Do Wetsuits Keep You Dry? Exploring Wet and Dry Suits for Water Activities

Have you ever found yourself confused between choosing a wetsuit and a drysuit for your water adventures? Let us help you. It all comes down to the type of water, the temperature and your personal comfort. Wetsuits are great companions in tropical and temperate climates. However, if you’re planning to dive in colder waters, you might want to try on a drysuit.

Understanding the Concepts of Wetsuits and Drysuits

What’s the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit? Simply put, a wetsuit keeps you warm but not dry while a drysuit does both.

Think of a wetsuit as a cozy rash vest. It will wrap around your body, trapping a layer of water which your body heats up to create a warm blanket. A drysuit, on the other hand, is your full-blown winter coat. It keeps you insulated from the water, retaining your body’s heat, and most importantly, keeping you dry.

What Is a Wetsuit?

Unlike a drysuit, a wetsuit doesn’t keep you dry. Instead, it traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body warms this water, which then retains your body’s heat. A wetsuit is like a second skin, wrapping your body with warmth, even though technically, you’re wet. Wetsuits are designed from neoprene, a semi-permeable, flexible and hard-wearing material. The magic of a wetsuit lies in the thickness of the neoprene, which acts as a thermal barrier and prevents heat loss.

Wetsuits come in different styles: full-body wetsuits that cover the arms, legs, and torso; ‘shorty’ wetsuits or ‘spring suits’ that cover the torso, thighs, and upper arms; Short John wetsuits covering the torso and thighs; and long John wetsuits covering the torso and legs.

What Is a Drysuit?

Unlike a wetsuit, a drysuit keeps you both warm and dry. It doesn’t trap water against your body but insulates you from it, keeping the water at bay. These protective gear are waterproof shells that protect you from the cold water while keeping you dry.

A wetsuit is cheaper, but a drysuit will protect you against the cold while keeping you comfortable. It all boils down to your preference. If you’re a diver intending to venture into extremely cold waters, a drysuit is your trusted ally. For less frigid environments, a wetsuit would suffice.

Material & Construction of Wet and Dry Suits

The wetsuit and a drysuit might have different qualities but the same purpose – safeguarding you in water. The wetsuit is made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber material that’s stretchy and durable. The drysuit, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of materials such as neoprene, vulcanized rubber, or heavy-duty nylon. The construction of the suit depends on the material used and the intended use of the suit.

The thickness of the neoprene in a wetsuit decides its insulation capacity. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer the suit. Drysuits, don’t rely on thickness for insulation. Instead, they prevent water from reaching your body, thereby keeping you dry and warm. 

Wetsuit vs Drysuit: A Detailed Comparison

The choice between a wetsuit or a drysuit could be rather difficult, it’s a big decision to make.

Thermal Insulation Features of Wet and Dry Suits

If you’re planning on diving in warmer waters, a wetsuit is the correct choice. It’s made up of foam neoprene that contains gas bubbles trapped within the material. Those gas bubbles act as an insulation layer, keeping you snug and warm. However, they don’t offer much thermal protection in colder waters.

If you’re planning to go diving at sub-zero temperatures – below 10ºC/50ºF – a drysuit is the way to go. It protects you by using a thin layer of air to keep you warm.

Mobility Offered by Wet and Dry Suits

Wetsuits offer more mobility. They are perfect for when you are surfing or wakeboarding in warmer waters.

On the other hand, a drysuit is not as form-fitting, but the extra space means more insulation in those colder waters. It may be a bit bulkier, but it’s the real deal if you are ice diving.

Lifespan and Maintenance of Wet and Dry Suits

Wetsuits are sturdy and can last quite a few years. Washing them with fresh water and letting them dry naturally does the trick.

Drysuits need a bit more maintenance and care, like regular checks for leaks and proper storage. Drysuits come with components like waterproof zippers and wrist gaskets, that need to be treated with care, but with proper attention, they can last for a pretty long time too.

Cost Analysis: Wet vs Dry Suits

Shopping for a wetsuit or a drysuit could be quite tricky. A basic wetsuit can be quite affordable, especially when you compare it to a drysuit.

A drysuit, on the other hand, is more of a luxury. It comes with high-tech features like a relief zipper and better thermal protection. So, while it might set you back a few more bucks, it’s the top choice if you’re heading into colder waters.

