Measurements are body measurements (in inches). “Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips.

Code Size / Length Girth Inseam Shoe Size Height
XSX X-Small / Short 37 29 4-6 5'5"-5'8"
SSS Small / Short 37 29 6-8 5'5"-5'8"
SRM Small / Regular 37 32 9-11 5'10"-6'
MXM Medium / Extra Short 40 28 9-11 5'2"-5'5"
MSM Medium / Short 40 30 9-11 5'6"-5'9"
MRM Medium / Regular 40 32 9-11 5'10"-6'
MRL Medium / Regular 40 32 12-14 5'10"-6'
MLM Medium / Long 40 34 9-11 6'1"-6'4"
MLL Medium / Long 40 34 12-14 6'1"-6'4"
LSM Large / Short 44 30 9-11 5'6"-5'9"
LRM Large / Regular 44 32 9-11 5'10"-6'
LRL Large / Regular 44 32 12-14 5'10"-6'
LLM Large / Long 44 34 9-11 6'1"-6'4"
LLL Large / Long 44 34 12-14 6'1"-6'4"
XSM X-Large / Short 48 30 9-11 5'6"-5'9"
XRM X-Large / Regular 48 32 9-11 5'10"-6'
XRL X-Large / Regular 48 32 12-14 5'10"-6'
XLL X-Large / Long 48 34 12-14 6'1"-6'4"
2RM XX-Large / Regular 52 32 9-11 5'10"-6'
3LL XXX-Large / Long 56 34 12-14 6'1"-6'4"
Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Waders Size Chart

Measurements are body measurements (in inches). “Largest Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips.

Code Size / Length Chest Hips Largest Girth Inseam Shoe Size Height
XSS X-Small / Short 32-33 35-36 36 29.5 6-8 5'0"-5'4"
SSS Small / Short 33-35 37-38 38 29.5 6-8 5'0"-5'4"
SRM Small / Regular 33-35 37-38 38 31.5 8-10 5'5"-5'8"
MSS Medium / Short 36-38 39-41 41 29.5 6-8 5'0"-5'4"
MRM Medium / Regular 36-38 39-41 41 31.5 8-10 5'5"-5'8"
MLM Medium / Long 36-38 39-41 41 33.5 8-10 5'9"-6'
LSS Large / Short 39-40 42-44 44 29.5 6-8 5'0"-5'4"
LRM Large / Regular 39-40 42-44 44 31.5 8-10 5'5"-5'8"
LLM Large / Long 39-40 42-44 44 33.5 8-10 5'9"-6'
XRM X-Large / Regular 42-45 45-48 48 31.5 8-10 5'5"-5'8"

Grundéns

Shop Grundéns waders

Grundéns Men’s Wader Size Chart

All measurements in inches. “Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips. Inseam measured crotch-to-floor with shoes removed.

Wader Size Stockingfoot Bootie / Shoe Size (US Men’s) Girth Inseam (crotch to floor)
Small 7-9 36"-37" 30"-31"
Medium 9-11 38"-40" 30.5"-31.5"
Medium King 9-11 40"-42" 30.5"-31.5"
Medium Tall 9-11 38"-40" 32.5"-33.5"
Large 9-11 42"-44" 32"-33"
Large 12-13 42"-44" 32"-33"
Large King 9-11 44"-46" 32"-33"
Large Tall 9-11 42"-44" 34"-35"
Large Tall 12-13 42"-44" 34"-35"
XL 12-13 46"-48" 34"-35"
XL King 12-13 48"-50" 34"-35"
XL Tall 12-13 46"-48" 36"-37"
XXL 12-13 50"-52" 34.5"-35.5"
Grundéns Women’s Wader Size Chart

All measurements in inches. “Girth” = largest of chest, waist, or hips. Inseam measured crotch-to-floor with shoes removed.

Wader Size Stockingfoot Bootie / Shoe Size (US Women’s) Girth Inseam (crotch to floor)
Small 6-8 35"-37" 30"-31"
Small Short 6-8 35"-37" 28"-29"
Small Full 6-8 36"-38" 30"-31"
Medium 7-9 38"-40" 30.5"-31.5"
Medium Short 7-9 38"-40" 28.5"-29.5"
Medium Full 7-9 39"-41" 30.5"-31.5"
Large 8-10 41"-43" 31"-32"
Large Short 8-10 41"-43" 29"-30"
Large Full 8-10 42"-44" 31"-32"
XL 8-10 44"-46" 31.5"-32.5"
XL Full 9-11 45.5"-47.5" 31.5"-32.5"

Skwala

Shop Skwala waders & boots

Skwala Wader Size Chart

All measurements in inches.

Wader Size Chest Waist Inseam Shoe Size (US)
Medium Short 37-40" 32-34" 28-31" 9-11
Medium 37-40" 32-34" 31-33" 9-11
Medium Tall 37-40" 32-34" 34-36" 9-11
Large Short 41-44" 35-38" 28-31" 9-11
Large 41-44" 35-38" 31-33" 9-11, 12-14
Large Tall 41-44" 35-38" 34-36" 9-11, 12-14
Extra Large Short 45-48" 39-42" 28-31" 9-11
Extra Large 45-48" 39-42" 31-33" 9-11, 12-14
Extra Large Tall 45-48" 39-42" 34-36" 9-11, 12-14
Double Extra Large 49-52" 43-46" 31-33" 12-14

Buying waders as a gift

Waders are a hard gift to get right. You need their inseam, chest and foot size, and most people don't know them. Two ways around it:

  • Give a gift card. It's emailed right away and works on anything in the shop, so they can get sized after the holidays. Send a Dakota Angler gift card.
  • Call us. Tell us who it's for and what you know about their size, and we'll help you pick. 605-341-2450.

Ordering for Christmas? Check our holiday shipping deadlines. Orders of $75 or more ship free by USPS Ground Advantage in the lower 48. Under $75, shipping is $7.95 USPS or $10.99 UPS. For returns and exchanges, see Shipping and Returns.

Still not sure? Ask us before you order

Send us your chest, waist, inseam and shoe size, the wader you're looking at, and whether you'll be layering for winter. We'll tell you what size to get.

Call 605-341-2450 or email orders@flyfishsd.com.

More buying guides

Last updated: October 2026.

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