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Drysuit vs Wetsuit: What Do You Need?

Drysuit vs Wetsuit: What Do You Need?

Lauren Mogg |

Drysuit vs Wetsuit: What Do You Need?

Wetsuit vs Drysuit: What option will suit your diving needs? Both wetsuits and drysuits are designed for thermal protection to keep the cold out and insulate you throughout your dive. They just both do the same thing but in different ways. Both drysuits and wetsuits are highly popular for diving but when it comes to deciding which one will work best for you, it comes down to a few main factors which I’ll be highlighting later in this blog. 

Difference Between Wetsuits and Drysuits

First off, what’s the difference between drysuits and wetsuits? Drysuits are designed to keep you dry, while wetsuits are designed to keep you warm while wet.  

Drysuits: Drysuits are completely waterproof but are not designed to be used alone. You’ll need to purchase undersuits as well if you’re using drysuits for extra insulation. 

Wetsuits: Wetsuits are tight-fitting suits made out of neoprene. They’re designed to keep you warm while you’re wet. They allow for more movement than drysuits but you can become colder quicker when using a wetsuit than a drysuit. 

Drysuit vs Wetsuit: What Do You Need?

Now that we’ve established the difference between two different types of exposure protection, now it comes down to which type will suit you for the types of conditions that you’ll be diving in. Which is going to work best for you, depending on your unique needs. But here are a few points to consider.

Cold Water Diving

If you’re more likely to be diving in colder waters, then drysuits are usually the preferred option. Drysuits are designed to keep you warm and insulated, PLUS there’s lots of room to put on multiple layers under your suit if you tend to get cold throughout your dive. For example, we stock many different types of undersuits on our store. From thermal undersuits to one-piece and two-piece and we even have heated undersuits! So if you’re a diver that tends to get quite cold during your dive, then the drysuit might just be the best option for you. 

The other option is a 7mm wetsuit which might just do the trick for your cold water diving adventures. If you like a more freeing option and don’t get cold as easily, then a 7mm wetsuit might just do the trick. 

Check out our range of 7mm wetsuits, drysuits and undersuits on our website. We stock a whole range of stock so it’s easy to find one that will perfectly fit your diving needs. 

Warm Water Diving

When choosing exposure protection for warm water diving, it again depends on how cold you get in the water and what temperatures you’ll be diving in. Usually, the best and most popular options for warm water diving are 3mm and shorty wetsuits. But if you get cold easily, a 5mm might just do the trick. Wetsuits are the preferred option when diving in tropical or warmer waters as you don’t need as much insulation and warmth. 

Check out our range of 5mm, 3mm and shorty wetsuits on our website. We stock a whole range of wetsuits so it’s easy to find one that will perfectly fit your diving needs. 

A Few Other Things to Consider

When choosing between a wetsuit and a drysuit, there are a few other things that you may want to consider when narrowing down your options.

  • Comfort and fit: You may feel more comfortable in a drysuit than a wetsuit, or vice versa. So make sure that when you’re narrowing your options, try on both styles to see which one you feel most comfortable in. 
  • Do you get cold easily? If you’re a diver who tends to get cold in the water, then you may want to opt for a thicker wetsuit or drysuit. 
  • Budget: There is a big difference in pricing between drysuits and wetsuits. Buying a wetsuit will considerably cost less as you're just investing in the suit. But with drysuits, they usually cost considerably more on their own, plus you’ll need undersuits to go with it. If you’re choosing a style with a smaller budget, then a wetsuit might just be the option for you. 

We're Here To Help

Whichever exposure style you decide to go for, at Mike’s Dive Store, we stock a wide range of drysuit and wetsuit styles to fit your diving needs. If you need assistance in selecting a style or are unsure about what exposure protection will ensure you receive enjoyable diving adventures, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com where we have a team of scuba diving professionals, here to assist you to make decisions on which dive gear will suit your needs. Or if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and come visit us in-store where you can take a look at the equipment for yourself and get a feel of which options you like best.