Wetsuits and drysuits serve very different purposes and have very different features. However, both wetsuits and drysuits can get you into the water safely, keeping you warm, and preventing you from getting chilled. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a wetsuit and drysuit, including what they’re made of, how they’re worn, and why you’d use one over the other.

Wetsuits

A wetsuit is a one-piece, closed-cell neoprene garment. Wetsuits are worn most often for cold water activities like scuba diving, freediving, and snorkeling. Wetsuits are also worn for various water sports like surfing, bodyboarding, and kayaking. A wetsuit can be worn over dry clothing or as a standalone garment.

A wetsuit is generally made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that’s both waterproof and provides excellent insulation, making it an ideal material for a diving suit. Wetsuits are available in a variety of thicknesses and styles, and can be worn with the hood up or down. Some wetsuits provide more protection than others. A full-body wetsuit, for example, will provide the wearer with more insulation and protection from the cold water, while a suit with a limited amount of coverage will be less expensive and provide less coverage, but still keep the wearer warm.

Dry Suits

A dry suit, also called a drysuit, is a one-piece, closed-cell neoprene garment that’s worn under or over clothing. Dry suits provide the wearer with more warmth and less protection from the cold water than a wetsuit would.

A dry suit is made of neoprene, but is not a wetsuit. It’s designed to be worn over clothes, and is designed to provide less protection and insulation from the cold water than a wetsuit would. However, a full-body dry suit offers more warmth than a wetsuit would, and is therefore worn for activities like snorkeling, where a warm layer of neoprene would hinder movement.

What’s the Difference Between a Wetsuit and Drysuit?

The primary difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit is that a wetsuit is worn as a one-piece garment while a dry suit is worn as two separate pieces. A dry suit provides less protection and insulation from the cold water than a wetsuit, and is therefore more commonly used for warm water activities like scuba diving and freediving.

A dry suit is also designed to be more comfortable to wear than a wetsuit, thanks to its open-cell construction that’s less restrictive than a wetsuit. However, even though a dry suit is less restrictive, it’s still important to choose the right model for the activity you intend to use it for.

A full-body dry suit, for example, is intended for recreational scuba diving and is not recommended for professional use. On the other hand, a recreational open-water diver can use a wetsuit or dry suit for any activity under water, as both garments provide similar levels of warmth, breathability, and protection.

When to Wear a Wetsuit

Wetsuits are generally used for activities where the water temperature is cold and you’re likely to get wet, like scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, or surfing in cold or icy water. They’re also used for activities where water contact is inevitable, like water sports like surfing or bodyboarding, or for activities that involve long periods of standing or sitting in the water, like fishing or work on a boat.

When to Wear a Drysuit

A dry suit is generally used for activities where the water temperature is warm and you don’t mind getting wet, like swimming, boating, or sailing in warm water. They’re also used for activities where the water is dirty or murky, like work on a boat or in the construction industry.

Conclusion

When you’re choosing between a wetsuit and a dry suit, the main thing to keep in mind is the weather condition. If you’re in mild weather, a wetsuit is likely to provide too much insulation, while a dry suit isn’t enough to keep you warm. In these circumstances, a wetsuit and a dry suit both serve the same purpose, and either one would be sufficient.

However, when the weather is cold and you need the additional warmth provided by a wetsuit, you’re limited to which type of suit you can wear. In this instance, a dry suit is a better option, as it’s designed to provide extra warmth without the excessive insulation of a full-body wetsuit.

Keep these differences in mind when you’re shopping for a wetsuit or dry suit, and you’ll be able to choose the best suit for your needs.