Wetsuit vs. Drysuit: Which is the best for your use

Are you a water sports enthusiast who enjoys surfing, swimming, paddling, diving, etc.? Your first priority should be protection in wet conditions. If you are in waters colder than 25 degrees Celsius, your body can get very cold very quickly without the right gear.

Exposure suits protect you from the drastic loss of heat when diving or swimming in the ocean. Wetsuits and drysuits help your body maintain a certain level of warmth underwater. They also protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

You may be confused about what to choose between a dry suit and a wetsuit? Read the blog to the end to learn more about the features of wetsuits and drysuits. Take a closer look at the difference between the two.

How Wetsuits got invented

The inventor of the first wetsuit, as with many innovations, is disputed. According to Wikipedia, Dr. Hugh Bradner, an American physicist associated with the University of California who enjoyed diving, developed the first wetsuit in 1952.

He wanted to explore methods that would allow divers to move freely in the water without getting hypothermic.

In the 1950s, Jack O’Neill, a surfer, was also trying to figure out how to stay in the water longer. He tried several combinations of rubber suits before deciding on neoprene. He found that neoprene was pliable and provided good insulation.

O’Neill started out in California making wetsuits for himself and other surfers. He opened a business on the beach and built it into a multi-billion dollar industry. According to many sources, Jack O’Neill is widely considered the first inventor of the wetsuit. However, an investigation revealed that Hugh Bradner was the original inventor of the wetsuit.

What is a wetsuit?

A wetsuit is a tight-fitting garment worn to provide thermal protection (keep the body warm) while spending time in the water. They are made out of closed-cell foam material full of thousands of little gas bubbles trapped within the suit’s structure.

It is the equipment used for water sports adventures like diving, surfing, swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, water rafting, etc.

Wetsuits retain the body heat and help the swimmers prevent hypothermia disease, a significant and potentially drop in body temperature. It traps a thin layer of water between the wearer’s skin and neoprene. Thus, the person stays wet while spending time in the water. The water is allowed to circulate between the skin of the wearer and the inside layer.

The trapped water gradually warms up to body temperature, keeping the diver comfortable during the diving process.

If the wetsuit is too wide, the water’s surface will be too wide for the user to stay warm. Hence, the wetsuits are tight-fitting. You can also wear gloves, boots, hoods, jackets, vests, etc., for additional protection.

Wetsuits vary in design and thickness to suit the different water conditions and wearer’s needs. A wetsuit’s thickness corresponds to how warm it keeps the wearer. Thinner suits offer lighter insulation in warmer waters. However, thicker wetsuits are stiff, making them unsuitable for various water sports like scuba diving, surfing, etc. It is more difficult to maneuver in a heavier wetsuit because it restricts mobility. A wetsuit with a lower thickness, on the other hand, is more supple and flexible.

Water temperature(Fahrenheit)	Wetsuit Thickness
Below 42	6/5 mm
43 to 52	5/4 mm
52 to 58	4/3 mm
58 to 63	3/2 mm
62 to 68	0.5 mm to 2 mm

It should be noted that the thermal performance of a particular suit varies from person to person, as each body is different. For example, some divers need a 2 mm thick wetsuit, while others wear Lycra body suits in tropical waters. Also, some divers wear a 5 mm thick wetsuit in cold water, while others need a dry suit for better protection.

The majority of wetsuits are 3 to 5 millimeters thick. Wetsuits are usually worn in water temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Function of wetsuits

• The temperature drops as scuba divers go deeper below the surface level of the ocean. This temperature is not conducive to the human body. Hence, it becomes imperative to keep the body warm while staying underwater for prolonged periods.
• Wetsuits are primarily intended for surface swimmers and divers to stay warm when wet. Unlike dry suits, they are not waterproof. If you do not wear a wetsuit, your body will start shivering after a few minutes due to cold water.
• The bubbles also provide the wetsuit with a low density to provide buoyancy which is necessary for safety. Foamed neoprene helps the swimmers to stay afloat in the water. 
• Your body loses heat and energy more quickly in water than through air. Cold water does it a lot faster than warm water. The wetsuit acts as a thin layer between your skin and cold water to insulate the heat. Insulation is proportional to the thickness of 5 to 6 millimeters of neoprene and depends on how much cold water users can tolerate.
• Surface sports wetsuits are thinner and baggier around the shoulders to allow for arm movement for maximum flexibility and inferior heat retention when spending a significant amount of time submerged in water.
• Wetsuits are designed to protect your skin from environmental hazards like sunburn, abrasion, chilly winds, etc.
• Wetsuits prevent scuba divers from getting stung by aquatic creatures like jellyfish, crabs, jagged reefs, etc. when they go deep below the surface of the sea. It protects from wounds and cuts from rocks, corals, or other sharp objects present in water.
• They provide more freedom and mobility than dry suits.
• Thinner wetsuits are suitable for warm water, while colder water needs thicker wetsuits.

