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What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on June 8, 2018
man wearing a wetsuit

What do people wear under their wetsuit? This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions among newer divers. Is it okay to go nude underneath? Wouldn’t it be uncomfortable and restrictive to dive with two or more layers of clothing?

A lot of seasoned divers have different opinions on the matter, but the main thing you need to remember is that you have to go with what works for you—whether that means wearing a Speedo or going full-on commando.

Why Divers Wear Undergarments Under Wetsuits

wetsuits hanging on a wall to dry
Image via Shutterstock

Added Insulation & Protection

The biggest reason why divers wear undergarments under their suits is that the extra layers keep their bodies much warmer in colder temperatures—both above and underwater. Instead of wearing a very thick wetsuit that will restrict movement and drain their energy faster, seasoned divers choose to wear thin layers underneath to serve as additional insulation for the body.

Aside from the coldness or warmth of the water, the temperature of the air and wind above the water is also an essential factor to consider when deciding whether or not to wear an undergarment with your wetsuit. Divers often have to deal with different temperatures during a single dive, which makes it crucial to choose the right material and type of undergarment (full-body, one-piece, or two-piece) that can keep your body at a comfortable temperature throughout your dive.

Some undergarments also offer UV protection, plus they provide added protection against bites, stings, cuts, or scrapes by serving as an additional layer between the elements and your skin.

Comfort

Many divers opt to go nude under their wetsuits, but it can sometimes be uncomfortable—not to mention painful—due to the constant rubbing of the skin against the inside material of the suit. After wearing a wetsuit for an extended period of time, some divers find that their skin begins to chafe and feel sore.

The usual areas that suffer from wetsuit chafing are the neck, armpits, behind the knees, and the crotch. You can apply anti-chafing gel or cream to avoid this problem, but sometimes wearing a bathing suit or spandex/lycra underneath is the more convenient solution.

Decency

Divers often have to change in public places, such as on a boat or on a busy beach. After all, it can get really warm inside a wetsuit, especially when resurfacing in tropical weather. Wetsuits are also notoriously hard to put on and take off, which means it’s typically not something you can do quickly and covertly behind a towel.

Wearing a bathing suit, a thin rash guard, or any other type of garment underneath will help give you the coverage you need to avoid flashing other people as you change.

Hygiene

If you have to rent a wetsuit, you may not like the idea of your skin rubbing against places where other people’s skin have rubbed before—particularly in your more sensitive areas. It’s not exactly hygienic, especially if the person who wore it before you also went commando in the suit. You may also want to keep in mind that some people do pee in their wetsuits, so that’s even more incentive to put some undergarments on.

In such cases, your best bet would be to at least wear a swimsuit or some trunks to protect your delicate body parts.

What to Wear Under a Wetsuit

Divers wetsuits hanging onboard a boat
Image via Shutterstock

For Men

Diving Shorts

Neosport XSPAN 1.5mm Unisex Shorts Undergarment for Wetsuit

Fitted bicycle shorts or diving shorts are incredibly useful when you wear them under a wetsuit. Aside from serving as an extra layer for diving in slightly colder temperatures, it also helps you get in and out of your wetsuit easily.

For best results, you’ll want to go for a pair of diving shorts that are made of neoprene, which will make it buoyant and light, but thick enough to provide added warmth. The Neosport XSPAN 1.5mm Diving Shorts are a good choice as they’re made of ultra-soft and comfortable XSPAN material with 4-way super-stretch foam neoprene rubber that doesn’t wrinkle when you wear the wetsuit. This pair is also unisex, so you won’t have to look for a different brand for your female diving partner.

Rash Guard

Mares Men’s Short Sleeve Rash Guard Undergarment for Wetsuit

You’ll need to keep your upper body warm and cozy as well. You can choose from a wide variety of undershirts, but a rash guard or compression shirt makes for a good first layer in colder waters. Like diving shorts, they provide an extra layer of warmth and protection from wetsuit chafing. Depending on the temperature above and underwater, you may choose one with longer sleeves.

The Mares Men’s Rash Guard with long sleeves provides a more comfortable fit and can even be worn on its own when snorkeling or while hanging out by the beach. Made of lightweight material that’s 85% polyester and 15% spandex, it greatly reduces friction with wetsuits, adds extra thermal protection, and provides 30+ UV protection.

It’s also stylish and dries quickly, making it ideal for all kinds of water sports.

Full-Body Jumpsuit

NeoSport 1mm Neo Skin Jumpsuit for men

In case you want full coverage, you can go for a full-body jumpsuit that can help keep you even warmer.

If you’re looking for a good quality jumpsuit, we recommend you check out the NeoSport 1mm Men’s Neo Skin Jumpsuit. It’s made of ultra-thin neoprene that provides natural insulation and comfort without adding to the bulk when layering. It has a heavy-duty back zipper closure with an easy-to-reach pull tab leash and comes in a flattering cut designed to enhance the male physique.

Briefs

Speedo Solid Lycra Brief for Men

In case you’re diving in warm waters and don’t really need the extra layers, but would still appreciate the added protection down there (especially if you’re renting your wetsuit), you can opt for a diving brief. Fortunately, some briefs also come in thin lycra that’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear under your exposure suit.

For Women

Diving Shorts

Scubapro Everflex 1.5 Shorts

Diving shorts are also a popular choice for women’s diving undergarments, especially if there’s a need for a bit more warmth.

The Scubapro Everflex 1.5 Shorts are a great option if you’re looking for a smooth pair that works incredibly well with wetsuits. They’re just long enough to keep the top of your thighs warm but don’t bunch up when you move or slide into your suit, thanks to its elastic and form-fitting—not to mention absorbent and insulating—neoprene shorts.

