Have you ever felt the shock of cold water take your breath away? Have you had to cut a great session short because your fingers went numb? That's where the wetsuit vs. drysuit decision becomes important.

The right open-water swimming suit keeps you warm and comfortable, making for an enjoyable underwater experience. It's the difference between an epic day on the water and a miserable (or potentially dangerous) experience. Think of it as the main gear decision you'll be making for cold-water temperatures.

Wetsuits and drysuits, with their thick layers underneath, solve the same problem: keeping you functioning in cold water environments. However, they each tackle this challenge through completely different approaches. One lets water in (counterintuitively), while the other blocks water from entering the body.

What is the difference between wetsuits and drysuits? Which system works better? 

Wearing a drysuit or a wetsuit depends entirely on your needs. Water temperature, activity intensity, submersion duration, and even heat loss all play an important role.

Our Divers Supply wetsuits vs. drysuits guide cuts through the technical jargon to give you practical advice on which case they can be worn and experience-based advice on selecting between these systems. We'll cover everything from basic principles to real-world performance differences across various water activities.

Drysuits and wetsuits are made for almost any water adventure you wish to undertake, whether it’s deep diving, water sports, charging waves, paddling remote coastlines, or responding to water emergencies. Once you know which is the right gear that matches your needs, you will be able to improve your performance and enjoy every single underwater adventure you choose.

What Are Wetsuits Used For?

Wetsuits are suitable for a wide range of water activities where you expect to get wet. They're made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber material that traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heat warms this water, creating thermal insulation that helps maintain your core temperature while submerged.

Wetsuits are ideal for water activities such as surfing, recreational scuba diving in warmer waters, snorkeling, swimming in cooler waters, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, triathlon swimming legs, and more.

The thickness of a wetsuit (measured in millimeters) determines its thermal protection. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer the suit. Remember that thicker suits reduce your flexibility.

What Is a Drysuit?

Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are designed to keep you completely dry. These suits feature watertight seals at the neck, wrists, and ankles, along with waterproof zippers. Instead of using water as an insulating layer, drysuits create an air barrier between your body and the suit. This layer of air provides excellent insulation, especially in extremely cold water temperatures.

Drysuits are constructed from various materials, including vulcanized rubber, crushed neoprene, trilaminate fabrics, or membrane fabrics. They function as a waterproof shell, with thermal insulation provided by the clothing worn underneath.

What to Wear Under a Drysuit

The beauty of drysuits is the ability to customize your thermal protection since you can choose the suitable undergarments. What you wear depends on water temperature and your activity level:

  • Base layer: Moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool that pull sweat away from your body
  • Mid layer: Fleece or thermal insulation garments for additional warmth
  • Drysuit undergarments: Purpose-designed thermal layers specifically made for drysuits with varying thicknesses
  • Socks: Thick thermal socks or drysuit-specific booties

Many divers wear a "one-piece wonder" or specialized drysuit diving undergarment that provides full-body insulation in a single garment. You can even wear multiple layers for maximum thermal protection from extreme cold.

Are Drysuits Waterproof?

Yes, drysuits are completely waterproof by design. They use several mechanisms to maintain waterproof integrity:

  • Watertight seals: Made from latex, silicone, or neoprene at the neck, wrists, and sometimes ankles
  • Waterproof zippers: Heavy-duty, airtight zippers that prevent water entry
  • Sealed seams: Either bonded, taped, or stitched and sealed to prevent leakage
  • Valves: Many drysuits feature inlet and exhaust valves to control buoyancy and air distribution

While drysuits are designed to be 100% waterproof, they require proper care to maintain their waterproof properties. Small tears, worn seals, or damaged zippers can compromise their integrity.

Do Drysuits Keep You Dry?

When properly maintained and worn correctly, drysuits should keep you completely dry. However, there are a few scenarios where you might experience moisture inside your drysuit:

  • Perspiration: During high-exertion activities, your body sweats, which can't escape through the waterproof material
  • Seal leakage: Improperly fitted or damaged neck and wrist seals can allow small amounts of water to enter
  • Zipper issues: Improperly closed zippers or debris caught in the zipper teeth can cause leaks
  • Tears or punctures: Small damage to the suit material can allow water ingress

Most experienced drysuit users expect minimal dampness from perspiration, but any significant water entry indicates a problem that needs to be fixed.

What Are Drysuits Used For?

