Zac, I'm not goint to say "been there, done that", but I am a clydesdale as well, and know what you mean about the fit of a wetsuit.    But, something that changed the game for me was both my swim coach and tri coach saying to go with a sleeveless wetsuit.  Wow, much easier to get into a sleeveless suit.  Now I understand the sleeve issue is something you will need to resovle, depending on where you are, but just something to consider.  Know for sure which you need, because I believe that will make a huge difference.  The chest fit much better without the sleeves pulling on the shoulders.

As the suit sizes get bigger, it seems they are meant for a taller person, not necessarily for a rounder (hey, round is a shape, I'm in shape ) person.

Good luck in your triathlons this year.  This is my first year doing a tri, after three duathlons last year.

Just my $.02

I tri, du you?

I love ACKMANN's comment about "round is a shape, I'm in shape"!! That is priceless. Unless you live in a climate like mine (and Portland isn't) where the local lakes freeze over and the water temp in the summer is still in the 50's, I would go with a sleeveless as well. A full suit for a taller person that fits your torso will have knee and elbow locations in the wrong place for you. Remember, these are very fitted and somewhat unflattering for a lot of us. As for cutting the sleeves and legs short, that would probably void most warranties and may cause problems at the seams without some finishing of the ends. My first season, I rented a wetsuit each time and the local shop gave a store credit towards purchase.By next season (if you decide you like doing tris, which is another reason to rent first) your shape may be different as well.

Good luck and have fun.

BT