Functions and Applications of Dry Suits

Dry suits are a game changer in the world of water activities, especially when the temperature drops below the comfort zone. They are designed to keep us warm even when the water’s frigid. Perfect for colder waters, below 10ºC or 50ºF. Places where ice diving is a thing, like Silfra, a dry suit is a must.

Components of a Drysuit: Dry Socks and Relief Zipper

A dry suit is not your typical life jacket. They keep the cold water out and also provide comfort. Each part is there for a reason, like the dry socks and relief zipper. If you want one that fits right, you might need to pay more but it will be worth it. A good fit maximizes the suit’s performance and makes moving around easier.

Care and Maintenance of a Drysuit

A dry suit needs proper care. You have to clean it after each paddling session, get a hold of a good spray-on waterproofing solution, and don’t forget zipper lubrication and gasket treatment.

If not maintained properly, a dry suit can end up in a sorry state. Unlike wetsuits, they need some TLC. The seals and zippers are delicate and need extra attention.

Insight Into Wetsuits

Wetsuits are made from waterproof neoprene, these suits are perfect for water-based activities like scuba diving. Neoprene is a kind of rubber filled with tiny nitrogen bubbles. It’s the reason why a wetsuit can keep you warm in the water.

Wetsuits cannot keep you dry. Instead, they use a thin layer of water as insulation. You might feel a sudden chill when you first jump in the water, but your body will quickly heat up the water trapped between the suit and your skin. It’s like a personal heater, right against your skin.

When to Use a Wetsuit and Associated Advantages

Choose a wetsuit if the weather’s warm and the water’s above 20°C or 70°F. They’re quite a marvel when it comes to warm weather water sports, providing just enough warmth and protection without increasing the risk of overheating.

A wetsuit does have some drawbacks. If it’s not a tight fitting one, more water will flush through your suit, reducing the effect of insulation and making you feel cold quicker. They’re less expensive than drysuits, but sometimes they’re not as durable. Still, with the right care, a wetsuit can be a reliable gear for many a water adventure.

Pros and Cons of Wetsuits

Wetsuits are a lot less bulky than their drysuit counterparts, making them a breeze to move around in. This also means they’re easier to travel with, so if you’re planning to hit various water spots on your vacation, wetsuits might be the way to go.

They come in a slew of styles and thicknesses, giving you plenty of options to pick from. Plus, they’re generally cheaper than drysuits, and you can use them for other water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. However, there are some downsides too. Wetsuits don’t keep you as warm for as long, and they can take a while to dry after a dive.

Versatility of Wet and Dry Suits in Various Water Activities

If you’re wondering which suit to go for, consider where and when you’ll be using it. Wetsuits are pretty popular in tropical and temperate regions, thanks to their versatility and range of thicknesses. But when the temperature plummets below 10ºC/50ºF, drysuits step into the limelight. These suits offer more protection and warmth, making them a must-have in ice diving hotspots like Silfra.

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body warms up this water, creating a thermal barrier that curbs heat loss. The effectiveness of this insulation depends on the thickness of the neoprene in the wetsuit. On the other hand, drysuits keep you dry by providing an outer layer that repels water. You wear clothes under this suit for warmth, making them a better choice in colder waters.

Use in Scuba Diving

Diving with a wetsuit is very different compared to a drysuit. Scuba divers need to learn how to manage the air inside the drysuit, inflate it to avoid squeeze as they descend, and then turn their shoulder or raise their arm to dump air when ascending. If it sounds complicated, PADI offers a Dry Suit Diver course – to help you navigate these differences.

If you go diving in a drysuit, don’t turn upside down, or you might get ‘floaty feet’, it’s an extremely dangerous situation to find yourself in. Trust us, drysuit diving is an art you need to master, and it’s always safer to learn from the experts at your local dive shop.

Kayaking: Wetsuit or Drysuit?

If you’re hitting the waters in your kayak, you’d want to decide between a wetsuit and a drysuit. While a drysuit keeps you dry, a wetsuit’s job is to retain warmth. The neoprene material in the wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, and your body warms up this water. Even though you’re technically wet, the insulation provided by the wetsuit prevents heat loss.

Wetsuits for kayaking come in various styles – full body, springsuits, Short John, and Long John. The choice depends on your personal preference and the water conditions. But regardless of the style, remember to pair them with protective footwear. Rubber socks, boots or socks made of synthetic materials are absolutely essential when you’re out there battling the currents.

