How Tight is a Wetsuit Supposed to Be?

If you are in the market for your first wetsuit, it can be difficult figuring out how tight a wetsuit is supposed to fit. The material and design of a wetsuit is so different from regular clothing that most buyers struggle to figure out if it’s too tight or loose. Sometimes you may think you have the right fit on land, but once you enter the water, you realize that you’re not getting insulated much or at all.

So how tight is a wetsuit supposed to be? Wetsuits are often referred to as a “second skin”. The skin analogy is very apt. Think of your own skin – is it always stretched taut or is it somewhat stretchy? A well-fitting wetsuit follows a similar idea – it must be tight but not too tight. If you feel like you’re suffocating or can barely move a muscle, it’s too tight. Conversely, if it’s too loose, you will feel like you are being weighed down, water is flooding in, and you can see folds on the wetsuit. You also have to consider the arm and leg length of the wetsuit, not just the tightness.

As you can see, it’s very difficult to figure out if a wetsuit fit is correct or not without actually trying it on. In this article, we will give first-time wetsuit buyers some much needed fits to help you judge whether a wetsuit is a good fit for you or not.

Is the wetsuit doing its job?

Before digging into the nitty-gritty of how well a wetsuit fits, you must remember the primary reason for getting a wetsuit which is to keep you warm, and any other benefits are secondary. They are NOT intended to keep you dry, so don’t think a fit is bad just because water is entering.

In case you are not familiar with how a wetsuit works, the material that a wetsuit is constructed out of, neoprene, has bubbles trapped inside it which are excellent at insulating your body heat. When a thin layer of water enters the wetsuit, the water gets warmed up because most of the heat is unable to escape through the suit, so they remain trapped and heat up the water, effectively creating a thin barrier of warm water around your body.

If the wetsuit is too tight, this essential layer of warm water is not able to enter, and you will not feel as warm. Conversely, if your wetsuit is too loose, the water layer will never be able to warm up because it is constantly being flushed out by cold water. The result is that you might as well not even wear a wetsuit because it’s doing nothing for you.

To recap, it’s normal for water to enter the wetsuit. It needs to be at a slow enough rate that the water trapped inside the wetsuit can warm up and maintain your core temperature. However, there will always be some warm water leaking out and getting replaced by new water that needs to get warmed up. This is fine, as long as the rate of warm water loss does not exceed the rate new water is entering. How well your wetsuit fits directly affects this balance act..

This is also the reason why one can pee in their wetsuit – the pee is not trapped inside your wetsuit. It will eventually be replaced by new water. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse your wetsuit after for sanitary reasons. You probably can’t get away with doing a number 2, however, nor do we recommend trying.

Wetsuit sizing

As we mentioned, wetsuit sizes are not the same as normal clothing sizes. Also, the sizes may be slightly different depending on which manufacturer you are buying from. The best way to get the most accurate sizing information is to check the specific sizing chart of that wetsuit.

Sizing charts are just a guideline. You can also read customer reviews to get an idea of whether you should size up or size down. The sizing chart and customer reviews are the most accurate starting points you can get aside from literally trying it on yourself.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should focus on the chest measurement first. For ladies, do not simply refer to your bra size; actually get a measuring tape and measure your chest for the most accurate results. Then you should take into account your height and weight.

Another factor to consider is your body type. Everyone will be slightly different; there is nobody that perfectly meets the criteria for “average”. For instance, you may have a longer torso and shorter legs or vice versa. You might have wider shoulders than normal. You might have a flat chest or be barrel chested.

Women have more options here because if they aren’t content with how the women’s wetsuits are fitting them, they can try men’s wetsuits instead. We generally recommend getting a wetsuit that is designed for a specific sex over a unisex one. The general consensus seems to be that unisex wetsuits are the worst of both worlds.

For instance, women’s wetsuits will take into account a woman’s shape, particularly in the bust and hip area. A unisex wetsuit would likely feel very uncomfortable because it cannot be too shapely otherwise it won’t be as suitable for men. Men might feel that there is not enough space in the crotch area, and so on.

Tips for getting the right fit

How can you tell if a wetsuit is too small? We need to look out for warning signs that it might be too tight. If you feel like your circulation is being cut off, or that you cannot perform the movements you need to perform, then it’s probably too tight.

Keep in mind, there is a difference in the type of wetsuit you are wearing. For instance, a surfing wetsuit is going to be more flexible than a scuba wetsuit. However, it’s intentional for a scuba wetsuit to sacrifice some mobility for extra insulation since the cold is more of an issue than mobility while scuba diving. If you engage in multiple sports, we recommend getting a specific wetsuit for each sport.

Another factor to consider is how hard it is to put on a wetsuit. If you are putting on a wetsuit for the first time, don’t be surprised if it takes you a few minutes. This is because wetsuits are supposed to fit tight. It will become easier to put on as you break it in and you get better at donning your wetsuit. Make sure both you and your wetsuit are dry for an easier time.

Think of donning your wetsuit like putting on a pair of tight jeans. It can take some effort to put on, but once it’s on, you should not feel like blood flow is being restricted to your legs or that the pant legs are preventing you from moving. Same concept with a wetsuit. If it feels more like you’re wearing a cast, it’s too tight.

It’s not a big deal if the arms and legs of the wetsuit are a little long. The most important part is how it fits your torso. Wetsuit manufacturers tend to make the arms and legs extra long so that wetsuit buyers have the option of trimming off the excess.

Another important area is the collar. Too tight, and it will feel like something is constantly choking your neck. Too loose, and water will flood in. Plus, it will cause a lot of drag while you’re swimming.

Make sure the butt and crotch area isn’t too loose. Fellas and ladies, don’t be afraid to show off your stuff. Again, the wetsuit needs to be tight. Yes, there will be somewhat of a visible bulge. Don’t be shy about it. If the crotch and butt area is too loose, it will be a pocket where water can accumulate which increases drag. As long as the wetsuit doesn’t restrict your range of motion while keeping those areas snug, then it’s a good fit.

How a two-piece wetsuit should fit

Another wetsuit option to try out is the two-piece wetsuit. Two-piece wetsuits feature a pullover top and a bottom that is similar to overalls. Two-piece wetsuits may provide more mobility and may be easier to put on.

Similar to sizing a one-piece wetsuit, you want both pieces of your two-piece wetsuit to fit snug on your body. Another name for a two-piece wetsuit is Farmer John suits, and they are favored by spearfishermen because of their added maneuverability.

Two-piece wetsuits tend to be bulkier than a one-piece and typically provide better insulation, especially around your torso. They usually have a hood attached to the top piece, which can drastically decrease heat loss. Again, the hood should fit snug without feeling like it’s choking you or causing you head strain.

Wetsuit hacks to don them easily

If you are really struggling to put on your wetsuit, there are some “hacks” you can try out before you throw in the towel.

Plastic bag trick

Did you know that a plastic bag can help you put on your wetsuit? Start by sticking your hand/feet into the bag, then push into the sleeve or leg. The plastic bag should reduce the friction and make it easier to slide through. This trick can help you get your arms and legs inside the wetsuit. Once that’s done, it should be much easier to wiggle your torso around until you have a snug fit.