Drysuits keep you warm for activities in or around cold water, where staying dry is important for comfort and safety. Their primary uses include:

  • Cold-water scuba diving: Especially in waters below 60°F (15°C)
  • Technical diving: For deep, long-duration dives in cold environments
  • Ice diving: For diving under ice or in extremely cold waters
  • Commercial diving: For professional underwater work
  • Sea kayaking: To prevent hypothermia during extended paddling
  • Whitewater rafting: For guides and participants in cold-water rivers
  • Sailing: In harsh, cold conditions where immersion is possible
  • Swift water rescue: For emergency personnel working in cold water
  • Fishing: For fly fishing while wading in cold streams

10 Key Differences Between a Drysuit and a Wetsuit

1. Insulation

  • Wetsuits: Rely on a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin, which your body warms to provide insulation. The neoprene itself also provides thermal protection.
  • Drysuits: Create an air barrier between the suit and your body. Insulation comes primarily from undergarments worn beneath the waterproof shell.

2. Mobility

  • Wetsuits: Generally more flexible and form-fitting. They are easier to move, especially in thinner models (2-3mm). Thicker wetsuits (5-7mm) can restrict the range of motion.
  • Drysuits: Usually bulkier and less flexible, especially membrane drysuits. Neoprene drysuits offer better flexibility but still less than wetsuits. The loose fit can create drag in water.

3. Life Span

  • Wetsuits: Usually last 1-3 years with regular use before neoprene compression and elasticity loss affect performance. UV exposure accelerates degradation.
  • Drysuits: With proper maintenance, they can last 7-15 years. Components like seals may need replacement every 2-3 years, but the suit body has much longer durability.

4. Value

  • Wetsuits: Lower initial investment ($150-$600 for quality models) but higher long-term cost due to more frequent replacement.
  • Drysuits: Higher initial cost ($700-$2,500+) but better long-term value due to longevity and uses across different conditions with undergarment adjustments.

5. Buoyancy

  • Wetsuits: Provide natural positive buoyancy, which decreases with depth as neoprene compresses. Divers must make weight adjustments to maintain neutral buoyancy.
  • Drysuits: Create variable buoyancy due to the air inside. This requires active management through exhaust valves during descent/ascent. Once practiced, drysuits make buoyancy control more complex but more precise.

6. Care and Maintenance

  • Wetsuits: They are relatively simple to maintain: rinse with fresh water after use, hang dry inside out away from direct sunlight, and occasionally clean with mild detergent.
  • Drysuits: More demanding maintenance including seal lubrication, zipper care with paraffin wax or specialized lubricants, proper storage to prevent creasing, and periodic professional inspections for valve and seal integrity.

7. Sports Suitability

  • Wetsuits: Ideal for high-movement activities like surfing, swimming, and triathlons. Best for warmer waters or short-duration activities in moderate temperatures.
  • Drysuits: Better suited for colder environments and longer immersion activities like cold-water diving, kayaking in cold conditions, and professional water work. Superior for activities where staying completely dry is necessary.

8. Fit

  • Wetsuits: Should fit snugly against the skin with minimal water entry. Tight but not restrictive, with some manufacturers offering custom sizing.
  • Drysuits: Fit more loosely to accommodate undergarments and allow air movement for insulation. Proper fit focuses on seal comfort at neck and wrists rather than overall body fit.

9. Environmental Impact

  • Wetsuits: Traditional neoprene is petroleum-based and not biodegradable. More frequent replacement means higher waste. However, newer eco-friendly options using plant-based or limestone-based neoprene and recycled materials are becoming available.
  • Drysuits: Longer lifespan means less frequent disposal. Repairs are more common than replacement. Some membrane suits use forever chemicals (PFAS) in their waterproofing, which can be environmentally concerning.

10. Comfort and Convenience

  • Wetsuits: Easier to don and doff, but can feel clammy and cold initially. May cause chafing during extended use.
  • Drysuits: More complex to put on and take off, they require assistance with back zippers. They offer excellent comfort in cold conditions and allow for bathroom breaks during long sessions by using a P-valve or relief zipper.

Temperature Ranges for Wet and Dry Suits

Wetsuit Temperature Guidelines:

  • 80°F+ (27°C+): Rashguard or 0.5mm neoprene top
  • 75-80°F (24-27°C): 2mm shorty or full suit
  • 70-75°F (21-24°C): 3mm full wetsuit
  • 65-70°F (18-21°C): 4/3mm full wetsuit
  • 60-65°F (15-18°C): 4/3mm or 5/4mm full wetsuit with hood
  • 55-60°F (13-15°C): 5/4mm full wetsuit with hood, boots, and gloves
  • 50-55°F (10-13°C): 6/5mm full wetsuit with hood, boots, and gloves
  • Below 50°F (Below 10°C): 7mm wetsuit or consider a drysuit

Drysuit Temperature Guidelines:

  • 60-70°F (15-21°C): Drysuit with lightweight undergarments or rash guard
  • 50-60°F (10-15°C): Drysuit with mid-weight thermal undergarments
  • 40-50°F (4-10°C): Drysuit with heavy thermal undergarments
  • 32-40°F (0-4°C): Drysuit with heavyweight undergarments, heated vests optional
  • Below 32°F (Below 0°C): Drysuit with maximum insulation undergarments, heated vests recommended

Remember that your personal cold tolerance, activity level, and duration of exposure will affect your optimal choice. When in doubt, always err on the side of more thermal protection.

