When preparing for a scuba diving adventure, one of the most commonly asked questions is: What should I wear under my wetsuit? While it might seem minor, the right undergarments can significantly impact your comfort, warmth, and diving experience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, understanding what to wear under a wetsuit can make a big difference.

Understanding the Purpose of a Wetsuit for Scuba Diving

Before diving into what to wear underneath, it’s important to understand the function of a wetsuit. A wetsuit is designed to trap a thin layer of water between your body and the suit, which your body then warms up to create insulation. This helps maintain body temperature and protects against cold water, abrasions, and marine life encounters. Given this, what you wear underneath should complement the wetsuit’s function, not hinder it. Factors to Consider When Choosing What to Wear Under a Wetsuit;

1. Water Temperature: The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in determining what to wear under a wetsuit for Scuba Diving. Colder waters require additional insulation, while minimal layers may suffice in warmer climates.
2. Comfort & Mobility: Tight or restrictive undergarments can affect movement and overall comfort during the dive.
3. Chafing & Protection: Some materials help reduce friction between the skin and wetsuit, preventing irritation and rashes.
4. Hygiene & Modesty: Wearing something under your wetsuit can enhance hygiene, especially if you’re renting a wetsuit, and can provide additional coverage for personal comfort.

What to Wear Under a Wetsuit for Scuba Diving

1. For Warm Water Diving (Above 24°C/75°F)

In warm water, the main focus is comfort and protection from chafing. Recommended options include:

• Swimsuit or Swim Trunks:
  • For women, a one-piece swimsuit works well as it stays in place under the wetsuit.
  • For men, snug-fitting swim trunks or board shorts can provide comfort without bunching up.
• Rash Guard and Swim Shorts:
  • A lightweight rash guard helps prevent chafing and offers sun protection when not wearing the wetsuit for scuba diving.
  • Swim shorts or compression shorts provide a barrier between the wetsuit and skin, reducing friction.
• Dive Skins:
  • Thin lycra or spandex dive skins add a layer of protection without significantly increasing warmth.

2. For Temperate Water Diving (16°C – 24°C / 60°F – 75°F)

In moderate temperatures, additional insulation may be needed:

• Thermal Rash Guards:
  • Made from neoprene or fleece-lined material, thermal rash guards provide extra warmth while remaining lightweight.
• Shorty or Sleeveless Wetsuit:
  • A thin 1-2mm shorty wetsuit or a neoprene vest adds insulation and works well as a base layer.
• Polypropylene or Fleece-Lined Leggings:
  • These provide warmth without bulk, keeping the body warm even in cooler temperatures.

3. For Cold Water Diving (Below 16°C / 60°F)

Cold-water diving requires more insulation to prevent heat loss:

• Full-Body Dive Skins:
  • Worn under a wetsuit, these help with warmth and make it easier to slip into the wetsuit.
• Neoprene or Thermal Layers:
  • A 3mm neoprene vest and neoprene shorts provide extra warmth.
  • Some divers prefer full thermal undergarments specifically designed for wetsuits.
• Dry Suit Undergarments (for Extremely Cold Water):
  • If diving in near-freezing waters, wearing a dry suit with thick undergarments such as merino wool or fleece-lined layers is necessary.

Choosing the Right Material for Under Wetsuit Wear

The choice of material is just as important as the type of clothing. Some of the best materials include:

• Lycra/Spandex: Lightweight, flexible, and dries quickly. Ideal for warm-water diving.
• Neoprene: Provides thermal insulation and is commonly used in wetsuit layering.
• Polypropylene: Retains heat and wicks moisture away from the skin.
• Fleece-Lined Materials: Used in thermal rash guards and leggings for additional warmth.

Additional Considerations When Dressing for a Dive

• Avoid Cotton: Cotton absorbs water, making it heavy and uncomfortable. It also reduces insulation properties.
• Ensure a Snug Fit: Loose-fitting clothing can bunch up under a wetsuit for Scuba Diving, leading to discomfort and loss of insulation.
• Opt for Seamless or Flat-Seam Designs: This minimizes irritation from seams pressing against the skin.
• Consider Personal Preferences: Some divers prefer a minimalist approach, while others feel more comfortable with added layers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing what to wear under a wetsuit for Scuba Diving depends on the water temperature, comfort level, and personal preference. A simple swimsuit or rash guard may suffice in warm waters, while in colder waters, thermal layers and neoprene vests provide necessary insulation. Selecting the right materials and ensuring a good fit will enhance your diving experience, making each dive more enjoyable and comfortable. Whether you’re a recreational diver or an experienced professional, having the right undergarments can significantly affect your overall comfort and performance.