Use soapy water

We generally recommend that you put on your wetsuit dry, because water actually increases the friction. However, if you combine water with shampoo, then it becomes like a lubricant, helping you slide your arms and legs inside easily. Make sure to lather your arms and legs and the wetsuit with this soapy water to ensure everything is evenly coated to facilitate a faster donning process.

Does a wetsuit naturally stretch?

Yes. Another reason why it’s okay for the wetsuit to be a little tight is that it will gradually loosen as you break it in. Also, neoprene will stretch when exposed to water, so wetsuits do get a little bigger when wet. These are the appropriate ways to stretch out a wetsuit.

What you don’t want to do is to forcibly stretch it yourself by hand because you want your tight wetsuit to fit a little looser. This will cause certain areas to become much looser than others, and you may even tear or at least decrease the integrity of the neoprene. This is also a very important consideration when storing and drying your wetsuit.

We have written an article on how to dry and care for your wetsuit which you should read after this one. When storing your wetsuit, do not put anything heavy on it because it can damage the neoprene. Furthermore, many people hang their wetsuit completely wrong by using a standard clothes hanger and leaving it directly in the sunlight. This is a surefire way to decrease the wetsuit’s lifespan.

You should hang it using a specific wetsuit hanger that is much thicker, or place it on a drying rack that will not cause any creases. Wetsuits can get really heavy when they are wet, and a regular clothes hanger will put tremendous pressure on the shoulder area, stretching or creasing them in a way that deteriorates the material quality.

Parting words

It can be tough to get a wetsuit that fits your body shape perfectly, but if you follow the tips provided in this article, it should get you started on the right foot.

Remember that a wetsuit’s primary job is to keep you warm and comfortable, as if it were a second protective layer of skin around your body. The wetsuit should fit you tight and snug without constricting your blood flow or severely restricting your movement. The wetsuit should also not rub against your skin uncomfortably as that can lead to a wetsuit rash.

Conversely, a wetsuit should not be so loose that it has loose folds or allows water to flush out the warm water inside. If you feel like cold water keeps entering the wetsuit, then that wetsuit is quite useless at its job. With these goals in mind, it becomes easier to find the right wetsuit size.

Consult the wetsuit sizing chart provided in the sales page. This is your best starting point. Pay particular attention to the chest measurement, followed by the height and weight measurements. These are the most likely areas that will make or break a wetsuit fit. Also read the customer reviews to see if you should size up or down.

If you are struggling to put on the wetsuit the first few times, it doesn’t mean that the fit is bad. You can try using the plastic bag trick or the soapy water hack to put it on more easily. Also, the wetsuit will naturally stretch over time as you break it in, so don’t try to stretch it by hand.

Lastly, be very specific with the wetsuit you get. Don’t get some generic unisex wetsuit. If you are a male and you want to go surfing, get a surfing wetsuit for men. There is a difference between wetsuits designed for different sports. It’s perfectly fine for a scuba wetsuit to be more restrictive than a surfing wetsuit and that is not a design flaw. With these tips in mind, you can get the perfect wetsuit for your body shape.

Scuba vs. Surfing Wetsuit – Use One for Both Sports?

If you will be engaging in multiple water sports like snorkeling, surfing, or scuba diving, then you had best purchase a wetsuit to keep yourself warm. With that said, you might be wondering if you could just use one wetsuit for all of your activities to save money. A sensible thought. Unfortunately, there are some slight differences to each wetsuit that make them optimal for their respective sports, and disadvantageous in others.

You might be wondering if there are any stark differences between a scuba wetsuit vs. a surfing wetsuit. Could you wear a surfing wetsuit for scuba diving, and vice versa? Technically the answer is yes, however it’s generally not a good idea. Surfing wetsuits are not as thick as scuba diving wetsuits because they are designed for mobility. Under the water pressure experienced at depth, they may offer little insulating capabilities. You can perhaps get away with it if you are diving in shallow, warm waters, but not in any other circumstance.

Knowing each type of wetsuit’s strengths can help you understand their limitations. Depending on how you dive and surf, you might be able to get a wetsuit that is suitable for both of those activities. Knowing when it is practical or impractical to share a wetsuit between sports is crucial, otherwise you may end up freezing. In this article, we will specifically discuss the differences between a scuba wetsuit vs. a surfing wetsuit.

Are scuba diving and surfing wetsuits the same?

We are not going to get into a wetsuit’s purpose as well as how to pick the best wetsuit; we have already written specific articles for that. Today, we are looking at the differences in scuba diving and surfing wetsuits in the context of using one of these specifically designed wetsuits in the other sport.

Each wetsuit is designed according to the requirements of their intended sport. The biggest differences between wetsuits are going to be their zipper placements, thickness of material, and stretch/flexibility. To achieve this, the wetsuits are even cut out and patterned differently. The end result is a wetsuit that excels in one area but falters in another, e.g. More flexible but less insulating, or vice versa.

Scuba diving requires one to be underwater (obviously), and thus the bodysuits ought to be stronger and thicker to remain stable under the immense water pressure and compression. Surfing requires more flexibility in order to perform the more complex and precise movements required to maintain balance on the board and ride the waves.

People who dabble in different sports could get away with using the same wetsuit for everything as long as they are sensible and not doing anything too extreme. For instance, a scuba wetsuit would probably be overkill for snorkeling, but it just means you’ll be warmer and have less flexibility. It’s not like it’s a life-endangering mistake to wear a scuba wetsuit to surf or snorkel.

Wearing the appropriate exposure suit only becomes an issue if you are diving in cold waters where insulation is key to preventing hypothermia, or if you are scuba diving at a level beyond recreational diving. If you’re still wearing a surfing wetsuit when doing a wreck dive at a depth of 30 m / 100 ft, then you are being very reckless.

Most experts recommend that if you surf or dive regularly, especially if you are doing anything advanced, you had better invest in separate suits for a safer and more comfortable experience.

Wetsuit characteristics

Wetsuits are not so drastic that each one has different characteristics. Each wetsuit has the same characteristics, just to varying degrees depending on the intended sport. For instance, you can expect all wetsuits to:

Be a protective second layer of skin. In the context of surfing, it can help keep your skin from chafing against the board. It can also offer minor protection against superficial injuries like scratches and cuts. Very importantly, it will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Keep you warm in and out of the water. A wetsuit’s primary function is to keep you warm. This means that it fits very snug on your body. Anything else is a secondary advantage. Without a wetsuit, you won’t be able to last very long outside. Particularly for surfers; not only is the water decreasing your core temperature constantly, but you also have to account for wind chill, which is when the water amplifies wind’s cooling effects so that it’s exceptionally cold. Scuba divers also need a wetsuit that keeps them warm in deeper waters, and also one that is durable enough to withstand the pressure at depth. They do not require as much mobility as surfers, so they can get away with an extremely thick 7 mm wetsuit.
Affect your movement in the water. As you would expect, a thicker wetsuit will restrict your movement and vice versa. Not only that, but the way the wetsuits are cut and stitched together will also affect your mobility. Surfers and swimmers require a wetsuit to be as non-restrictive as possible. Conversely, if you try to wear a scuba wetsuit to surf or swim, you will feel extremely restricted, but at least you’ll feel warmer.