Types of wetsuits available in the market are full-length steamer, semi-dry suits, layer systems, shorty wetsuits, etc. Thinner wetsuits allow more flexibility but provide less warmth and buoyancy.

However, the wetsuit should be snug and not so tight that it restricts breathing. Wetsuits have zip baffle, plush lining, zips, kidney pads, titanium lining, etc.

What is a drysuit?

A drysuit is a loose-fitting, waterproof garment that is not designed to provide warmth. As the name implies, it keeps the diver completely dry by ensuring that no water enters the suit. They are made of layers of insulating synthetic materials that prevent the diver from coming into contact with the water.

They are made of foamed neoprene, shredded neoprene, vulcanized rubber or durable nylon. They feature wrist cuffs, neck cuffs and a waterproof zipper to keep you completely dry. They are suitable for extremely cold water.

Those who swim or dive in cold waters (especially in the Arctic and Antarctic) do not wear wetsuits. They wear dry suits to prevent water from entering the body. Drysuits are more like big bags with a hole in your head and with legs and sleeves. The gasket at the end of the legs and sleeves and, around the neck prevent water from getting into the suit.

Function of drysuits

• They are baggy and fit loosely like a large ski jacket.
• They are completely waterproof to keep you dry. Your body will never touch the water.
• They are used for various water sports like diving, swimming, paddling, wake surfing, etc.
• They maintain a layer of insulating air between your body and the suit, which you can manage via inflation valves that allow you to add gas as you descend deeper. The inflation valve on a drysuit performs a similar purpose to the power inflator on a buoyancy vest and is situated in the middle of the suit’s chest. Drysuits also employ exhaust valves to release air as you climb.
• The zippers and waterproof seals protect the wearer from low air and water temperature below degrees Fahrenheit.
• They provide excellent insulation and flexibility to the wearer.
• They allow additional insulating layers underneath and keep a layer of air between the suit and your body.

Similarities between wetsuit and drysuit

• Divers can wear garments under the wetsuit or drysuit for extra protection and thermal insulation.
• Both are popular for water sports activities such as paddleboarding, swimming, surfing, diving, water skiing, etc.
• Wetsuits and drysuits are designed for thermal protection from cold water, cool wind and hot water. They keep you warm.

The Difference between wetsuit vs. drysuit

The main difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit is with respect to technical functionality and material.

Basis	Wetsuit	Drysuit
Water temperature	Wetsuits provide insulation for cold waters.	A drysuit is designed for better insulation, making them suitable for extremely cold water.They will quickly turn hot in warm water. Thus, they are unsuitable (uncomfortable) for hot water.
Purchase cost	A wetsuit is less costly compared to a dry suit. The price depends upon the thickness of neoprene, flexibility, and tightness of the wetsuit. Water tightness is determined by seam construction, zipper quality, anti-flush gaskets, and fleece lining.	Drysuits are comparatively more expensive than wetsuits.
Thermal insulation	Wetsuits use a layer of water to keep the body insulated. The neoprene contained in wetsuits traps the heat and keeps your body warm.	Drysuits use a layer of air to keep the body insulated. They are completely sealed to prevent water from entering the body and coming into contact with the skin.Due to their loose fit, you can wear undergarments underneath to enhance thermal protection.
Buoyancy	The wetsuit compresses and becomes thinner as you go deeper into the water. It loses insulation capacity and inherent buoyancy.	Drysuits use compressed air to compensate for the increased pressure at the depth. It does not lose insulation capacity.
Ease of use	It is difficult to put on and take off wetsuits because it is tightly fitted. A dry wetsuit and wet body, or wet wetsuit and dry body are the worst combinations.	The ease of use of dry suits depends on the placement of the zippers.
Flexibility/ Mobility	Wetsuits provide comfort and freedom while moving arms and legs in the water. It is because of their skin tight fit.	Drysuits are loose-fitting garments and slow down your speed in the water. They may also cause some drag as you move underwater.
Weighting	The diver can become overweight due to loss of buoyancy and compression of the wetsuit.	The diver can adjust to increase or decrease in pressure while wearing a dry suit. The buoyancy remains more or less constant.
Versatility	The wetsuit is not flexible as it cannot adjust to varying water temperature	A drysuit is suitable for various water conditions- both warm and cold water. You can use it all year round from summer to winter. They are suitable for a wide range of environments.
Useful life	Some wetsuits can last just a couple of seasons, while others can last for years. On average, a high-quality wetsuit last for about 5 years, depending on heavily you use it. A cheaper brand wetsuit with low construction quality may last only for one or two seasons. The better you take care of the wetsuit and the less damage and wear and tear it gets, the longer it lasts.	Drysuits can last for about 10 years with proper care and maintenance. It is because of their high cost and complex construction.
Material	A wetsuit is made up of closed-cell foam neoprene. Neoprene has pores that allow a thin layer of water to reside between your body and your wetsuit.	A dry suit is made up of neoprene, rubber, or nylon. It is generally a nylon shell with a waterproof laminate on the interior.
Maintenance cost	Wetsuits are cheap to maintain. You only need to rinse it off regularly.	The cost to maintain a dry suit is high. It needs the replacement of boots, seals, socks, zippers, etc.
Wetsuit vs. drysuit for cold water	You should wear a wetsuit for wake surfing, wakeboarding, surfing, etc.	For extremely cold water and out-of-water activities like paddleboarding, and kayaking, consider wearing a drysuit.
Wetsuit vs. drysuit for surfing	Drysuits are often used by divers, boaters, rescue teams, harbor workers, etc. Surfers should buy a drysuit only if they feel that a wetsuit is not enough.	Wetsuits are not waterproof. But they provide excellent insulation and flexibility.

