From their names alone, they drop a hint that drysuits will make you dry and wetsuits do not. But why do we use one instead of the other?

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 preserve the heat of your body when you are exposed to cold temperatures and cold waters. They work by allowing a small amount of water through the openings of the suit. This layer of water will serve then as the body’s shield from the cold temperature outside the wetsuit.

Neoprene, the main material used in the making of wetsuits, is synthetic rubber that is waterproofed, but wetsuits will not keep you dry as it allows water to get into the suit to make it work in preserving your body heat.

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.

Drysuits are not flexible, thus they are designed to be baggy and loose to allow you to move with the space underneath the suit. Drysuits also allow you to wear warm clothing underneath to add more warmth to the body.

Drysuits and wetsuits indeed have the same function and that is, they both protect you from the cold by preserving your body heat. However, they differ on their flexibility and in keeping you dry while you are doing your sport. With these differences, you may be able to know which one is suitable for you.

Water sports require great flexibility, which a drysuit cannot give. Especially that a drysuit is loose fitting and baggy, it would be cumbersome to put on a drysuit when surfing or engaging into triathlon. For sure, it will not give you the speed required for the sport. Drysuits may however be helpful when snorkeling or scuba diving especially when a wetsuit is not giving you enough warmth, or if you plan to stay underwater for long or if temperature is lower than 60 degrees.