Wetsuit
Definition
A wetsuit is a neoprene garment worn by divers to provide thermal insulation in cool water.
More on Wetsuit
Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. This layer warms from body heat, helping maintain temperature during a dive. Thickness ranges from 1mm (tropical) to 7mm (cold water), and suits come in shorty, full, or semi-dry styles. Fit is crucial—a loose wetsuit loses heat faster. Wetsuits also offer some protection from scrapes, sun, and stings. Divers choose suit thickness based on water temperature and dive duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
It traps a small water layer that warms from body heat and prevents rapid heat loss.
3mm for warm water (24–28°C), 5mm for moderate, 7mm or drysuit for cold water (<18°C).
Snug, but not restrictive. Too loose and it floods; too tight and it impairs movement or breathing.
Wetsuits let in water; drysuits keep you completely dry and are used in colder environments.
Yes. Rinse it daily, hang it to dry, and avoid sun or heat sources to preserve elasticity.