A good pair of waders is one of the most important pieces of gear an angler can own. It isn't necessarily about finding the model with the longest list of features. It's about finding the right combination of fit, durability, comfort and price for the way you fish.

That can be easier said than done.

Waders now come in a huge range of sizes, materials, price points and configurations. There are lightweight waders, heavy-duty waders, zip-front waders, wading pants and models with everything from fleece-lined pockets to built-in knee pads.

Fortunately, we fit waders every day at Anglers All. Here are a few things our crew recommends considering when it's time for a new pair.

Start With Your Personal Fishing Habits

Before worrying about brands or individual features, think about how you'll actually use your waders.

Anglers All's Rachel Therkildsen starts by asking customers two simple questions. 

"I always start by asking the customer their budget and how often they get on the water,” Rachel explained. “Many first-time buyers are in the sub $500 range and get out 10 or fewer times a year. That allows us to look at more budget-friendly options.

"If they get out every week or are really hard on their gear, I'll typically recommend a mid- to premium-priced wader for the increased durability and features."

That's an important distinction. Someone fishing a handful of weekends each year may not need the same wader as an angler who fishes every week, hikes through brush, guides professionally, or spends long winter days on the water.

More expensive doesn't automatically mean better for every angler. The goal is to invest in the durability and features you'll actually use.

Think About When You'll Wear Your Waders

Here in Colorado, waders aren't necessarily a 12-month piece of equipment.

"I always look through the lens of fitting waders for the off-season and shoulder seasons, since wet wading is so popular in the summer anymore," Rachel says.

That's a useful way to approach sizing. Even if you're trying on waders in warm weather, think about what you'll wear underneath them on a chilly fall morning or during a spring BWO hatch when there might be a few snowflakes in the air.

You'll want enough room for base layers, fleece pants and other insulation without creating a fit that's tight or restrictive. The goal is comfortable room for movement and layering.

How Should Waders Fit?

Your everyday pants size is only a starting point. Rachel begins with three basic measurements.

"For fit, I always start by asking for their T-shirt size, inseam length, and shoe size. Then I'll have them try on two to three sizes to find the best fit for their chosen waders."

From there, it's time to move around.

Anglers All’s Blake Katchur recommends using the manufacturer's sizing chart as a starting point and allowing some additional room through the inseam especially. Many of our customers live a hours away from a well stocked fly shop. Using the sizing chart and then giving us a call to discuss the options is a great reliable way to purchase waders from anywhere you live. We also have a great return policy if the fit isn't perfect! 

"With the sizing chart as your starting point, I'd recommend that you add two extra inches in the inseam," Blake says. "Wader material doesn't stretch, so you'll need extra material to be able to lift your leg into a boat, over a fence or up a steep bank."

Blake also recommends checking for room in the chest area. 

"Make a fist and place it at your chest," he says. "You should be able to slide that fist between your body and your waders. This provides room for a warm jacket under your waders."

Remember, waders aren't supposed to fit like a tailored suit.

You should be able to squat, kneel, step onto a high object and lift your knees without the fabric pulling tight. A little extra room also reduces stress on seams and fabric when you're climbing over rocks, scrambling up a bank or pushing through brush.

Don't Overlook Bootie Fit

One of the easiest details to overlook when trying on waders is actually one of the most important. And that’s the neoprene stockingfoot.

"About a third of the people I fit are between sizes in the chest, foot, or inseam," Rachel advised. "I think the foot is the most important, especially for winter or cold tailwater fishing or for those who do a lot of walking. I will encourage a better fit there over a perfect upper fit."

A bootie that's too small can compress your feet and limit room for socks. Combined with a tight wading boot, that can become especially uncomfortable during cold-weather fishing.

"In my opinion, foot comfort with proper neoprene and boot fittings will make or break a day," Rachel says.

Rachel also points out that many mid- and premium-range waders offer custom bootie sizing options, which can be extremely helpful for anglers whose chest, inseam and shoe measurements don't line up neatly on a standard sizing chart.

This is also why it's worth trying your waders and wading boots together whenever possible.

Get the Inseam Right

Once you've found a comfortable bootie, pay close attention to inseam length.

"Then I ensure the inseam is long enough to bend down and step up, never too short for a full range of motion on the river," Rachel says. "Long inseams are manageable; inseams that are too short limit movement or cause fabric stress when it matters most. You should be able to do high knees or stretch down in your waders!"

When trying on waders, squat down. Take a knee. Bring your knee toward your chest. Step onto a bench. Mimic climbing into a drift boat or scrambling onto a riverbank.

If the material becomes tight through the crotch, knees or seat, try another size or inseam.

Tips for Fitting Women's Waders

Today's women's waders offer far more sizing options than anglers had even a few years ago. Women's-specific models are designed around different proportions through the chest, waist and hips, and many are available in petite, regular, tall and other sizing configurations.