Surfing wetsuit features

The biggest difference in a surfing wetsuit is that it’s designed for movement. Thus, surfing wetsuits are cut such that the legs and arms can be stretched more. Extra panels may be added in wetsuits that have thinner arms and shoulder sections.

Wetsuits are generally made from neoprene, which is a flexible and waterproof material. You can get wetsuits at varying thicknesses. If you see that a wetsuit is 3/2, that number means that it is 3mm thick in the core area and 2mm thick in the arms and legs. You’ll find that surfing wetsuits tend to be thinner than scuba wetsuits for more flexibility.

All surfing wetsuits will have their zippers at the back because surfers lay on their boards from the front, and a front zipper would dig into their body and headboard. The stitching and seams on a surfing wetsuit are also more flexible. Flatlock stitches are the superior option in this case. Fewer seams are placed around the armpit and shoulder areas for more comfort.

Having fewer seams also reduces chafing when surfing. The downside to flatlock stitches are that they aren’t the most secure, allowing water to seep into the suit as a result. Thus, many sacrifices are made in regard to heat retention when designing a more flexible and comfortable wetsuit for surfing.

Scuba diving wetsuit features

Compared to surfing wetsuits, scuba diving wetsuits are thicker – much thicker. You can get them in 3, 5, 7, and even 9 mm thicknesses. When the water gets too cold, scuba divers can even ditch the wetsuit for a drysuit for even greater insulation.

A scuba wetsuit has more of an emphasis on insulation and durability. After all, it needs to keep divers warm even when they are dozens or over a hundred feet underwater. At depth, the water pressure compresses the bubbles inside the neoprene material, making them thinner and therefore providing less insulation.

To counter this, the wetsuit material must be appropriately dense so that it can resist compression. Unfortunately, this does make the scuba wetsuit much more restrictive than a surfing wetsuit.

Even under similar water temperatures, a scuba wetsuit needs to be much thicker because it needs to provide sufficient insulation at depth, under compression, which is where it matters most. Since surfing takes place at sea level, it will never be under compression, so the bubbles inside the neoprene are not affected at all.

When selecting a scuba wetsuit, the zippers will be on the front mainly because it would interfere with the scuba tank on their back.

While scuba divers desire to have more flexibility, technically they do not require it. In order to have the longest bottom times, divers actually don’t want to move much at all to conserve energy. When they do, they just need to kick their legs with fins on to propel themselves. Scuba divers do not use their arms and ascend and descend entirely by adjusting their BCD. For these reasons, scuba diving wetsuits can sacrifice flexibility in favor of warmth.

Furthermore, scuba wetsuits are either blind stitched or flatlock stitched. They may even be glued to ensure no water leaks in from the stitches. Blind stitched and glued wetsuits are the best option to ensure heat stays trapped in the suit.

Of course, no matter what, water will get inside the wetsuit. After all, they aren’t designed to keep you dry, hence why they are “wet” suits. The goal is to regulate how much warm water is being replaced with new, cold water.

Since there is a constant flow of water going in and out of the suit, it’s also no big deal if you pee in your wetsuit. Come on, let’s be honest. When you’re out in the water, are you really going to hold it in or cut your dive/surf session short just to go pee?

People might not admit it or want to talk about it, but it’s perfectly normal since the urine will quickly get replaced anyways. Heck, you could even get away with a loud fart since the bubbles from the regulator would probably blend in with the bubbles you create. Sorry, what were we talking about again?

At what temperatures do you need to wear a wetsuit?

Regardless of whether you’re scuba diving or surfing, we think you should always wear a wetsuit, or at least a rashguard. Even if the water temperature is warm, the sun’s rays will always be a problem. Plus, having a second layer of protective “skin” can keep you safe from jellyfish stings and other minor injuries.

Plus, you will be surprised at how quickly even “warm” water will make you shiver. The sun could be sweltering hot, making you feel like you just want to spend the day in the water, but without an exposure suit, you could be at risk of hypothermia. The biggest risk is actually not the water itself, but the wind-chill factor when you get out of the water amplifying how cold it is.

In tropical destinations, where the waters are about as warm as they can get at 30°C / 80°F, you should still wear shorts and a rashguard to feel comfortable. For others, this might be enough to warrant a shorty (short wetsuit).

Depending on the individual, everybody should wear what they think is appropriate. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to feel hot on land to begin with because your core temperature is only going to decrease over time once you’re in the water. It might even be a good idea to wear a rashguard underneath the wetsuit for extra insulation.

For your reference, below is a table that should give you an idea of what exposure suit to wear under what temperature ranges:

Water Temperature Range	Wetsuit Thickness	Recommended Wetsuit Type	Seal Type
>72°F (>22°C)	N/A	Rash guard	N/A
65°- 75°F (18° – 24°C)	0.5 mm – 2/1 mm	Top / Shorty	N/A
62°- 68°F (16° – 20°C)	2 mm – 3/2 mm	Springsuit / Full Suit	Flatlock
58°- 63°F (14° – 17°C)	3/2 mm – 4/3 mm	Full Suit + Boots	Sealed
52°- 58°F (11° – 14°C)	4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm	Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood	Sealed and Taped
43°- 52°F (6° – 11°C)	5/4 mm – 5/4/3 mm	Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood	Sealed and Taped
42°F (6°C) and below	6/5 mm +	Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood	Sealed and Taped

Parting words

So, can a scuba wetsuit be used for surfing and vice versa?

A surfing wetsuit is not recommended for use with scuba diving unless you are in very shallow depths and in very warm waters. The stretchy material used in a surfing wetsuit, plus its general thinness and flexibility will make it hard for you to stay warm. Scuba diving derives very little benefit from being more flexible since most of the movement is controlled by the BCD and fins anyways.

On top of that, a surfing wetsuit would be subjected to water pressure that it’s not designed for. It’s a very real possibility that when you surface, the surfing wetsuit will have turned flat or lost its shape due to the compression at depth. It would not be useful for surfing or scuba diving any more. This is assuming that you haven’t already ended the dive already due to the cold.

As for using a scuba wetsuit to surf, it would also be very uncomfortable. The scuba wetsuit, being much thicker, will restrict your movement. In order to surf comfortably, you need to have much more flexibility in your arms and legs which a scuba wetsuit would not let you do. There is also the issue of zipper placement which can be annoying.

Overall, even if it is technically possible to get away with using a scuba wetsuit to surf or a surfing wetsuit to scuba, it’s just not worth the hassle. If you plan on frequently surfing or scuba diving, then it is best to invest the money to get separate suits. If you will infrequently scuba/surf, then rent the appropriate wetsuit for those few occasions that you do. You will feel more comfortable and enjoy both sports the way they are intended to be enjoyed.

Colored Wetsuits vs. Black Wetsuits: Which is Better?

Why are most of the wetsuits nowadays that are worn by people in the water or sold at dive shops black? Do surfers and scuba divers just not have any imagination and prefer drab looking clothing? No, it’s merely because coloring a wetsuit is more expensive, demand for it is low, and it offers few advantages in many applications.

