Wetsuits may all look the same at first glance, but scuba-diving wetsuits have a few key differences. They’re often a lot thicker and retain body heat better so you can stay underwater for longer periods of time and remain comfortable at depth or in cold climates.
Enjoy Thermal & Exposure Protection with Scuba Wetsuits
Scuba wetsuits protect you by maintaining a thin layer of body-heated water between your skin and your dive suit, insulating you from the cold water temperatures outside.
In extreme cold, a dry suit or semi-dry suit keeps your body dry underwater so you can better maintain your core temperature. Most divers wear insulating layers made of fleece or other warm materials beneath their dry suit layer.
Diving wetsuits and drysuits also provide an important physical barrier between your skin and potential hazards in the water. The cushioned materials protect you from bumps, cuts, and scrapes from rocks, coral formations, shipwrecks, and a variety of sea life.
What Are Wetsuits Made Of?
Most scuba wetsuits are made of neoprene — a porous foam fabric that offers cushioning, breathability, durability, and flexibility. Many wetsuits also feature rubber accents and jersey or nylon linings for comfort and protection. Wetsuits are usually 1mm to 8mm thick and come in a range of styles.
Divers can choose from a range of wetsuit styles that differ in warmth, versatility, and thickness. A full-body wetsuit covers the arms and legs, while shorties are one-piece dive suits with short sleeves and knee-length bottoms.
Choose the Right Wetsuit for You
Your scuba wetsuit should fit your body snugly without feeling too tight so you can move freely underwater. Choose your wetsuit’s thickness by referring to its temperature chart. Thicker wetsuits are better in colder water, but you can also wear warmth-saving accessories like booties, gloves, and hoods.
Reliable and Safe Diving Wetsuits
Brands like Aqualung, Cressi, Scubapro, NeoSport, and Mares are known throughout the scuba-diving world for providing excellent protection and comfort while you dive.
FAQs
Do you have to wear a wetsuit when scuba diving?
It’s always a good idea to wear a wetsuit when you spend any amount of time submerged in the water. Water temperatures are warmer at the surface thanks to the sun’s penetrating rays, but when you go further down — and even just below the waterline — your body needs help maintaining a safe internal temperature.