Summer might be behind us, and with the chillier months rolling in, diving starts to feel very different. The seas are still calling, but the dropping temperatures can make getting in — and staying in — much tougher if you’re relying on a wetsuit alone.
If you’ve ever surfaced from a dive shivering, teeth chattering, and struggling to unclip your BCD with numb fingers, you’ll know how quickly the cold can cut a dive short — or even put you off getting back in the water. In UK waters especially, many divers eventually find that their trusty wetsuit just doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s when a drysuit comes in. That’s when a drysuit comes in.
A drysuit is more than just an item of kit — it’s a gateway to year-round diving in the UK, a ticket to exploring chilly inland quarries, windswept coastal wrecks, and even northern waters without discomfort cutting your dives short. But choosing the right drysuit, understanding how it works, and knowing how to care for it can feel daunting if you’re new to cold-water diving. This guide will take you through every stage of the journey, from the difference between wetsuits and drysuits, to materials, undergarments, accessories, care, and whether to opt for an off-the-shelf or custom build. Along the way, we’ll highlight examples from Mike's Dive Store so you can see what’s available when you’re ready to make the switch.
Drysuits vs Wetsuits
Wetsuits and drysuits both exist to keep you warm, but they go about it in very different ways. A wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene, which your body warms during the dive. The neoprene then insulates you by slowing heat loss. That system is perfectly adequate for summer diving or in warmer seas, but in UK waters once the temperature drops below about 12°C, even the thickest wetsuits start to struggle.
A drysuit changes the equation entirely. Rather than allowing water inside, it seals you off completely with watertight zips and snug seals at the neck and wrists. You wear insulating layers underneath, and the suit traps air that you can add or release through valves, helping you control both buoyancy and warmth. The result is simple but life-changing: you stay dry, you stay warmer for longer, and you finish your dive far more comfortable than you would in neoprene alone.
How a Drysuit Works
A drysuit is essentially a protective shell designed to keep water out. The construction combines waterproof fabric or compressed neoprene with glued and stitched seams, reinforced panels, heavy-duty zips, and seals around entry points. Inside, you can layer up with thermal clothing depending on conditions — something you can’t do in a wetsuit.
Because air is trapped inside, diving in a drysuit requires slightly different buoyancy skills. You use a dedicated inflator valve to add air and prevent squeeze at depth, while a dump valve lets you release it as needed. Air movement within the suit can also shift your centre of buoyancy. That’s why doing a drysuit speciality course is so important. You’ll learn the essentials, from mastering buoyancy control to dealing with common challenges like air migrating into your boots. It’s a short course but one that makes a huge difference in both safety and comfort.
Materials and Types of Drysuits
Not all drysuits are created equal. The two main categories are neoprene and trilaminate (or membrane) suits, with hybrids combining aspects of both. Each has its strengths and drawbacks.
Neoprene drysuits are made from thick neoprene similar to wetsuit material, often compressed or crushed to reduce buoyancy. They’re naturally insulating, meaning you don’t need the bulkiest undergarments, and they feel solid and protective in colder conditions. However, they’re heavier and slower to dry, which can be inconvenient if you’re travelling. A solid example from Mike’s is the Scubapro's Everdry 4 Drysuit, a tough, compressed neoprene suit designed to handle demanding UK diving.
Trilaminate drysuits are made from three layers of laminated fabric. They are lightweight, flexible, and quick to dry — perfect if you travel or want a less bulky suit. The trade-off is that they provide no insulation themselves, so you need to carefully choose your undergarments. Their flexibility makes them popular with technical divers who value range of movement. A standout choice is the Fourth Element Argonaut, known for comfort and mobility.
Hybrid drysuits combines different materials for specific purposes, such as a lighter, more flexible material for the upper body and a more durable, abrasion-resistant material for the lower body. They aim to give you the best of both worlds. The Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0 Stealth Hybrid Drysuit is a great example, combined with Stealth on the top and Flex on the lower half to provide outstanding mobility and durability.
The Role of Undergarments
What truly keeps you warm in a drysuit isn’t the outer shell, but the layers you wear underneath. Think of undergarments as your personal climate control system, and the drysuit as the waterproof shell that lets you adjust them.
A base layer is the foundation. Something like the Fourth Element Xerotherm or lighter J2 wicks moisture away from your skin, preventing that clammy feeling when exertion meets cold water. Over this, you add a thermal mid-layer such as the Fourth Element Arctic or Santi's Kango Undersuit, which balances warmth with freedom of movement and is ideal for typical UK diving conditions. For truly cold environments or winter diving, you can add an extreme layer like the Fourth Element Halo AR, designed to trap heat effectively without becoming too bulky under your suit.