Both colored wetsuits and black wetsuits have their advantages. For instance, black wetsuits tend to dry faster by absorbing more of the sun’s rays; they tend to look cleaner because it’s hard to tell if there’s dirt or wear on the material; and black can help one look slimmer or more formal. Colored wetsuits have the advantage of making one more visible during rescue situations and possibly looking nicer depending on the design.

Between a colored wetsuit and a black wetsuit, which one is better? To be honest, color doesn’t matter very much in a wetsuit. The most important thing for all wetsuits is that it fits snug and keeps you warm. In this article, we are still going to discuss possible advantages and disadvantages, however these are quite minor points overall. At the end of the day, as long as a wetsuit can provide you with sufficient insulation, UV protection, and comfort, then what color it is doesn’t really matter.

How big of a role does color play in a wetsuit?

We believe that a colored wetsuit does have some limited, practical advantages. As we mentioned, in a search and rescue situation, being more visible can increase your chances of being spotted by a rescuer.

Depending on the color and design of the wetsuit, it can make you feel good about your appearance. After all, if we bother to take care of our appearance in our day to day life, why not put the same level of attention when we are in the water?

This topic of looking good seems like a very shallow point, but it’s surprisingly deep when one looks into this topic further. Some sports psychologists believe that wetsuit color can greatly impact one’s performance in the water. Perhaps there is some truth to the saying that “clothes make the man [or woman]” after all.

You might think this next section is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo, but it was interesting for us to research this topic, and we want to share the results anyways.

Do you believe that if you dressed like a doctor or scientist, you could actually become smarter? Or if you dressed like a police officer, you could become more authoritative? Researchers have often conducted these kinds of experiments where someone would play dress up, and, almost always, the wearers were good at becoming the role despite not having the background.

Of course, there are limitations to this. Just because you are dressed as a doctor doesn’t give you the knowledge of a doctor. However, it does make people score more highly on their cognitive tests. So clearly, some kind of change is occurring.

The scary thing is, this effect could also be observed in the other direction when somebody “dressed down.” For instance, if one dressed in street clothes, they tended to do more poorly in cognitive tests than those who were wearing a lab coat.

We can take this idea further and specifically talk about color. Again, in the same way that our clothing can affect our perception of ourselves, so too can color. If you were to wear a color that does not resonate with you, there can be a negative impact on your performance. For instance, if you are a man and hate the color pink but were forced to wear a pink wetsuit, your head might not be in the right place anymore.

So if you buy into this idea that your appearance can affect your performance, then you can accept the argument that color and the design of the suit plays a major role in a wetsuit as well. And if you believe that color does not provide any advantages other than to increase your visibility, then a simple black wetsuit would probably be the winner in your eyes.

Why aren’t colored wetsuits more popular?

If you agree with what we said above regarding the benefit of color in our perception of ourselves, then you probably think that colored wetsuits are great and that there should probably be more designs available. Yet, there aren’t that many compared to how overwhelmingly available black wetsuits are. Why is that?

It’s not due to production problems. Wetsuits, like any other clothing, can be produced in any color you want. You can get gray, white, red, yellow, blue, or any combination of colors. You can get a wetsuit that expresses your personality perfectly, so why aren’t they more popular?

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Maybe there aren’t many good looking colors or designs. Perhaps people felt like it was too gimmicky or that they didn’t look that good in a colorful wetsuit. Whatever the case, it just didn’t take off.

From the manufacturer’s perspective, adding color just costs extra money. Wetsuits are naturally black after manufacturing and it seems to do the job just fine. People are buying it as-is and aren’t complaining about the look. The demand for colored wetsuits is low, so it’s not cost-efficient for them to mass produce as many colored wetsuits as black wetsuits.

Colored wetsuits also look dirty more easily. As soon as you get any dirt or stains on the wetsuit, it will stand out like a sore thumb.

Even its advantage of being more visible than black wetsuits becomes a moot point once you’re deep underwater. Water will absorb some of the color from light, and therefore what you perceive underwater might not look the same as at the surface. First the reds will go, then orange, then yellow, and so on. Check out the video below to see this phenomenon in action.

Are colored wetsuits safer?

There is little evidence to suggest that a colorful wetsuit has better functionality than a black one. In fact, the opposite is more likely to be true, because sharks can notice the high contrast of bright wetsuits.

The reason is that to get the coloring of the wetsuit right, the wetsuit needs to be constructed from various materials that have different properties when it comes to insulation and comfort.

For instance, it’s much better for a wetsuit to be made from a single neoprene sheet. By minimizing the amount of cuts made into the material, the manufacturer does not have to do as much stitching which is better for keeping water out.

There is an argument that striped wetsuits offer protection from sharks. The belief is that black and white stripes in nature indicate a poisonous or dangerous animal, which may deter sharks from attacking. However, this has not been proven to be demonstrably true. Plus, the amount of shark attacks per year are so astronomically low that it’s statistically more likely that you get into an accident on the way to the water instead.

Black wetsuit benefits

Economic factors

During the manufacturing process for rubber, it is combined with stabilizing compounds and the end result is a black rubber. In the early days of wetsuit manufacturing, rubber was stabilized with soot, changing it from a white color to black.

Today, even though manufacturers use better stabilizers for rubber, the end result is still a black rubber. Neoprene is commonly used for wetsuit construction and it is a form of stabilized rubber. It has superior water and tear resistance to the original rubber and it naturally comes out as black.

Since black just seems to be the natural color, adding additional colors requires additional steps and extra expense. Since black is such a strong color, it would require a significant amount of dye to color over it, making colored wetsuits much more expensive than black ones.

Sun protection

Another benefit of all black neoprene is that it’s much better at absorbing UV rays from the sun than any other color. The carbon black makes the wetsuit especially dark and it ensures that the UV rays do not penetrate the material, but rather gets absorbed into it.

You might have already experienced this phenomenon if you’ve ever been inside a black car that has been left out on a hot summer day compared to a white car, which repels the most amount of sunlight. The lack of color of black causes it to absorb more photons. The next best color after black at absorbing UV radiation is red, which is why most divers either wear black or red.

Durability

Neoprene is generally a durable material, however it can still get damaged when exposed to water and stretched out, which is exactly what happens in most marine applications. Thus, it is combined with carbon black so that it can become resistant to water and stretching. It’ll last longer and provide more protection.

The color black also hides many imperfections in the suit. For instance, if it starts getting worn down over the years, or it has dirt on it, it will be harder to notice compared to a colored wetsuit. You may be able to squeeze a few more months or years out of a black wetsuit before it becomes noticeably damaged or worn down.

Warmth

scuba ice diving — Sakhalinio, CC BY-SA 4.0

Most neoprene used in wetsuit construction are known as closed-cell neoprene. This refers to the fact that during the manufacturing process, some air bubbles are trapped inside the suit. These air bubbles are necessary for insulation because they can store heat inside. There is also an added benefit of providing extra buoyancy which helps surfers and snorkelers stay afloat more easily.

The bubbles can trap heat so efficiently that it will also warm up the water around it. Thus, you should feel that the thin layer of water trapped inside the suit is warm, as is the suit itself, and this allows you to stay in the water for much longer than if you didn’t have the wetsuit.