Exposure Suit Recommendations By Activity

Diving

Surfing

  • Tropical (75°F+): Rashguard or 2mm wetsuit top
  • Warm (65-75°F): 3/2mm full wetsuit Shop Our Surf Wetsuits
  • Cool (58-65°F): 4/3mm full wetsuit with boots
  • Cold (52-58°F): 5/4/3mm wetsuit with hood, boots, and gloves Shop Cold Water Surf Gear
  • Very Cold (Below 52°F): 6/5/4mm wetsuit or consider a surf-specific drysuit

Kayaking/Paddling

  • Warm Weather (70°F+, water 65°F+): Rashguard and quick-dry shorts Shop Paddling Apparel
  • Moderate (60-70°F, water 55-65°F): 3mm wetsuit or paddling jacket Shop Paddling Wetsuits
  • Cool (50-60°F, water 45-55°F): 4/3mm wetsuit or paddling drysuit
  • Cold (Below 50°F, water below 45°F): Paddling drysuit with appropriate layers

Swimming/Triathlon

  • Above 78°F: No wetsuit (may be forbidden in competition)
  • 72-78°F: Sleeveless wetsuit 1.5-2mm
  • 65-72°F: Full triathlon wetsuit 2-3mm
  • 58-65°F: Thicker swimming wetsuit 3-4mm Shop Cold Water Swim Gear
  • Below 58°F: Maximum thickness swimming wetsuit, neoprene cap, gloves Shop Open Water Swim Collection

Divers Supply for Your Diving Suits

Drivers Supply offers a wide range of suits. Our staff is always available to help you make the best choice for your needs. Whether you want to buy a wetsuit or a drysuit, Divers Supply is your go-to destination. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $25, and check out new arrivals, sale prices, and featured accessories.

Ready to buy your next suit? Shop now and stay connected with our newsletter for exclusive updates and offers. Your next favorite scuba gear is just a click away!

Note about drysuits: While we don't currently offer a dedicated drysuit collection, our team can provide personalized recommendations and ordering options from trusted manufacturing partners. Contact our specialists at [email protected] for drysuit assistance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wetsuit instead of a drysuit to save money?

While wetsuits are less expensive, they're not suitable substitutes for drysuits in very cold conditions. In water below 50°F (10°C), a wetsuit may not provide adequate thermal protection for extended periods. Your safety should be the primary consideration.

How long will I stay warm in each type of suit?

A properly fitting wetsuit can keep you comfortable for 1-3 hours in the right water temperature range. A drysuit with proper undergarments can extend that to 6+ hours in very cold water.

Can I use my surfing wetsuit for diving?

Surfing wetsuits are not ideal for diving as they're designed for different body positions and pressure conditions. Diving wetsuits offer better insulation at depth and more flexibility in the swimming position.

How tight should a wetsuit be?

A wetsuit should feel snug like a "second skin" without restricting movement or breathing. If it's comfortable while dry but feels constrictive when wet, it's too small.

Can I repair tears in my wetsuit?

Yes, small tears and punctures can be repaired using neoprene cement or wetsuit repair kits. More extensive damage may require professional repair.

How do I know when it's time to replace my wetsuit?

You should replace your wetsuit when it shows signs of compressed neoprene (thinner material), significant fading, loss of flexibility, or if it no longer provides adequate thermal protection despite being the appropriate thickness.

Why do drysuits have valves?

Drysuits typically have an inlet valve for adding air and an exhaust valve for releasing air. These valves help manage buoyancy when diving and prevent the suit from overinflating during ascent, which could cause dangerous rapid ascents.

How do I know what size drysuit to buy?

Drysuits should allow room for undergarments, and the seals should fit comfortably at the neck and wrists. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts that consider height, weight, chest, and waist measurements. When in doubt, consult with a professional fitter.

Can I repair my own drysuit?

Minor repairs like replacing wrist seals can be done by experienced users, but major repairs to zippers, valves, or the suit material should be handled by professional repair services for absolute waterproof integrity.

How should I store my drysuit when not in use?

Store your drysuit on a wide hanger in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The zipper should be lightly lubricated, fully closed, and the suit should be completely dry before storage. Some manufacturers recommend light talcum powder on latex seals to prevent degradation.