Let’s be honest: most women’s fishing gear still feels like an afterthought. I’ve spent years shoving my body into waders and bibs clearly designed for men and called it a day—waders that gaped in the waist, sagged in the butt, restricted my—gasp—boobs, and just fit badly. And while the fishing industry has made strides in outfitting women on the water, there’s still a lot of gear out there that simply doesn’t work for women’s bodies.
As a female angler and outdoor writer, I went on a quest to find the best women’s waders that walked the walk and actually prioritized performance, comfort, and sizing. I wore them in the woods, in the water, on hot afternoons, cold mornings, and yes, through several bathroom breaks in the bushes (because that’s part of it, too). The result? The best women’s waders that are actually worth your money—whether you’re just getting started or guiding year-round.
- Best Overall: Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders – $799
- Best Fit: Miss Mayfly Moxie Wading Pant – $239
- Best Value: Grundens Women’s Bedrock Stockingfoot Wader – $350
- Most Comfortable: Orvis Women’s Ultralight Waders – $379
How We Tested
Sizing and fit
I’m a huge stickler for sizing and fit. It’s 2025. I’ve worn my fair share of men’s gear and don’t want to anymore, nor should I have to. So, I looked for waders that accommodated my curves without swimming in extra fabric. I tested waders that didn’t sag in weird places, pinch at the hips, or make me feel like I was wearing a trash bag. I prioritized brands that offer extended sizing, multiple inseam options, and other thoughtfully designed features like articulated knees and adjustable suspenders/belts. The goal: waders that looked and felt good, because women shouldn’t have to choose.
Durability + breathability
Wading is hard on gear, so I kept an eye out for signs of wear and tear—like thinning fabric, leaky seams, or snaggy zippers—while also noting how breathable and comfortable each pair felt after a long day. Bonus points went to waders that dried quickly and didn’t leave me feeling swampy by mid-afternoon.
Bathroom breaks
I’m really tired of stripping down to take a leak. I know anatomically girls are a little more complicated than guys, but it’s got to be better than this. So, I looked for features like drop-seats, zip fronts, and quick-release suspenders that make going to the bathroom (and getting back to fishing quickly) a breeze.
Features that actually matter
Are the pockets useful? Is the gravel guard annoying? Do the stockings fit well in a wading boot? Every zipper, strap, and seam got put through its paces.
The Best Waders for Women of 2025, Tried and Tested
Best Overall
Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XL in short, regular, and long lengths
- Fit: Excellent fit, wide range of sizes and inseams
- MSRP: $799
Pros:
- Drop seat for easy bathroom breaks
- Zip front with quick-release suspenders for easy transitions
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy-duty — too much for warm weather
As someone who tests outdoor gear for a living, I was skeptical of liking an $800 wader. Extremely skeptical. But the Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders proved me wrong; If you want a serious wader that 1) properly fits a woman’s body and 2) has everything you could ever possibly need for a day on the water, then these are worth every penny.
From a fit and sizing perspective, they don’t feel like a “shrink it and pink it” version of the men’s waders. There are currently 13 sizes and length combinations available, ranging from XS-short to Large-Long (the 2XL is currently only offered in Short and Regular lengths). Definitely check the size chart before you buy, it is a little confusing. (For reference, I’m 5’9” and 135 pounds with an 8.5 foot, so I tried both the Medium-Long and the Small-Regular and found the Small-Regular to be a perfect fit.) I’m not swimming in fabric or dealing with weird gaping or tight spots in all the wrong places. The articulated legs and gusseted crotch mean I can climb over logs, crouch, squat, hike to the good spots, and I’m not constantly adjusting or pulling things back into place.
But the real MVP—which I’ve never had before in a wader—is the drop seat. Wow, it’s a miracle to pee in the woods without having to shed every layer I’m wearing. The drop-seat design makes it so much easier to go on the go. Same goes for the zip-front and adjustable, quick-release suspenders that allow you to transition from full bib to wading pants in seconds.