If you want, you can even wear a thin layer underneath the wetsuit for even more insulation. You also have the choice of selecting a thicker wetsuit. Most wetsuits are 3/2, but you can also get 5/4 wetsuits or more for extra warmth.

Black pairs well with anything

You might have noticed this when deciding what to wear during your daily life, but black is a color that pairs well with any other color. If you aren’t sure what to wear, you can’t go wrong with black. The same is true of a wetsuit. You can have a regulator, snorkel, or dive watch that is a different color, and it won’t look strange next to a black wetsuit. It’d look like the most natural thing in the world.

If you care about your style while in the water, you can have a statement piece such as a colored dive watch or fins to contrast against the black wetsuit. People’s eyes will be naturally drawn to the only colored pieces of equipment in your setup, making them stand out.

Parting words

When it comes to practicality and popularity, it’s clear that black wetsuits offer many advantages that colored wetsuits don’t. That’s not to say that colored wetsuits are bad, just that it might be more expensive and also might not even look the way you want to look when you’re underwater due to color loss.

There are some myths that the color of your wetsuit will attract sharks. Sharks don’t rely on their eyesight as much as their sense of smell. They can smell a drop of blood in the ocean as far as a quarter of a mile away. What really makes them excited is fish blood, not human blood.

Additionally, black wetsuits are the most convenient for manufacturers to mass-produce. Colored wetsuits have some limited advantages at the surface by making you easier to spot. This means if you’re with a buddy, or if you are in a rescue situation, then you’re much easier to find than someone with a black wetsuit.

Overall, there are pros and cons to colored wetsuits and black wetsuits, and as long as they meet your needs, then they can both be good. However, black wetsuits seem to have the edge here.

Why are Wetsuits Black?

Do you like rocking the “all black everything” style? Well then, you might like how most scuba diving gear looks, particularly when it comes to wetsuits. It’s hard to knock on black. It goes well with everything, it makes you look slimmer, and it gives you a serious look. But are these really the reasons why most wetsuits are black? Or are there practical, beneficial reasons for this choice?

In this article, we’re going to answer the question: why are most wetsuits black? You’ll discover that black wetsuits have many advantages, from its early manufacturing process, to its durability, to its UV protection and insulating properties and much more. Plus, black just looks really good. Let’s dive into this dark mystery.

Black wetsuits – the beginnings

Since wetsuits were first publicly available in the 50s, wetsuits have been a staple piece of equipment in many water sports because of the insulation and comfort they provide. Water is extremely good at drawing heat from the body, and people wanted to participate in their respective activity for much longer and in different environments. Wetsuits were the solution to that.

Originally designed with surfers in mind, wetsuits turned out to be so versatile they could be used in a variety of different applications, another notable one being scuba diving. Ever since it was first released in the 50s until now, wetsuits have always been black.

The original reasons were mostly due to economics, but now there are some practical and cosmetic reasons why it stayed black, and we each section below will explain this in further detail.

Early manufacturing

As we mentioned, the original reason for wetsuits being black is due to how expensive it is to dye it.

The earliest wetsuits were constructed from natural rubber. Nowadays, wetsuits are made using closed-cell neoprene, which is a synthetic waterproof material.

Neoprene is such a great material for wetsuits thanks to its insulating and buoyant properties. The neoprene sheet has gas-bubbles (closed-cells) sealed into its material during manufacturing, and a finished neoprene sheet is naturally black due to its manufacturing process.

Certainly, these wetsuits can be colored and come in interesting patterns and designs. However, adding color is an added cost and provides little to no benefit in many of the applications where a neoprene wetsuit can be used. Believe us, they really tried to make colorful wetsuits a thing, but it didn’t pan out (more details in the next section).

In modern wetsuits, the primary neoprene material is actually sandwiched between two more protective layers – the external layer adds extra tear resistance, and the internal layer makes it easier and more comfortable to don and doff. Just remember to put on the wetsuit when you (and the wetsuit) are both dry, otherwise the friction will be too high.

The external layer will typically be a durable material such as silicone rubber or nylon, whereas the internal layer will be a soft synthetic lining.

Since the wetsuit is naturally black after all of these layers are applied, a significant amount of coloring would be required to make the color show. Would you really want to spend even more money on a wetsuit than you already do? The public didn’t think so either, and that’s why it didn’t catch on.

The failure of colored wetsuits

On paper, colored wetsuits seemed like a sound idea. In the same way that one’s clothes could come in a variety of colors, and intricate designs could increase the value of a piece of clothing, why doesn’t this logic apply to wetsuits?

In fact, one could make the argument that colorful wetsuits have the benefit of increasing one’s visibility making it easier to track a diver or regroup/rescue them if they get separated/lost. Yet, black wetsuits are still the overwhelmingly dominant choice.

A basic economic principle is that if there were demand for vibrantly colored wetsuits, manufacturers would increase their production of them to cash in on that market. However, it just never took off for some reason.

Way back in the 60s, after wetsuits had been in the market for about a decade, a yellow wetsuit called the Aquafort was manufactured. It touted its high visibility as one of its major selling points. It failed to generate enough profits, so that was soon discontinued.

Pictures from the 80s show that there were indeed scuba divers wearing bright, fluorescent colors. As you’ll remember, this was the fashion for the time, and fashion is fickle. It proved nothing more than a fad, and once again, black wetsuits were the norm.

As long as the demand for colored wetsuits is low, it simply isn’t cost-efficient for manufacturers to mass produce them. Thus, they will stick to what is tried-and-true, which is just a conservative black wetsuit.

Why do black wetsuits have so much longevity? Perhaps people simply prefer the color black. We can come up with a few reasons why black is such a good color for wetsuits.

Why are black wetsuits so popular?

The color black is special, kind of like white. They are neutral colors that go with any other color. For instance, you could have a black wetsuit and a yellow regulator. The black goes perfectly fine with it. But if you had a pink wetsuit and a yellow regulator, it’d look kind of strange, don’t you think?

Black is also just a good looking color. In the fashion world, which we admit is fickle, for a time there was a style known as “all black everything” because people felt black on black just looked good. You can deviate from this by wearing mostly black but having a statement piece such as a bright colored piece of footwear or watch to make it stand out. The same can be done for scuba diving gear with a dive watch or regulator that contrasts against the black wetsuit for a cool style.

Another consideration is that wearing black makes you look taller, slimmer, and serious. For whatever reason, wearing all black gives off the impression that one is thinner, which also helps one look taller. The color black is also associated with clothing worn to solemn or formal events and gives one a more mature, refined look.

In comparison, a bright colored wetsuit can make one look like a clown or a raver or something. Whatever the case, style is highly subjective and the execution of the overall outfit also matters in fashion. There are no rules. Plus, this is scuba diving we’re talking about. Function should take precedence over form, and in the end, it’s all up to the individual. But the public has spoken, and black stays winning.

Are all wetsuits black?

No, there are still colored wetsuits available, but black is the most common color by far.

If you want to have some sort of design on your wetsuit, manufacturers also make suits with colored panels to add a little bit of pizzazz to a black wetsuit’s appearance.

There are also camouflage wetsuits that are popular with spearfishers to hide their presence from the fish they are hunting.