"For women, I really try to make sure their feet can wiggle for warmth and that the waders are large enough to fit over the hips when layered up," Rachel says. "I suggest a larger, more comfortable size over one that fits tightly or looks really good."

That's particularly important if the waders will be used during Colorado's colder months.

"Waders are function over fit,” Rachel added. “When a wader looks super fitted to a body, I always question if there's enough space for comfort during a long, hard day on the water."

Zip-Front Waders: Are They Worth It?

A waterproof front zipper can be one of the biggest jumps in both features and price, so it's worth considering whether you'll actually use it.

"It's easier to get into and out of a zip wader, without a doubt. Especially over a bulky jacket," Blake says. "But on the other side of the argument, the zipper creates a stiffer front fabric. Some folks might find this uncomfortable. Additionally, there's no pass-through pocket on a zip-front wader."

Rachel doesn't consider a zipper essential for everyone either.

"I don't specifically require the zip for most anglers, but I tell folks it's helpful for fishing in the winter with heavy layers, or for those with decreased mobility."

In other words, don't assume you need a zip-front wader simply because you're shopping at a higher price point. But if easier entry and exit matters to you—or you spend a lot of time bundled up in winter layers—it can be a feature that's well worth considering.

Which Wader Features Are Worth Paying For?

Once you've narrowed down fit and price, you can start comparing features.

Pocket design, suspenders, gear attachment points, reinforced panels and convertible waist-high designs can all affect how a wader performs on the water. But two seemingly simple features are high on Rachel's list.

"Last thing, I love a built-in knee pad and fleece-lined pockets. Those have made a huge difference in how long I'll stay out during the shoulder seasons!"

Knee pads are especially useful for anglers who frequently kneel to land fish, change flies or deal with gear. Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets can seem like a luxury until you're fishing on a frosty morning.

Think about your own fishing habits. An angler who spends most of the day rowing a boat might prioritize pockets and easy access to gear. Someone hiking into remote water might value lower weight and packability. A winter tailwater angler may put warmth, durability and room for layers at the top of the list.

What About Wading Pants?

Not every angler needs chest waders.

Wading pants can be an excellent choice for fishing smaller streams, spending time in a boat or fishing situations where you rarely wade much above your knees or thighs. They can also be comfortable for anglers who want less bulk.

Chest waders remain the most versatile choice, particularly if you fish throughout the year and encounter everything from deep crossings to cold weather. But if your fishing rarely requires that additional coverage, don't overlook wading pants.

Don't Forget Your Wading Boots

Your waders are only part of the equation. The fit of your wading boots is equally important.

"You want your wading boots to be a half size to a full size bigger than your normal everyday shoe," Blake says. "If you are a 9.5 street shoe, buy a 10. If you are an 11 street shoe, buy a 12."

The goal is enough room for the neoprene bootie and appropriate socks without compressing your foot. This matters most in winter, when a boot that's too tight can restrict circulation and leave your feet cold and uncomfortable.

When possible, try on boots while wearing the waders you plan to use with them.

Wear the Right Layers

Even the best breathable waders won't perform as intended if you're wearing the wrong clothing underneath them.

Avoid cotton. Cotton holds your body’s natural moisture against your skin, which can leave you feeling damp and cold even in brand-new waders. 

Instead, choose synthetic or merino wool base layers that move moisture away from your skin and allow the waders to breathe as intended. During cold weather, add fleece or other insulating layers as necessary. The same goes for your feet. Quality merino or synthetic socks can make a dramatic difference in comfort.

And remember that this goes back to fit. Your waders need enough space to accommodate those layers without becoming restrictive.

Take Care of Your Investment

No matter which waders you choose, proper care can significantly extend their life.

After fishing, hang your waders and allow them to dry completely. If moisture gets inside, turn them inside out and dry the interior before storing them. Avoid leaving wet waders crumpled in the back of your truck or stuffed into a gear bag.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions when it's time to wash or renew the water-repellent finish. Proper cleaning helps breathable fabrics keep doing their job and keeps your waders performing season after season.

The Best Way to Buy Waders? Try Them On.

Sizing charts help, but nothing beats trying on a few different sizes and models.

That's especially true if you're between sizes, have an unusual combination of chest, inseam and shoe measurements, or simply aren't sure how a wader is supposed to fit.

At Anglers All, our crew fits anglers in waders every day. Stop by our Littleton or Denver fly shops and we'll help you compare options, dial in your sizing and try your waders with the right boots and layers.

Or shop our online store which has one of the biggest wader and boot inventories in the industry. We carry men's and women's waders across multiple price points and from brands Sitka, Skwala, Simms, Patagonia and Orvis. We offer free shipping on all wader and boot purchases and make returns easy if needed. Reach out any time! 303-794-1104 or email info@anglersall.com.