Love the water? Whether you’re a surfer, scuba diver, kayaker, enjoy paddling or just enjoy a good swim, you’ve probably wondered: Should I wear a wetsuit or a drysuit? They might look similar, but there are big differences. This guide will break down everything you need to know to choose the right suit for your needs, including a closer look at the key differences.
What’s the Difference: Wetsuit vs. Drysuit
Both wetsuits and drysuits help keep you warm in the water, but they work in very different ways. Here’s a simple comparison:
Wetsuit
Like a second skin that traps a thin layer of water. Your body heats that water, keeping you warm. You get wet. Made of neoprene, a closed-cell neoprene foam.
Drysuit?
A completely waterproof barrier that keeps you dry. You wear insulating layers underneath for warmth. You stay dry. Made of waterproof materials like Gore-Tex, trilaminate, vulcanized rubber, or polyurethane-coated nylon.
Wetsuit: The Basics
A wetsuit is made of neoprene, a type of stretchy, synthetic rubber. It’s designed to fit snugly.
How it Works:
- A wetsuit lets a small amount of water in. Your body heat warms that thin layer of water, creating insulation and preventing heat loss. It’s the trapped, warmed water that provides the thermal insulation, not the neoprene itself (although the neoprene does provide some insulation).
Best For:
- Cold water activities where you need flexibility, like surfing, wakeboarding, and swimming in moderately cold water. Wetsuits are also less bulky. Great for active water sports.
Key Feature:
- Tight fit is essential. A loose wetsuit will let in too much water and make you cold.
Types:
- Can get different types of fins like full suit or shorties.
Drysuit: The Basics
A drysuit is completely waterproof. It has tight seals at the wrists, neck seal, and ankles, and uses a waterproof zipper.
A wetsuit is made of neoprene, a type of stretchy, synthetic rubber. It’s designed to fit snugly.
How it Works:
- A drysuit keeps all water out. You wear insulating layers (like fleece or a special drysuit undergarment) underneath for warmth. The drysuit traps air, which, combined with the layers, provides thermal insulation.
Best For:
- Very cold water and activities where staying dry is crucial, like ice diving, kayaking in cold weather, or working in/around cold water. Commonly used by scuba divers in cold water temperatures.
Key Feature:
- Completely waterproof thanks to the seals and waterproof zipper. Often uses latex or neoprene for the wrist seals and neck seal.
Buoyancy:
- You will also have more buoyancy wearing a drysuit.
Wetsuit vs. Drysuit: Choosing the Right One
Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
Features
1. Mobility
Wetsuit: Excellent. Tight fit allows for a full range of motion.
Drysuit: More restrictive. Can be harder to move around.
2. Insulation
Wetsuit: Good for moderately cold water. Traps a layer of water that your body heats.
Drysuit: Excellent for very cold water. Keeps you dry, and you wear insulating layers underneath.
3. Lifespan
Wetsuit: Shorter. More susceptible to damage from sun and saltwater.
Drysuit: Longer. Made of tougher materials.
4. Price
Wetsuit: Generally less expensive.
Drysuit: More expensive.
5. Best Use
Wetsuit: Surfing, swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking in moderately cold water, snorkeling.
Drysuit: Scuba diving in cold water, ice diving, kayaking in very cold water, working in/around cold water.
6. Water Entry
Wetsuit: Allows a small amount of water in.
Drysuit: Keeps you completely dry.
7. Fit
Wetsuit: Allows a small amount of water in.
Drysuit: Keeps you completely dry.
8. Materials
Wetsuit: Neoprene (closed-cell neoprene foam).
Drysuit: Gore-Tex, trilaminate, vulcanized rubber, polyurethane-coated nylon, with latex or neoprene seals.
Can You Swim in a Dry Suit?
You can swim in a drysuit, but it’s not recommended for extended swimming. Drysuits trap air, making buoyancy control tricky. The air can also shift around, making it hard to stay balanced. Wetsuits are much better for swimming.
When to Use a Wetsuit
- Surfing (very common for surfers)
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking (in moderately cold water)
- Swimming (in moderately cold water, or for cold water swimming competitions)
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving (in warmer water)
- Lifeguarding
- Sailing
How to Clean a Wetsuit
- Rinse: Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every use.
- Soak: Occasionally, soak it in a mild soap and water solution.
- Clean Inside: Turn it inside out and rinse with fresh water. Use a soft brush to remove dirt.
- Dry Completely: Let your wetsuit dry completely before storing it, out of direct sunlight. This prevents bacteria growth and material degradation.
- Use a Wetsuit Cleaner: You can buy special wetsuit cleaners.
Semi-Dry Wetsuits: The Middle Ground
Semi-dry wetsuits offer more warmth than regular wetsuits, but are less bulky and restrictive than drysuits. They are also less expensive than drysuits. They achieve this by having better seals at the wrists, ankles, and neck, and often a more water-resistant zipper, minimizing water entry. They are a good option for colder water when you don’t want the full commitment of a drysuit.
Should You Wear Anything Under a Wetsuit?
No, you generally shouldn’t wear anything under a wetsuit. They are designed to fit snugly against your skin. Clothes underneath will make it harder to put on/take off and can cause chafing. If you need extra warmth or modesty, use a wetsuit liner – a thin, skin-tight shirt designed for wetsuits. Never wear cotton under a wetsuit, as it will hold water and make you colder. You might wear socks made of neoprene.
When to Use a Drysuit & Drysuit Diving Tips:
- Scuba Diving: In water below 60°F (15°C), most divers prefer a drysuit. In very cold water (below 40°F/4°C), a drysuit is essential.
- Ice Diving: Drysuits are mandatory for ice diving.
- Kayaking/Paddling: In very cold water or air temperatures, a drysuit provides crucial protection from hypothermia if you capsize.
- Working in/around Cold Water: Marine biologists, researchers, and commercial divers often use drysuits.
Drysuit Materials:
- Gore-Tex: A breathable, waterproof fabric.
- Trilaminate: A durable, waterproof material made of three layers.
- Vulcanized Rubber: A very durable, but less flexible, waterproof material.
- Polyurethane-Coated Nylon: A waterproof and relatively inexpensive option.
Drysuit Seals:
- Latex Seals: Provide a very tight, waterproof seal, but can be fragile and cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Neoprene Seals: More durable and comfortable than latex, but may not be quite as watertight.
- Silicone Seals: Another option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
No, wetsuits do not keep you dry. They allow a small amount of water to enter, which your body then heats.
Drysuits are a significant investment, but they are “worth it” if you regularly dive, paddle, or work in very cold water. The added warmth and protection from hypothermia can be essential for safety and comfort.
Surfers rarely wear drysuits because they need the flexibility and freedom of movement that a wetsuit provides. Drysuits are too bulky and restrictive for the dynamic movements of surfing.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Suit for the Job
Both wetsuits and drysuits have their place. The best choice depends on the water temperature, your activity, and your personal preference.
- Need warmth and flexibility in moderately cold water? Choose a wetsuit.
- Need to stay completely dry in very cold water? Choose a drysuit.
No matter which you choose, take care of your suit! Rinse it after every use and dry it completely before storing. This will help it last longer and keep you comfortable and safe in the water. The right gear is an investment in your safety and enjoyment.
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