There are some gimmicky wetsuit designs that are designed to look like a superhero costume, an underwater tuxedo, or all manner of fun appearances.

Keep in mind that if you get a bright colored wetsuit, that its appearance may not be the same as on the surface due to the color loss that occurs at deeper depths.

First the color red is lost, then orange, yellow, and so on, until everything just looks dark blue. So if your wetsuit has a lot of reds on it and you’re diving past the point that reds are lost, then you may not look as good underwater as you might think.

What are the benefits of a black wetsuit?

In addition to being a popular choice that can go well with any other color or designs, black wetsuits actually provide some practical benefits that you might not have considered.

For instance, did you know that the color black absorbs the most energy from the sun than any other color? Conversely, white repels the most energy. The outcome is that black wetsuits provide the most warmth. They also dry faster between dives compared to one that is lightly colored.

Black wetsuits also have the same benefit as any black clothing where stains or any kind of wear and fading aren’t as noticeable. The materials wetsuits are constructed out of are generally very durable anyways, however black can mask many imperfections which gives it some longevity before you need to buy a new one.

Also, as we mentioned, a colored wetsuit might not even look like what you think it does underwater. In the case of a black wetsuit, it will still look black.

Are sharks attracted to colored wetsuits?

There are a lot of theories floating around online and also being verbally passed down by veteran scuba divers who have had their own unique experiences with sharks.

Currently, there is no clear link regarding a specific wetsuit color attracting sharks. There is intense debate about the color yellow standing out in particular to sharks, to the point that it’s even jokingly referred to as “yum yum yellow”, but it has not been shown to be demonstrably true by researchers.

We know that sharks can see color, however the theory is that sharks are noticing the contrast in colors. So if you don’t want a curious shark getting uncomfortably close to you, perhaps keep your scuba equipment all in one color.

To alleviate concerns about color, keep in mind that sharks have other senses they rely on, particularly smell. Surely you’ve heard that a shark can smell blood from around a quarter of a mile away, so perhaps your concern should be whether you’re bleeding or not. But as this video shows, even that might not be a problem.

Sharks are mostly attracted to fish blood. Humans are not their usual prey, which is why shark attacks are so rare. The belief is that whenever a shark attacks a human, it’s because they confused us for a fish. Once they realize their mistake, they swim away. Unfortunately, even a single bite can be fatal, but the point is it’s extremely unlikely to occur.

Are there advantages to wearing colored wetsuits?

Definitely, yes. The primary benefit of a colorful wetsuit is increased visibility, both at the surface and underwater.

If you get lost or separated from your group, you are more likely to be spotted if you’re wearing a colorful wetsuit. This also applies to rescuers who are trying to find you, or boats if you’re in an area with boat traffic or a boat is trying to pick you up.

Keep in mind that your wetsuit will lose colors depending on how deep you’re at, so remind your dive buddy that you might not look the same 100 ft underwater.

That aside, there aren’t any cons to wearing a colored wetsuit, unless you consider making a fashion blunder a huge mistake depending on how garish the design is. There is also the minor downside of colored wetsuits getting dirtier faster. Overall, it’s almost entirely upside.

Parting words

Now you know why most wetsuits are black. No, there isn’t any conspiracy, nor is everybody in on a joke. Black wetsuits are just the most practical from an economic standpoint, and it gets the job done. The color black also pairs well with any other color, so you can perhaps make your regulator or dive watch a statement piece by getting one that has a vibrant color.

Instead of worrying about a wetsuit’s color, why not focus instead on whether it’s able to keep you warm and comfortable in the cold water? Consider the wetsuit thickness and how easy it is to don and doff rather than if it has a cool color design.

Whatever color your wetsuit is, as long as you can stay safe and enjoy your dive, that’s the most important consideration. Plus, at deep depths you’re likely to lose most of the color anyways, so why bother? Black wetsuits are fine just the way they are, and have been around for over 70 years and counting. Black has proven itself to be iconic and it will be hard to change that.

How Tight Should A Rash Guard Fit?

Rash guards, rashies, or rash vests were primarily used by surfers to protect their skin from rubbing against their surfboard. Nowadays, they are used in a variety of water sports, including open water swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It’s even worn for martial arts such as BJJ. Rash guards can have a loose or tight fit. A common question that these athletes have is how tight a rash guard should be?

For most cases, rash guards should have a tight fit on your body. A tight fit produces less drag and reduces the chance of the rash guard getting caught on something. With that said, a rash guard should not be so tight that it feels constricting. It also should not restrict your movement in any way. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to find the perfect rash guard fit, as well as discuss the advantages of wearing a rash guard.

What’s the right fit for you?

With how versatile rash vests are, it’s difficult for us to make a blanket statement like “tight rash guards are best” or “loose-fitting ones are better.” It ultimately depends on what you intend to use it for as well as personal preference.

As we mentioned, rash guards were originally designed for surfers to protect their chest from the rough grip of the surfboard. If you’re a surfer, as long as the rash guard is comfortable and protects your skin from the board, it doesn’t matter what kind of fit you have.

In sports where performance is king, rash guards should have a skin-tight fit, almost like a second skin. If a rash guard is loose, it increases drag underwater and wind resistance at the surface. It’s also a hazard because it’s easy for the loose material to snag on something or to get pulled.

There are some rare instances where a loose fit would be preferred. For instance, dinghy sailors will want to wear a loose-fitting rashie over their buoyancy aid and other layers. The rash vest in this case won’t feel very loose once it’s put over multiple layers. This reduces the overall windage and prevents the other gear from snagging against the boat.

With that said, in most cases getting a form-fitting rash guard is the most versatile option. If you’re not aware, most rash guards are not designed to keep you warm. However, if you were to wear a rash guard under a wetsuit, then it can provide an extra layer of insulation so that you can stay warmer underwater. A loose rash guard could not be worn under a wetsuit.

As you can see, both the loose and clingy fit has their own benefits which give you a different experience. However, if you know what you’re going to use it for, then that may help you decide which of the two types you need. If you’re still unsure of which type is better for your sport, then it might be a good idea to learn a bit more about rash guards in general and how they can affect your performance.

What you should know about rash guards

As the name literally states, rash guards help protect the wearer from rashes. However, that’s selling the product short. Rash guards can also guard against chafing and the sun’s harsh UV rays. And even though most rashies don’t offer much in terms of insulation, some rash vests made of neoprene do offer some insulation from the cold weather and water, though not as much as a wetsuit.

Depending on the color of the rash vest, it can also help boaters spot you more easily in the water which reduces the chances of a collision. Rashies are often worn by surfers who want to prevent chafing against the board and sand. Swimmers can use them for sun protection. Divers can use them for extra insulation and to prevent skin chafing in the wetsuit. If you intend to wear a rash vest under a wetsuit, then it must have a tight fit.

Here are some of the benefits provided by rash guards:

Sun protection thanks to their high UPF rating (50+). Prevent sunburns and skin damage from occurring. Helps you save on using reef-friendly sunscreen.
External protection against rashes, chafing, irritation, and jellyfish stings.
Offers chafing protection when worn under a wetsuit.
Can be used as an extra layer of insulation when worn under a wetsuit.
Offers most of the same benefits as a wetsuit (minus the insulation/buoyancy) making it ideal for tropical weather when a wetsuit would be too hot
If wearing a thermal/neoprene rash guard, then it does offer some insulation as well.
Provides modesty and can cover up your swimsuit.
Bright colors help you get spotted easily.
Can be worn by anyone.