The beauty of this system is flexibility: you can adjust your undergarments as seasons change, keeping the same drysuit comfortable all year round.
Seals, Boots, and Hoods
The smaller components of a drysuit make a big difference to comfort and performance.
Seals at the neck and wrists are critical for keeping water out. Latex seals are the most common — snug and affordable, though they can perish over time. Silicone seals are increasingly popular as they are more flexible and comfortable, and can be easily replaced. Neoprene seals, meanwhile, provide extra warmth but aren’t as watertight under strain.
Boots options vary too. Some suits feature built-in boots, which are convenient and robust, while others end in neoprene socks, which you then pair with separate rock boots. Rock boots, such as the Scubapro Heavy Duty Boots, are great for rough entries, offering grip and protection as you walk across rocks or gravel.
Finally, while not part of the drysuit itself, a hood is vital in cold conditions. Heat loss from your head is significant, so pairing your drysuit with something like the Fourth Element 7mm Hood will make a huge difference to overall comfort.
When to Make the Switch
So when should you start thinking about a drysuit? For many divers, it’s the moment they begin cutting dives short because of the cold, or avoiding UK waters entirely once summer ends. If you’re diving beyond May to September in the UK, a drysuit isn’t a luxury — it’s practically a requirement. Even inland quarries stay cool all year, so if you’re training or keeping skills sharp, a drysuit extends your diving season by months.
The Benefits of Drysuit Diving
The most obvious benefit is warmth, but there’s more to it than that. Staying dry means you finish dives far more comfortable, no longer peeling out of a soaked wetsuit in freezing winds. Your time in the water increases, your concentration stays sharp, and your surface intervals are more pleasant. A drysuit also gives you flexibility: by changing undergarments, you can adapt the same suit for summer, autumn, and the depths of winter.
Caring for Your Drysuit
A drysuit is a serious investment, but with care it can last many years. Rinsing it in fresh water after each dive keeps salt and silt from degrading materials. Zips should be cleaned and lubricated with wax or dedicated products to keep them gliding smoothly. Latex seals benefit from an occasional dusting of talcum powder to prevent sticking and cracking. Storage also matters: keep your suit somewhere cool and dry, either hanging or laid flat to avoid creases.
Mike’s Dive Store also offers servicing and repairs, which are worth scheduling periodically to catch small issues before they become major problems.
Fit and Customisation
Getting the right fit is just as important as choosing the right type of suit. At Mike’s you’ll find both standard off-the-shelf sizing and made-to-measure biomapped options.
Off-the-shelf suits are quicker and more affordable, and modern sizing covers a wide range of body types. If you fall comfortably within standard sizing charts, this may be the simplest route.
Custom options, however, take things to another level. Using biomapping, your exact measurements are taken so the suit can be tailored perfectly. This is invaluable if you find standard sizes don’t quite fit your shape, or if you want to specify details like additional pockets, reinforced knees, or alternative zip placements. Many Santi suits, for instance, are available as full made-to-measure builds, ensuring both comfort and long-term performance.
FAQs
Do I really need a drysuit course?
Yes. Proper training helps you master buoyancy and stay safe, especially when managing trapped air.
What should I wear under my drysuit?
Moisture-wicking thermals or undersuits designed for diving. Avoid cotton as it holds water and makes you cold.
Can I travel with a drysuit?
Definitely. Many divers use them in colder seas abroad or for deeper dives where a wetsuit isn’t enough.
How do I know if a drysuit fits properly?
It should allow free movement without being baggy. If unsure, ask your dive shop for a fitting.
Can I wear my wetsuit gloves with a drysuit?
Yes, though many divers prefer dry gloves for better insulation. Wetsuit gloves are fine for milder conditions but may not provide enough warmth in very cold water.
Final Thoughts
A drysuit is one of the best investments you can make as a UK diver. It opens the door to year-round diving, transforms your comfort, and allows you to enjoy the incredible wrecks, reefs, and wildlife the UK has to offer without the cold holding you back.
Not sure where to start with drysuits? No worries — that’s what we’re here for. You can book a quick online consultation with us and we’ll walk you through the options, or just swing by our Chiswick showroom for a face-to-face chat. We’ll help you find the right fit so you can dive warm and comfortable all year round.
