Wetsuits are a type of water-protective clothing used in swimming, diving, and surfing

Top features

staying warm

When it comes to staying warm in the cold waters of the ocean, a wetsuit and drysuit can make all the difference. Check out our helpful guide on how to choose which one is best for you and your needs. First, we begin with the top features of a wetsuit and drysuit.

fit snug

be trapped

maintenance

The neck seal

The first feature is the fit. A wetsuit should fit snug against your body without being too tight. It should be comfortable enough to wear all day without becoming unbearably hot, but still, be able to protect you from the cold water.

first feature

The body length and arms of a drysuit are also important since they affect how much heat will be trapped inside the suit. As for drysuits, it is important that they fit snugly as well, otherwise water will leak into the suit.

length and arms

A good wetsuit or drysuit should have a snug and comfortable neck seal. This affects how warm you will be inside the suit, as an uncomfortable seal will cause chafing and possibly even cut off your circulation.

neck seal

Neck seals are made with different materials and require different amounts of maintenance to ensure they are always comfortable to wear. Another quality to look at when choosing a wetsuit or drysuit is how durable it is. It should last you a long time, even when it is exposed to harsh conditions.

require different

For example, if you surf in cold water and expect to be out for hours at a time, then a thicker suit would be more practical than if you only plan on wearing it for short periods. As mentioned, wetsuits and drysuits are made from different thicknesses of neoprene.

expect

The thickness

The durability

Thicker suits will be warmer than thinner ones but generally cost more as well. It is a good idea to consider your needs before choosing the thickness you want. In addition, a durable suit will be much easier to clean and maintain so you don’t have to go through the hassle of repairing it all the time.

Wetsuits and drysuits should have easy-to-use zippers. This is vital as it allows you to easily put on or take off the suit by yourself. The arms and legs should be able to be attached separately as well, so you can easily adjust where they are and how much exposure your skin has to the cold water.

A drysuit or wetsuit should also have a high degree of flexibility. This is important for comfort since you don’t want your body feeling confined in it. Also, when you are diving or paddling, you will need to bend your arms and legs around objects in the water. Without flexible material, this would not be possible.

crocodile skin

Wetsuits and drysuits are made from different materials. Again, the choice of material depends on your needs. Wetsuits are usually made from neoprene or other synthetic materials, while drysuits are often made from most types of sealskin, some natural materials such as shark or crocodile skin, or fur. Modern wetsuits also have a flexible and easy-to-use neck seal to minimize the amount of heat lost when you rise out of the water.

Purchasing

These top features are just some of the many that you should consider when purchasing a wetsuit and drysuit. This will allow you to choose the design that offers the best combination of comfort, warmth, durability, and practicality.

durability and practicality