Style and comfort

As you begin your search for a rash guard, you will find there are many options to choose from other than just tight and loose-fitting. You’ll also have to consider long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or tank top rash guards. There are also male, female, and unisex rash guards.

Obviously, long-sleeved rash guards cover the most amount of skin and therefore provide the greatest amount of protection. With that said, most rash vests come in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. Regardless of which type you get, remember that rash guards don’t offer much in the form of insulation, unless you are wearing a thermal or neoprene rash guard.

Even though there are unisex rash guards, in our opinion it’s just terrible for both men and women. Just look for rashies designed specifically for males or females. The shape of these rashies will fit much better, allowing for a tight fit that is also comfortable. For instance, women’s rashies will have more space in the bust area with narrower shoulders, and men’s will have much broader shoulders.

Rash guards are also available in various colors and prints so that you can get one that best displays your personality and style. You can also go the utilitarian route and just get an extremely bright rash guard for maximum visibility in the water. If you’re really savvy, you can get the best of both worlds – maximum style and comfort in one rash guard.

We recommend getting a long-sleeved tight fit rash guard because it offers the greatest sun and skin protection. Short-sleeved rash guards can keep your arms slightly cooler. If you are doing a sport where there is lots of arm movement, such as surfing or swimming, then you want a form-fitting sleeved rashie to protect your underarms from chafing.

Stitching

Another consideration is how the rash guard’s seams have been stitched. For active water sports such as swimming and surfing, you’ll want a rash guard with flat seams. A tight-fitting rash guard will hug the skin so a raised seam construction would be uncomfortable. Raised seams will chafe the skin which goes against the purpose of wearing a rash guard.

The optimal rash guard will have flat-locked seams, which means that the seam is flat on both sides. This seam is the most stretchy and looks stylish due to both sides showing the seam thread. Flat-locked seams reduce the chances of chafing and are necessary for a tight fit.

Are rash guards better than t-shirts?

I know what you’re thinking. Rash guards? Tight fit? Loose fit? Why not just wear a t-shirt instead?

The main problem with wearing a t-shirt is that the fabric absorbs too much water. Ever get caught in the rain without an umbrella and end up completely soaked? Do you remember how heavy your shirt got? If you’re going to be surfing and you wear a t-shirt, you’re just wasting a bunch of energy carrying around the excess water your shirt soaked up.

While we’re talking about fabric, the material used in a rash guard is designed for water. Rash guards don’t stretch out as quickly and are more durable. Furthermore, they are moisture wicking, meaning water doesn’t really get absorbed and the rash guard will dry rapidly. This keeps you light and unencumbered while preventing bacteria build-up.

Rash guards also offer much more protection than t-shirts. For instance, you might think that t-shirts offer you some form of UV protection. Not so, the UV rays will penetrate through the t-shirt and still damage your skin. You specifically need clothing with a UPF rating, which most rash guards have.

Additionally, t-shirts also tend to trap air and balloon out in the water, making it difficult to move around in. A form-fitting rash guard preserves your range of motion. There’s a reason why it’s often called a second skin. A properly-fitting rash guard feels comfortable and you’d hardly even notice it’s there. You really can’t compare a t-shirt to a rash guard.

Rash guards vs. swim shirts

This comparison is more apt because swim shirts are designed to be worn in the water. As such, swim shirts and rash guards sometimes get mixed up. After all, rash guards also come in a short-sleeved version, which is functionally very similar to a swim shirt; both garments have chafe-free seams and offer sun protection.

However, swim shirts tend to fit more like regular clothing that just happens to provide you with UPF 50 protection due to its loose fit. This creates more drag while surfing, however it may be more comfortable to wear out of the water.

With that said, depending on the quality of the rashie, it can have significantly more features than a swim shirt, such as:

High collar for additional sun protection around the neck.
Pockets.
Zippers.
Thumb holes for long-sleeves which keeps the sleeves in place.
Silicone waistbands to reduce sliding.
Elastic bands sewn into the hem to keep the shirt from riding up.
Boardshort fasteners.

If you’re serious about water sports and want maximum performance, you should go with a rash guard. If you’re casual and want a very loose, comfortable fit, then go with a swim shirt.

How to Wash, Dry, and Care For Your Wetsuit

If you’ve finally upgraded from renting wetsuits to having one of your own, now you have to worry about how to take care of it. That means knowing how to clean it, dry it, and store it for the offseason. As durable as the neoprene material is, you still have to know how to maintain it so it can last as long as possible.

Taking care of a wetsuit is a bit like taking care of delicate clothing. You wouldn’t toss a sensitive or expensive garment into the washing machine and then into the drying machine afterwards. That’s a surefire way to ruin your wetsuit. Instead, a wetsuit will retain its shape and durability best when you hand wash it with fresh, cold water. Afterwards, you should squeeze out the water and hang it on a padded wetsuit hanger.

Knowing how to properly maintain your wetsuit will ensure it is always prepped and ready to be worn out to the ocean or lake at a moment’s notice. Few things are worse than finding out that your wetsuit is smelly and has mildew growth on the day you plan on wearing it. A wetsuit well taken care of will last longer, ensuring you don’t have to spend money on a new suit for a while. In this article, we’ll go over the various ways you can make your wetsuit last through all of your epic adventures over the years.

What will quickly ruin a wetsuit

sun harm wetsuits — The sun’s UV rays can damage a wetsuit.

Nothing lasts forever; everything will undergo the effects of wear and tear. This isn’t the same as breaking-in a wetsuit, where the wetsuit starts to conform to the shape of your body. There are some factors that can drastically decrease your wetsuit’s lifespan which you should avoid.

As tough as the neoprene material is that wetsuits are made of, neglect and abuse will cause it to deteriorate at a fast pace. In this section, we’ll discuss how you can make your wetsuit last longer.

Many people make the mistake of drying their wetsuit in direct sunlight. It seems to make sense at first; the sun’s warmth will speed up the drying process so you can wear the wetsuit again in a few hours. Unfortunately, it comes with the downside of weakening the neoprene. In fact, heat in general will damage neoprene, which is also why you can’t put it in a dryer.

While you can wear a wetsuit when you’re in the water for protection from the sun’s UV rays, if you leave a wetsuit in direct sunlight for several hours, it will only serve to damage it. Instead, you should be hanging your wetsuit in a cool, shaded location that is well-ventilated.

Another common enemy of wetsuits are salt, minerals, and bacteria from the ocean that will crystallize in your wetsuit if they aren’t rinsed off. Once crystallized, they can scratch your wetsuit or cause it to be very irritating to the skin when worn. Just like any other equipment you bring with you into the water, a wetsuit must be thoroughly rinsed afterwards to prevent this. The bacteria in the water can also cause mildew growth, making your wetsuit slimy and smelly.