They’re also incredibly durable, which I’ve found to be a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing in the sense that they can take a beating—I’ve bushwhacked and had some close calls with hooks, and they’ve held up without a snag. A curse in the sense that they’re probably a little much for warm climates or more relaxed days on the river. If you’re just learning how to fly fish or are a casual fisherwoman, these are not the waders for you. However, if you’re a guide or someone who spends ample time on the water and needs a wader that holds up, then these are a solid bet.
And the details! So many thoughtful touches! There are what feels like a zillion pockets (also a blessing and a curse because I can store everything in them and then immediately forget where it all is at the same time). This includes fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, waterproof storage pockets, a tool dock, and removable foam knee pads to give my knees a lil’ extra TLC when I kneel or inevitably slip on a river rock and dunk myself (it happens!). They’re built to keep up with me, and they don’t feel like I’m compromising anything to make them work. If you fish hard and want gear that respects that, these are 100 percent worth it.
Best Fit
Miss Mayfly Moxie Wading Pant
Key Features:
- Sizes: 6/7-10/11 in slim, curvy, full, and plus sizes
- Fit: Comfortable, high-waist system and adjustable, self-releasing buckles
- MSRP: $239
Pros:
- Meticulously designed for women, by women
- Wide range of sizes and inseams
- Affordable
- Easy to get on and off
Cons:
- Fewer pockets/accessories than other options
- The buckles sometimes need to be readjusted depending on how much bending/squatting you do
When I first heard of Miss Mayfly and its line of women-designed women’s fishing apparel, I thought to myself, “Finally.” The sentiment continued when I finally got my hands on a pair of its waders and wading pants, and while I love both, it’s the award-winning pants that I can’t stop talking about (or wearing)—they’re so dang good.
Some days, I simply don’t want or need to squeeze myself into a pair of full-blown waders, and it’s those days that I’m grateful for these pants. First, they’re super easy to get on and off. I don’t feel like I’m wrestling with them to get them on like other pants I’ve tried. While durable and completely waterproof, the fabric has a bit of flex to it, making them easy to get on and giving them some give when I’m moving around.
Second is the fit, which is, by far, the most personalized of all the options tested. Miss Mayfly’s gear follows the brand’s comprehensive sizing system, which accounts for everything the other brands haven’t thought of. To be frank, I was even a bit intimidated by the system, and I do this for a living. Pro tip: follow the sizing guide; it’ll break everything down for you and ultimately give you two options. If you prefer a roomier fit, go with the taller size. Or size down for a slimmer fit. And if you’re still stuck, you can schedule a consult at the brand’s help desk to help determine your best option
I followed the system and ultimately went with the smaller size, and they fit like a glove. They’re incredibly comfortable, and I feel amazing in them (plus, I get so many compliments and, “Where are those from?!” when I do). In addition to the already-custom fit, the wading pants are designed with a unique high-waist system that keeps the pants in place (no rolling or falling down like other pants I’ve tested).
Here’s the fun thing about women’s bodies—they change! A lot! Especially if you get pregnant. Miss Mayfly accounts for this with two adjustable, self-releasing waistband buckles on either flank to give you a tighter or looser fit as needed. When you bend down to land a fish or pick up your bag, the buckles self-release, so you can move freely.
The only downsides I have are that the buckles can need to be adjusted often, depending on how much bending over you do. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something I’ve noticed on the river. And, compared to other waders and wading pants, the pockets and accessories are a little lackluster. There’s only one sealed zip pocket on the front thigh and one nylon D-ring loop for hanging nippers, scissors, and other tools. That said, what they lack in frills, they make up for in comfort and fit. I’ve never, ever felt more confident or comfortable than I do in my Miss Mayfly wading pants, and that’s priceless.
