These protective garments may be common to you but when do we usually use a wetsuit and when are drysuits worn?

Wetsuits

Wetsuits may be a triathlon wetsuit or a surfing wetsuit or one that is fit for scuba diving. A wetsuit can also be made of 60% superstretch neoprene to the most flexible 100% superstretch neoprene wetsuit. These wetsuits also have different features that is specifically suits a particular activity. However, whatever is the design and style of the suit, wetsuits are worn to protect the body from the risk of hypothermia.

Wetsuits work by allowing a small amount of water inside the suit, and this will serve as the body’s insulator from the cold. The neoprene material that makes up a wetsuit also helps in keeping the body warm because it contains air pockets that helps keep your body warm.

Wetsuits are made up of a waterproofed material called Neoprene, but because wetsuits work by using a thin layer of water to protect your body warmth, wetsuits do not keep you dry.

A wetsuit is very flexible, as it is made up of a very flexible rubber called neoprene. This protective garment is designed to snugly fit every curve of your body so that it can work properly in protecting you from the cold. Some people may wear clothes underneath a wetsuit but most often, wetsuits are not worn with clothes underneath.

Drysuits

A drysuit on the other hand is a waterproofed equipment that is used to prevent the loss of body heat when you are submerged in the waters. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are baggy and loose fitting. They work differently from wetsuits because they preserve body heat by keeping the body dry. The openings at the neck, arms and legs are sealed so that no amount of water may enter, thus keeping you warm.

A drysuit is designed to be baggy to allow movement through the space underneath your suit because a drysuit is not flexible as a wetsuit. It also allows you to wear more warm garments inside for longer warmth.

Drysuits and wetsuits have the same purpose, and that is protecting you from the cold by preserving your body heat. However, they also differ largely on their flexibility and their fit. With these differences, you may be able to know which of the two best fit to your needs.

Water sports involve a lot of movements and speed. Knowing the differences between a wetsuit and a drysuit for sure will help you identify which one is for what. Especially if you are engaged in a competitive water sport like triathlon, you may find drysuits not suitable as they are baggy and not flexible. In activities like scuba diving, especially when water temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you may however find drysuits suitable.