Improperly storing a wetsuit is another cause in its rapid deterioration. Neoprene must also be carefully stored, otherwise it can compromise its shape and structure. Scrunching it up will leave wrinkles, deformations, and possible damage if heavy equipment is placed on top of it.

Lastly, you have to be careful about what products you use to clean your wetsuit. You can make do by simply rinsing with water. However, if your wetsuit starts to get a bit smelly (from sweat, bacteria, or from peeing in it), you need to make sure you are using a wetsuit cleaner that doesn’t have harmful chemicals that can break down the neoprene. You can also consider using some homemade natural DIY cleaners.

Depending on the quality of the wetsuit, as well as how diligent you were at caring for it, a wetsuit can last as long as 4 to 10 years, possibly even more depending on how often you use it and how careful you are.

Maintaining your wetsuit in the water

As part of wetsuit care, you should also know how to take care of it when you’re actually in the water. You should always be cognizant of your surroundings, particularly of any sharp rocks, coral, or jagged surfaces that can pierce through your wetsuit and graze you.

This is unlikely to happen unless you’re breaking some rules, but aquatic life with teeth, claws, or stingers can also damage your wetsuit and hurt you. It’s for this reason that you should maintain a distance of at least a few meters from marine life, especially if it’s an endangered species. In some areas, it may actually be a mandatory rule that is punishable with severe fines if you don’t follow it.

Generally, if you just follow common sense and follow recommended practices to stay safe in the water, then your wetsuit should also be safe as well.

How to wash a wetsuit

Cleaning your wetsuit is a manual, hands-on process. Throwing the wetsuit into a washing machine is a great way to ruin it. As soon as you are out of the water, you need to rinse the wetsuit with fresh water to get rid of the sand, salt, and debris. Even if you were diving in freshwater, you need to rinse it to get rid of invasive micro-species that can attach to wet gear.

Getting rid of the saltwater prevents it from crystallizing into sharp crystals. Salt is also an irritant and can give you rashes. Salt will also degrade the performance of the wetsuit’s zip and the elasticity of the neoprene. The water must not be hot because the heat can similarly break down the neoprene.

You do not need to use a wetsuit cleaner every time, but it’s probably a good idea to clean it whenever your wetsuit starts to smell or when you can’t remember the last time you gave it a good clean. The product you use must specifically be a wetsuit shampoo because it contains neoprene-friendly ingredients. Other washing liquid or detergents have harsher chemicals not suitable for cleaning a wetsuit.

If you don’t have any wetsuit shampoo on hand, you can also go with the homemade solution/DIY route. One way is to make a mild solution with baking soda and cold water. Another method is to mix a few cups of distilled white vinegar with water and 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice.

Cleaning the wetsuit is best done in a bathtub, but a large container also works. After rinsing the wetsuit, fill the container with water and add the cleaning solution of your choice. Gently knead the wetsuit in the container until the mixture has reached all areas of the wetsuit, particularly the armpit and crotch areas. Leave it to soak in the solution for 20 to 30 minutes.

While soaking, take this time to do a thorough clean of the Velcro patches and zipper. Take a toothbrush and scrub the Velcro patches and along the zipper. Slide the zipper up and down to loosen up any dirt that might still be lodged in.

Once the suit is done soaking, it’s time to rinse the suit one last time. If you’re really a stickler for cleanliness, you can turn the suit inside out and soak it for another 20 to 30 minutes. At the very least, do a visual inspection for any stubborn dirt or debris that you might have missed if you decide soaking it once is enough.

How to dry a wetsuit

Believe it or not, if you’re not careful with how you dry your wetsuit, you can just easily ruin it even though you worked so hard to wash it. After washing your wetsuit and before hanging it up somewhere, you need to squeeze the excess water out of the wetsuit. Since wetsuits are delicate, you have to be careful about how you do this.

Do not squeeze the wetsuit the way you would squeeze a towel. Any twisting motion can damage the wetsuit. Instead, put your hands into a prayer-like pose and press the wetsuit between your hands to safely squeeze it without twisting it. You can also place your wetsuit flat between two towels and gently step on it to squeeze out the water in that area.

If you don’t squeeze out the water, the wetsuit will take a long time to dry. During this time, there is a possibility of mildew growing on the damp material. When drying it, turn it inside out so that the inside can dry first. The inside gets priority because it’s more comfortable and easier to wear a semi-dry wetsuit if the inside is completely dry and the outside is damp.

When hanging the wetsuit, hang it somewhere cool and well-ventilated away from the sun. The sun’s harsh UV rays will make the neoprene material brittle. A good location is in the bathroom. You cannot use the regular racks that you use to hang your other clothes. A wetsuit hanger is much thicker and padded, similar to a hanger used to hang a suit jacket.

A thin hanger will damage a suit because the amount of pressure the wire puts on the neoprene can cause it to deform or crease. Wetsuits can get really heavy when they are damp, so this is a no-go. When using a thick hanger, the general rule is to fold the wetsuit in half to hang. Others hang the wetsuit by the shoulders. As long as the neoprene doesn’t get creased or damaged, then do it however you like.

Repairing your wetsuit

Give it one last look over for any damage or spots you missed. It’s better for you to catch a problem now than during vacation time next year when you realize your wetsuit has a giant hole in it or something. Check the seams and check the zip condition.

Any cuts in the neoprene can be sealed up using neoprene cement. Separated seams can also be fixed with neoprene cement. If you know how to blindstitch the seam and seal it with tape and neoprene cement, even better. Stuck zips should be lubricated.

How to store your wetsuit

You’ve come so far now, you don’t want to screw this up at the final hurdle. Improperly putting your wetsuit away for long-term storage can cause it to permanently crease, roll, or fold in a way that it fails to properly conform to the shape of your body in the future. No bueno. Here’s how to do it correctly.

We’re starting to sound like a broken record here, but neoprene can easily be crushed and creased if it’s not stored properly either. This can affect the wetsuit’s insulating capabilities, so it’s best to keep it in tip-top shape. Wetsuits should be stored on a wide hanger or laid completely flat in a location away from direct sunlight. Avoid warm areas where the high temperature can degrade the neoprene’s thermal properties.

Do not place any heavy objects on the wetsuit. If space is limited, make sure the wetsuit is stored on top of everything else.

How to maintain wetsuit gloves, booties, and hoods

Wetsuit gloves, booties, and hoods, being also made of neoprene, can be washed and dried in a similar way. After a dive, rinse them to remove any dirt, minerals, and salt. Soak these wetsuit accessories in a similar solution to what you used for the wetsuit. Knead them gently, and scrub off any stubborn dirt. Turn them inside out and continue scrubbing and soaking.

To dry, first squeeze out the excess water and then place each item in separate mesh bags in a well-ventilated area away from the sun. You can also just lay these accessories flat on the floor or a table if you plan on using them the next day.

Parting words

Wetsuits are highly versatile pieces of gear used in many water sports, and if you take good care of them, then they can last a long time. In the same way that renting a wetsuit can begin to cost a lot if you do it frequently, there’s no need to replace a perfectly good wetsuit each year if you know how to take good care of it.

Whether you’re snorkeling, surfing, or scuba diving, a wetsuit is an important piece of gear that you need to protect, and in turn, they’ll protect you back!