Sleeveless Vest

Lavacore Women’s Vest

Women divers can choose to wear compression shirts as well, but some prefer sleeveless tops that provide more freedom around the shoulders and arms. Some brands call them vests, and they come in the same thin, quick-dry, lightweight fabrics that are recommended for water sports, swimming, and for layering under wetsuits when diving.

If you have money to spend on a professional-quality sleeveless top, the Lavacore Women’s Vest is a great option. It’s made of technically advanced fabric (water-resistant lycra on the outside, high-stretch polyurethane film in the middle, and fleece on the inside) that stretches and insulates like a neoprene wetsuit. It also features a waist drawstring with a barrel lock to keep it from riding up, as well as SPF 50+ sun protection and antibacterial properties.

Whether you’re hanging out by the beach or swimming with or without an outer layer, it keeps you comfortable and helps maintain your core temperature—both under a wetsuit and on its own.

Full-Body Jumpsuit

NeoSport 1mm Women’s Neo Skin Jumpsuit

For added full-body warmth and protection, the ladies can go for a buoyant and lightweight jumpsuit under their exposure suits. They come in various thicknesses and fabrics, so it’s always best to learn which materials are naturally insulating instead of relying solely on how thick it is.

Should you decide to go for an ultra-thin jumpsuit, NeoSport has a skin-style option for women. The NeoSport 1mm Women’s Neo Skin Jumpsuit protects and helps maintain the body’s temperature while providing the comfort and stretch that scuba divers need. For the price, you can expect that it dries quickly, is very easy to get in and out of, and has thermal-bonded knee pads and lycra-trimmed wrist and ankle seals.

One-Piece Swimsuit

Speedo Women’s Xtra Life Lycra Fiber Racing Suit

Women who prefer the least coverage for more freedom of movement may choose to wear a one-piece swimsuit. But like any recommended undergarment for wetsuits, it can’t be just any regular old swimsuit.

One of the most popular choices is the Speedo Women’s Xtra Life Lycra Fiber Racing Suit. Coming from a brand that’s known for producing classic quality and high-performance swimwear, it makes for a great training suit whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or going scuba diving (and wearing it under your exposure suit). It’s made of 26% ultra-comfortable Xtra Life Lycra Spandex and 74% durable nylon with flat-lock stitching, front lining, and non-slip straps.

Choosing What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

Now that you’re aware of your options, it’s time to get to specifics. What type of undergarment is right for your needs? Or do you even need to wear anything under your wetsuit at all?

The answer is… it depends. In warmer waters, you can get away with wearing undergarments with minimal coverage (swimsuits, trunks, and other similar items)—or even nothing at all. Many people actually prefer to go commando under their wetsuits, but it’s all a matter of preference. If you plan to rent the suit, however, you’re probably going to want to wear something underneath.

For colder temperatures, adding layers underneath the suit is definitely the way to go. You have several options to choose from. If you already have a thinner wetsuit that you usually use for warmer environments, you can opt to add a jumpsuit, rash guard, or any other type of garment that’ll provide you with the added insulation you need. This way, you won’t have to purchase another suit.

Or, if you’d really rather go nude underneath, you can simply get a thicker wetsuit.

Deciding what to wear ultimately depends on the environment (and temperature) you plan to dive in, how sensitive your body is to cold, and many other variables. Make sure to consider all factors before you buy!

How to store your wetsuit

Many divers don’t know the best way to store their wetsuit when they are not using it. While it might be tempting to throw it to the back of your closet, storing it properly can be beneficial in the long run. Before storing it, make sure to clean your wetsuit well. This means making sure all salt water has been removed. Rinse your wetsuit in fresh, warm water for around 20 minutes and then place on a hanger to dry. Do not dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight, and don’t attempt to store your wetsuit until it has completely dried else you could risk mold growth.

When it comes to storing your wetsuit, the best way is to lay it somewhere flat. This will reduce creases and avoid sagging that might come from hanging it. If you have to hang your wetsuit, use a very thick hanger that can support the weight of the wetsuit. Store your wetsuit in a dry, cool place, that is out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing your wetsuit in a garage that could expose your wetsuit to fumes as this could hinder the neoprene.

drysuit diving
Image via Shutterstock

How to choose what to wear under a wetsuit

When it comes to deciding what to wear under a wetsuit, there is no set rule. Different people have different preferences. But what factors should one consider when deciding what to wear under a wetsuit?

The weather

If you are diving in a hot and sunny location, it can be a good idea to wear a rash guard under your wetsuit. This way, you can take the top half of your wetsuit down during surface intervals and avoid becoming too hot, while protecting your shoulders and back from the harsh sun. There are many rash guards available on the market, from short sleeved to long sleeved, and with various degrees of sun protection.

Your ease of movement

A long sleeved rash guard might bunch up and become uncomfortable under a tight wetsuit. This might affect your relaxation on your dives. However, some wetsuits can rub against your skin and cause irritation or chafing after extended periods of time. Some divers decide to wear a swimsuit to protect their more sensitive areas, whereas others prefer to wear a rash guard. It is best to try both ways and see which works best for you.

Hygiene

For the same reason we wear underwear under our clothes, it is beneficial to wear something under a wetsuit. A swimsuit, short, and/or a rash guard will create a barrier between your body and the wetsuit. This can protect the wetsuit from sweat, body odor, etc. This is an important factor to consider when deciding what to wear under a wetsuit.