Since our flagship shops are located in the Midwest, we have a reputation for diving in drysuits that make us look like we’re about to walk on the moon. But we aren't delusional. We know most of our online customers aren't trying to break through the ice in an Illinois quarry in January.
You guys are booking flights to the Caribbean, hitting the tropics, and diving in water that doesn't hurt your face. We respect it. So, let’s take a break from the drysuit talk and dive into the unsung hero of warm-water scuba: the wetsuit.
Here is everything you need to know about how they work, how thick they should be, and why renting a heavily used shop suit is a terrible idea.
How a Wetsuit Actually Works
Despite the name, a wetsuit doesn't keep you dry. That is literally what a drysuit does.
When you jump into the ocean, a wetsuit allows a very thin layer of water to seep inside and sit against your skin. Your body heat quickly warms up that trapped water, and the neoprene insulation of the suit keeps the heat from escaping.
This is why fit is everything. If your wetsuit is too loose, that warm water flushes out every time you kick, replacing it with a fresh rush of cold ocean water. You will end up shivering on an 82-degree dive. Your wetsuit needs to fit like a second skin.
The Thickness Scale Explained
Neoprene thickness is measured in millimeters. The colder the water, the thicker the suit. But let's break down what these numbers actually mean for your dive trip.
The 0.5mm (The Body Paint Suit)
A 0.5mm suit (or a Lycra dive skin) covers your entire body while simultaneously leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. You are basically wearing a superhero costume, and everyone on the boat is going to see every contour you brought with you. Own it. These ultra-thin suits offer almost zero thermal protection, but they are fantastic for protecting you from UV rays, jellyfish stings, and scrape-happy fire coral.
The 3mm (The Tropical King)
This is the undisputed king of Caribbean diving. If the water is between 75 and 85 degrees, a 3mm full suit is exactly what you want. It offers the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility without feeling restrictive.
The 5mm (The Goldilocks Suit)
If you are doing a liveaboard trip where you are diving four times a day, your core temperature is going to drop by the end of the week. The 5mm is the sweet spot. It is perfect for repetitive diving, hitting chilly thermoclines, or exploring places like the cenotes in Mexico.
The 7mm (The Michelin Man)
This is for cold water diving when you flat-out refuse to buy a drysuit. A 7mm suit is thick, heavy, and takes a coordinated dance routine to put on. But if you are diving in California or the Mediterranean, this thick layer of neoprene will keep you warm enough to enjoy the dive.
Shorties vs Full Suits
A "shorty" wetsuit cuts off at the elbows and knees. They are incredibly easy to put on, which makes them popular. However, we almost always recommend a full suit.
Why? Because the ocean is sharp. Wrecks are rusty, reefs are abrasive, and jellyfish don't care if you are hot. A full suit protects your knees and elbows from accidental scrapes and stings. Protect your skin and just buy the full suit.
The Brands We Actually Trust
Not all neoprene is created equal. Cheap wetsuits are stiff, uncomfortable, and compress at depth (meaning they lose their warmth). That is why we only carry brands that actually innovate their materials.
If you want ridiculous stretch and comfort, check out Bare and Henderson. If you want a suit that looks sleek, performs flawlessly, and utilizes eco-friendly materials, Fourth Element is legendary. We also stock top-tier suits from SEAC and other industry leaders to make sure we have a fit for every body type.
Stop Renting and Start Owning
Let's leave you with one final thought. There are two types of divers in the world: those who pee in their wetsuits, and those who lie about it. Stop renting a suit that 400 other people have worn this season.
Hit up Dive Right In Scuba to explore our massive inventory of wetsuits, find your perfect fit, and look ridiculously good on your next tropical vacation.