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“What should I wear under a wetsuit?” is a common question for anyone who’s new to wearing wetsuits. Any experienced diver or surfer can tell you that there really isn’t specific attire to be worn under a wetsuit – You just wear what’s most comfortable according to the situation.
However, it helps to know the pros and cons of each specific garment you can wear under a wetsuit so that you can decide what works best for you.
Contents
What Should I Wear Under a Wetsuit?
Whether you’re a man or a woman, the best thing you should wear under a wetsuit is a pair of diving shorts to reduce chafing. Women can also wear a bikini top to support their breasts, since not all wetsuits come with additional padding in the chest area. In cold climates, a full-body jumpsuit or rash guard will help keep you warm.
Men also tend to wear standard board shorts under their wetsuits. Boardshorts are often worn due to convenience rather than for comfort. However, because boardshorts are loose-fitting, they can easily bunch up inside your wetsuit and cause further chafing.
The Best Garments to Wear Under a Wetsuit
Some people wonder why regular underwear isn’t preferred. This is because any clothes you wear under a wetsuit will get wet. Wearing a wetsuit will not stop water from getting your clothes or body wet.
So, if you decide to wear underwear under your wetsuit, they will get soaked and stay soaked. This can most likely cause a rash in your private areas and will be very irritating.
To help you better understand which attire is best for you to wear under a wetsuit, we’ve put together a list of the best garments that can be worn under a wetsuit.
Diving Shorts
Diving shorts are similar in design to bicycle shorts, though with material more suitable for water activities. These shorts work for both men and women because they fit close to the body which allows the wetsuit to slip on easier.
They are also better due to the length. Diving shorts stop right above the knee. This prevents the wetsuit from rubbing against your inner thighs, which can cause chafing.
Rash Guard
A rash guard is usually paired with diving shorts to give you a semi full-body suit. Rash guards can protect your neck and armpits from chafing while wearing a wetsuit. They are also a good option when diving in low-temperature weather or deep water.
One-piece Swimsuit
This is a good idea if you will be wearing a wetsuit to surf or another water activity that makes you move a lot. A one-piece swimsuit can give you more movement in your arms and legs under a wetsuit. You won’t have any tight-fitting clothes restricting your arms or legs.
Thin Jumpsuit
Deep-sea divers often wear a thinner jumpsuit to swim in cold water. A thin wetsuit is typically 1 millimeter thick, and it gives you full-body protection under a wetsuit. Because it is so thin, you can wear it as ad additional layer underneath a thicker wetsuit.
Garments to Wear Under Wetsuits
| Attire | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Attire 1 | Diving shorts |
| Attire 2 | Bikini top |
| Attire 3 | Rash guard |
| Attire 4 | One-piece swimsuit |
| Attire 5 | Thin jumpsuit |
Do I Have to Wear Anything Under a Wetsuit?
No, you do not have to wear anything under your wetsuit, however, there are consequences that come along with not wearing anything. This is why most people who wear wetsuits wear garments underneath.
These are some of the reasons why you would need to wear something under a wetsuit:
Comfort
The inside of a wetsuit is not smooth against your skin. This means that moving a lot in your wetsuit can cause it to rub against your skin and cause chafing in sensitive areas such as the inner thighs, armpits, neck, stomach, chest, and behind your knees.
Wearing clothes underneath your wetsuit can add a barrier between your skin and the inside of the wetsuit.
Convenience
A wetsuit takes time to pull on and off. This is especially made difficult when you have nothing underneath the wetsuit to allow it to slip on smoothly. Diving shorts or full-body jumpsuits can help you easily slip your wetsuit over your legs and thighs which is the toughest area to get the wetsuit over.
Not only this, sometimes you will have to get your wetsuit on while on a boat or dock. This means you won’t have many private places where you can get fully undressed.
Hygiene
To keep your wetsuit as clean as possible, it’s best to at least have something to cover your genitals. People also tend to borrow or rent wetsuits when going scuba diving. For this reason, you should always wear undergarments to protect yourself, as well as others who may wear that wetsuit after you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear a Bra Under a Wetsuit?
Yes, you can wear a bra under a wetsuit to support your breasts. However, this depends on the type of garment you have decided to wear under the wetsuit.
For instance, if you are wearing a swimsuit under the wetsuit, there is a high chance that the swimsuit comes with a built-in bra.
What Is the Difference Between a Wetsuit and a Swimsuit?
The main difference between a wetsuit and a swimsuit is the coverage. Most swimsuits, like bikinis, are designed to reveal curves and offer minimal coverage.
On the other hand, wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and usually cover the entire body.
Which Material Makes Wetsuits?
Most wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is a type of rubber. The wetsuit is designed to trap a thin layer of water between this rubber and your skin, insulating your body from the outside cold.
Although the thickness of the neoprene material varies across wetsuits, it’s generally thicker than the fabric in swimsuits.
Conclusion
There are many garments made specifically to wear under wetsuits. A quick search will give you several options to choose from. Although, if you choose to wear nothing under a wetsuit, well, that’s entirely up to you.
