t For new divers, you may wonder what we all do under our wetsuits. It’s an age-old question, but nobody asks it for fear of appearing foolish. You don’t know whether to wear normal clothes or go commando, but you don’t risk it. We finally have the answer, so don’t ask.
What is a wetsuit?
Before working out what you need to wear under it, it is probably a good idea to learn what a wetsuit really is.
A wetsuit is a full-body suit that is made of neoprene and is usually worn by divers, snorkelers, or sea workers. The main purpose of a wetsuit is to insulate the body of whoever is wearing it. This is because humans don’t really have the blubber that can be found on most aquatic creatures and so when in the cold water, we find it hard to find warmth, especially since there is no source of heat around us. Wetsuits work by insulating the heat that you do have and then also holding a layer of warm water close to your body to ensure that you don’t lose any more heat. Not every wetsuit offers the same amount of insulation and so if you are someone that is looking to be quite warm when in the water, you should consult the wetsuit thickness guide.
However, though wetsuits do provide some level of heat, a lot of people don’t think that wetsuits keep you warm enough when you are underwater. Because of this, many people choose to wear clothing items underneath and on top of their wetsuit, here is a list of the most popular items that people choose to wear underneath their wetsuits and the pros and cons of each.
Rashguard
Rash guards are the most common underwear for wetsuits. Surfers and snorkelers use long-sleeve rash guards like wetsuits. Rash guards are worn out of the water because they block sunburn-causing UV radiation. Rash guards are popular because they fit snugly and come in different styles. Thicker, insulated rash guards might assist you retain your body’s heat if you battle with the cold.
Surf Shorts
Surf shorts are very standard equipment when it comes to scuba diving. Ishorts are made of very stretchy materials that are light and thin. They are a favorite among scuba divers because they give a little bit more coverage and also dry quicker due to their thin material, meaning once you take your wetsuit off, you don’t have to sit around cold and wet for ages.
Underwear
Though this isn’t the most recommended option, a lot of people choose to wear underwear under their wetsuits, When you go to the cheapest places to learn to scuba dive, they usually don’t provide any clothing to wear underneath your wetsuit. Because of this, a lot of people have no other choice but to only wear underwear. They are great if they are tight to the skin as this means they will insulate heat, but if you are wearing boxer shorts or baggy underwear, then you won’t feel much benefit.
Neoprene vests
Your wetsuit is constructed of neoprene, so a vest is the perfect way to add warmth without disrupting its feel while swimming. Neoprene vests are expensive.
Swimsuit
Swimsuits are another popular wetsuit underwear. This is because you can easily slide your wetsuit over your swimwear from the beach. They’re also tight to the body, making them great heat insulators. Swimsuits don’t cover much, thus they don’t provide much insulation.
Cycle shorts
Cycle shorts are a good option because everyone has a pair or two that they bought during a failed attempt to pursue fitness. Again, cycle shorts are made from thin elasticated materials and so are snug to wear and also dry quite fast, which means that you will stay warm.
Nothing at all
If you are someone that doesn’t mind braving the cold, you may choose to wear nothing at all. A lot of people choose to wear nothing underneath their wetsuit as it means that they can move a lot more freely and are less constrictive. It also means that you have fewer things to dry after you have left the water, which is extremely convenient.
What to think of when choosing what to wear underneath
Hygiene
The main reason individuals wear clothes under their swimsuits is cleanliness. You’ll probably hire a swimsuit unless you have your own dive gear. Wearing something underneath is typical for rental properties. However, wearing clothes underneath protects your skin from microorganisms that may touch it underwater.
Comfort
Though some people like the feel of a wetsuit, many believe that wearing an extra layer makes it more comfortable. You can wear almost anything under the swimsuit, so you can use a softer material.