Snorkeling: Which Suit Best Suits?

If you’re planning to snorkel, you might be wondering which suit to go for. Drysuits are loose-fitting and have seals at the neck and wrists that keep the water out. You wear clothes under the suit for warmth. The more layers you wear, the warmer you will be. Some scuba diving drysuits, made of neoprene, provide insulation too. But remember, you’re going to be in tropical waters when snorkeling, so you might not need too much insulation. A rash guard might do just fine.

On the flip side, wetsuits are skin-tight. Most of the water that seeps in stays, and your body eventually warms it up to skin temperature. Once that happens, you no longer feel cold. If you’re snorkeling in warmer waters, a standard suit might suffice. However, if you’re going to be under the sun for long, consider a bathing suit or a rash guard. They protect against UV rays, keeping your skin safe.

The Debate on Thermal Clothing: What to Wear Under a Drysuit

A drysuit is not designed just for you to feel cozy and dry. It does need a helping hand from added layers of thermal clothing. The main job of a drysuit is to create a waterproof barrier. But it’s the thermal clothing beneath that helps retain the warmth.

In cold water conditions, even though wetsuits are usually preferred for better maneuverability, sometimes we might opt for drysuits for their waterproof characteristics.

Questioning the Waterproof Nature of Wetsuits and Drysuits

Wetsuits are not designed to keep you completely dry. It’s supposed to let a thin layer of water in. Your body warms this up, creating a layer of insulation. The wetsuit material – neoprene – holds onto that warmth. And, that’s how you stay warm, not dry.

In drysuits however, the air temperature between the suit and your skin acts as insulation and helps retain body heat. So, there’s no questioning the ‘dry’ in the drysuits. They are designed for colder water where the ability to stay dry and warm outweighs mobility.

Examining Specific Brands of Wet and Dry Suits

We got many brands offering drysuits, each with their own unique features. Some offer ankle gaskets, others boast of a waterproof shell or a breathable membrane. It depends on your preference and your budget.

The type of suit you choose also depends on the water temperature. In tropical and temperate destinations a standard, well-built wetsuit will do. For colder waters like those below 10ºC/50ºF, you might want to invest in a drysuit.

Key Features of Gore-Tex Drysuits

Gore-Tex has been in the industry for a while and are known for their durable drysuits. The Gore-Tex drysuits come with some interesting features. One of them is the breathable, waterproof fabric they use. This material not only keeps you dry but also lets out body heat, so you don’t get too sweaty inside.

Their drysuits are quite tough. They’re designed to handle the wear and tear of outdoor water activities. They might be slightly costlier but are worth it in the end.

What Makes the Kokatat Brand Stand Out?

The first thing that sets Kokatat apart is their dedication to serving the needs of women. They are giving a nod to the ladies by offering multiples of different sizes as well as functionalities. Kokatat is the only brand that’s come up with a waterproof drop-seat zipper, specifically for women’s suits.

The second big thing about Kokatat is their quality control. They don’t just take a random sample and test it out. They make sure to test every single suit before it leaves their warehouse.

Hydrus 3L Waterproof/Breathable Drysuits: Are They Worth It?

Hydrus 3L dry suits might not breathe quite as well as a Gore-Tex suit when you are performing heavier actions, but they are the second best in the industry. They are waterproof and breathable which is no small feat for a suit that’s supposed to keep you dry in water.

It’s not just about keeping dry or comfortable, it’s about getting reliable gear that does what it’s supposed to and does it well. And from that perspective, Hydrus 3L drysuits are absolutely worth it.

Unwrapping the Wet and Dry Mystery: Do Wetsuits Keep You Dry?

In a wetsuit, there’s this thin layer of water that gets trapped between your body and the suit. This might sound counterproductive, but that trapped water gets warmed up by your body. The Neoprene material that the wetsuit is made of acts as an insulator and keeps that warm water from going anywhere. So while wetsuits don’t keep you dry, they help you stay warm.

When wearing a wetsuit, it’s common to wear a thin layer under the suit for comfort. The material of wetsuits is not waterproof though, even the best ones. They soak up water. The idea is not to keep you dry, but to create a warm environment inside the suit that conducts heat effectively.