Wetsuits for scuba diving come in a range of thicknesses, lengths and styles. The type of wetsuit that will best suit your needs depends on the temperature and conditions in which you dive most often. Wetsuits keep you warm by trapping a layer of water near your body. Your body heats this water naturally. The thicker the wetsuit, the more insulation it will provide between you and the colder water outside the wetsuit. If you dive in widely varied conditions, buy a wetsuit that will keep you warm in the coldest conditions. Keep in mind that neoprene becomes compressed at greater depths and begins to offer less warmth. For deeper diving, look for thicker wetsuits. Wetsuit thicknesses are typically expressed in millimeters.
Warm Water
For warm water diving in regions such as the Caribbean, where water temperatures often reach 85 degrees F, look for thin wetsuits or dive skins. Wetsuits with thicknesses as minimal as ½ mm should provide plenty of protection. Look for a “shortie” wetsuit with short sleeves and leg coverage to the knees.
Moderately Warm Water
In area where temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees F such as the Mediterranean, the Northern Great Barrier Reef and the coasts of Florida, Texas and Hawaii, look for shortie or 3/4 wetsuits with a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. A 3/4 wetsuit has short sleeves and leg coverage to the ankles. For longer dives, deeper dives or dives during colder times of year, consider a full wetsuit with a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Full wetsuits have long sleeves and leg coverage to the ankles. Consider wearing booties and gloves for added protection.
Temperate Water
The Red Sea, the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Southern Great Barrier Reef offer temperate conditions with water temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F. For diving in these conditions, look for a full wetsuit with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm. For longer dives, deeper dives or diving in colder times of year, consider adding a hooded vest. Wear booties and gloves as well for added protection.
Cold Water
For diving on the Northern Atlantic coast of the U.S., the Pacific coast of the U.S. or in cold lakes, you’ll need added protection. Temperatures in these areas can range from 45 to 60 degrees F. You’ll need a full wetsuit with a thickness of 6 to 7 mm as well as booties, gloves and a hooded vest. Many divers prefer to dive with drysuits in water temperatures below 60 degrees F.
Member Comments