Wetsuit vs. Drysuit : Pros and Cons

Some people are still not sure if they should buy a wet suit or a drysuit. While both suits have their own merits and drawbacks, the answer to this question largely depends on the type of person and the type of water sport they will be participating in. Both wetsuit types have their own advantages and disadvantages:

Wetsuit

Pros:

• It is cheaper than a dry suit.
• It still works even when damaged with cuts and holes.
• It provides greater mobility and flexibility of movement of arms and legs in the water.
• It is available in a variety of neoprene thicknesses. You can choose the wetsuit of the right thickness after considering several factors. Pick a thicker wetsuit if you are less tolerant to cold water and chilly winds.
• You can choose from various styles- full body suits or short wetsuits.

Cons:

• Since the fitting is skin-tight, it is somewhat difficult to put on and take off a wetsuit.
• It is not suitable for extremely cold water, especially when the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• It does not keep your body dry.
• Due to the thickness of neoprene, wetsuits provide limited thermal protection.
• In long term, wetsuits are not as comfortable as drysuits.

Drysuit

Pros:

• The drysuit is designed to keep you completely dry. Thus, they are suitable for extremely cold water too.
• It is more comfortable than a thick wetsuit.
• It is easy to put on and take off, especially if they have a front zip.
• Since drysuits can adapt to varying water conditions and environments, they are suitable for all-year-round use.

Cons:

• The drysuits are very expensive. The cost increases as you invest in additional layers to stay warm. Also, the cost involved in the repair and maintenance of the drysuit is high.
• Drysuits are bulky and heavier and restrict mobility in the water, making it difficult to dive and swim.
• You can urinate in the wetsuit in an emergency, and the water will circulate out. However, it is not possible in a dry suit. You will have to take off the whole drysuit each time you use the restroom.
• If the seal, zipper, or seam of the drysuit gets damaged with a hole or cut, the entire drysuit becomes useless. It is no longer waterproof and loses its purpose of keeping you dry.

Trillam vs. Neoprene

Trillam and neoprene are fabrics with unique qualities. Trillam suits have no insulation, that means that you must regulate your comfort by adapting the thickness of the material, adding undergarment or air if needed. 

Neoprene is a highly technical material with amazing insulation and durable properties, they are more flexible, but with the water-tightness of a drysuit. They can be worn with less undergarments.

Wetsuit styles

The primary function of the finest wetsuits is to keep you warm or protected from the cold as you wait for the perfect wave. While utility and protection are of course the most important aspect of choosing a wetsuit, it can also be fun with personalization of colors, cuts and logos! That’s why we at Custom Wetsuits offer custom, personalized wetsuits. You can choose from over 1000 print and color variations, and we’ll help you take the measurements and create your perfect wetsuit.

Wetsuit Accessories

Occasionally you may need something more to brave the cold.

Buying a heated vest or titanium vest, boots, gloves, neoprene socks and a wetsuit hood can help against the cold.

It should be noted that each person feels the cold differently.

Neoprene Gloves- They provide maximum thermal protection to keep your hands warm. It allows you to surf in the coldest condition.

Neoprene booties- They will keep your feet warm even in the most frigid of waters. Also, they will keep you safe from sharp rocks.

Hoods- It helps when your head gets cold in the water quickly. 

Wetsuit socks- Many people find it much more comfortable to wear socks inside the wetsuit boots.

Conclusion: Wetsuit vs. Drysuit, what you should get

Both wetsuits and drysuits are extremely valuable for water sports. Both are designed to keep you warm and safe. They serve different purposes to achieve optimal comfort and performance. Whether you choose to buy a wetsuit or drysuit depends upon your needs and preferences.