Best Value
Grundens Women’s Stockingfoot Wader
Key Features:
- Sizes: S-XL in short, regular, and full lengths
- Fit: Straightforward sizing and more relaxed fit
- MSRP: $350
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Appropriate for year-round wear
- Wide range of sizes and inseams
- Run true to size
Cons:
- No drop-seat
- More of a relaxed fit compared to other waders
Ladies, if you’re looking for a good-fitting, all-around wader that won’t break the bank, I recommend Grunden’s Bedrock Stockingfoot Waders. For the price, the quality is kind of top-notch. They feel sturdy without being stiff, and the four-layer waterproof fabric is super tough—I’ve hiked through thorny brambles and scooted across logs in these, and they hold up great.
Fit-wise, they’re a bit boxier than other waders I’ve tried. The sizing is straightforward; I ordered the Medium, and they fit great, but the fit isn’t as custom or comfortable as Patagonia’s or Miss Mayfly’s. It’s not unflattering, just roomy and relaxed.
The finishing touches are very thoughtful, too, and are suitable for all levels of anglers. The bib has a fleece-lined kangaroo pouch for days when you want to warm up your hands, plus vertical zip pockets, which I love for keeping all my stuff close at hand.
A few small downsides: the gravel guards need to be snapped shut. Not a big deal, but as someone who appreciates the convenience of just hooking her guards on and going, it takes a few extra seconds. There’s also no drop seat, which is disappointing. When nature calls, I have to shimmy out of my waders to get to whatever’s underneath, which can be inconvenient when you’re on the water. There’s also, unfortunately, very limited women’s wading gear from Grundens, generally, so if you’re going to kit yourself out with a jacket, you’ll have to settle for men’s sizing.
But for the value of the waders, it feels really fair for what you get. They’re built with the same durability and comfort as some of the higher-end options but without the “yikes” price tag, and the Goldilocks weight makes them appropriate for year-round wear.
Most Comfortable
Orvis Women’s Ultralight Waders
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XXL in petite, regular, and tall inseams
- Fit: Sleek and minimal
- MSRP: $379
Pros:
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Wide range of sizes and inseams
- Run true-to-size
- Suspenders are super easy to drop and convert to pants
Cons:
- Not suitable for year-round wear (unless you want to layer up)
- No drop-seat
A wader that feels like nothing at all? Sign me up. That’s Orvis’s Ultralight Waders, which are, indeed, ultralight. So light that I stuffed them in a carry-on for a cross-country flight and still had plenty of room to spare. They pack down small, dry fast, and don’t feel like you’re suiting up for battle every time you want to hop in the river—a huge win when it’s already 80 degrees and you’re chasing fish in the middle of summer.
Fit-wise, they’re sleek and minimal, with a nice athletic cut that doesn’t restrict movement. The gravel guards are built-in, and the neoprene booties are shaped for a better fit. These are perfect for warm-weather days, travel, or if you’re fishing places where you’re moving a lot and don’t want to be bogged down.
The trade-off? They’re not as burly as some of the heavier-duty options out there. If you’re bushwhacking through thorns or doing lots of cold-weather wading, you might want something beefier. But for most of my summer and shoulder-season adventures, they’re a no-brainer. All for a competitive price, too.
FAQs
Q: What are the best women’s waders for beginners?
If you’re new to fly fishing or just starting to wade, look for a pair that’s affordable, easy to move in, and offers solid durability, like the Grunden’s option above. They’re great quality without the steep price tag, making them perfect for learning the ropes without worrying about wear and tear.
Q: Can I use men’s waders if I can’t find women’s sizes?
You can, but they don’t fit nearly as well. My first pair of waders ever was a pair of men’s waders and, sure, they did their job, but compared to other women’s options, they didn’t fit nearly quite as well (too long in the legs, too baggy in the torso, booties were oversized). They’re not perfect, but women’s-specific waders are worth the investment if you’re spending a good amount of time fishing and want to be comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Ladies, I promise there are women’s waders out there that really do walk the walk. Whether you’re chasing trout in mountain streams or hiking into hidden lakes, there’s a pair out there that’ll keep you dry and feeling like your most badass self. Invest in the pair that fits your needs (and your body), and you’ll never look back.
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