What To Wear Under Wetsuit

What to Wear Under a Wetsuit: A Comprehensive Guide to Layering for Optimal Comfort and Performance

Choosing the right undergarments for your wetsuit can significantly impact your comfort, warmth, and overall performance in the water. Whether you're a seasoned surfer, a scuba diver, or a kayaker, understanding what to wear beneath your wetsuit is crucial for a positive and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide explores various undergarment options, their benefits and drawbacks, and helps you make informed decisions based on your activity, water temperature, and personal preferences.

Introduction: The Importance of Wetsuit Layering

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. This water is warmed by your body heat, providing insulation. However, the effectiveness of this insulation can be dramatically improved by wearing appropriate undergarments. Choosing the wrong layer can lead to discomfort, chills, chafing, and even hypothermia in cold water. This article will delve into the science behind wetsuit layering and guide you through the best choices for various conditions.

Understanding Wetsuit Materials and Their Impact on Undergarment Choices

Before diving into specific undergarments, it's essential to understand the different types of wetsuits and how they influence your layering strategy. Neoprene thickness is a key factor. Thicker suits generally offer more warmth, but can be more restrictive. Thinner suits provide more flexibility but require more attention to undergarment selection, especially in colder waters.

Types of Undergarments for Wetsuits

Several types of undergarments are designed specifically for use under wetsuits. Each offers unique benefits and drawbacks:

1. Rash Guards: The Basic Layer

Rash guards are made from lightweight, stretchy materials like lycra or polyester. They primarily serve as a base layer, protecting your skin from chafing against the neoprene and the sun's UV rays. They offer minimal insulation.

• Benefits: Affordable, lightweight, quick-drying, protects against UV rays, reduces chafing.
• Drawbacks: Provides minimal insulation; unsuitable for cold water conditions.
• Best for: Warm water activities where comfort and sun protection are priorities.

2. Thermal Underwear: Adding an Insulation Layer

Thermal underwear, also known as base layers or long underwear, comes in various weights and materials, including merino wool, polyester, and synthetic blends. These offer significantly more insulation than rash guards.

• Benefits: Excellent insulation, wicks away moisture, comfortable next to the skin.
• Drawbacks: Can be bulky, may restrict movement in some cases, can be slower to dry than rash guards.
• Best for: Colder water conditions where additional warmth is needed. Merino wool is particularly effective at regulating temperature and odor.

3. Neoprene Undersuits: Maximum Warmth and Flexibility

Neoprene undersuits are essentially thin wetsuits worn under your main wetsuit. They provide excellent insulation and can significantly extend the range of water temperatures in which your main wetsuit is comfortable.

• Benefits: Superior insulation, added flexibility for the main wetsuit, excellent for colder waters.
• Drawbacks: Can be expensive, may feel bulky if not properly sized.
• Best for: Cold to very cold water conditions where maximum warmth and flexibility are crucial.

4. Fleece Liners: A Warm and Cozy Option

Fleece liners, often made from polyester fleece, offer a soft, comfortable, and surprisingly warm layer under a wetsuit. They are less effective at wicking moisture than other options.

• Benefits: Soft, comfortable, reasonably warm, affordable.
• Drawbacks: Absorbs water, can become heavy and reduce insulation when wet, not ideal for intense activities.
• Best for: Mildly cold water conditions, where comfort and warmth are prioritized over high performance.

Choosing the Right Undergarment: Factors to Consider

The ideal undergarment depends on several factors:

1. Water Temperature: The Primary Factor

• Warm Water (Above 70°F/21°C): A rash guard is often sufficient.
• Moderate Water (60-70°F/15-21°C): A lightweight thermal underwear layer or a thin neoprene undersuit may be necessary.
• Cold Water (Below 60°F/15°C): A heavier thermal underwear layer, a neoprene undersuit, or a combination of both is essential. Consider a thicker wetsuit as well.

2. Type of Activity: Intensity Matters

High-intensity activities like surfing or competitive swimming may require thinner, more flexible undergarments to avoid restriction. Less strenuous activities may allow for bulkier, warmer options.

3. Wetsuit Thickness: The Suit's Role

Thicker wetsuits naturally offer more warmth, reducing the need for heavy undergarments. Thinner suits require more attention to layering to achieve adequate warmth.

4. Personal Preference: Comfort is Key

Ultimately, the best undergarment is the one that feels most comfortable and performs best for you. Experiment with different options to find what suits your needs and preferences.

Layering Strategies: Combining Undergarments for Optimal Performance

For colder water temperatures, layering different types of undergarments can create a highly effective insulation system:

• Base Layer: A thin, moisture-wicking thermal layer (e.g., merino wool or synthetic) next to your skin. This pulls moisture away from your body.
• Mid-Layer (Optional): A fleece liner or a thinner neoprene undersuit for added warmth.
• Outer Layer: Your wetsuit.

Maintenance and Care of Wetsuit Undergarments

Proper care ensures the longevity of your undergarments:

• Rinse thoroughly after each use: Remove excess salt or chlorine to prevent damage and deterioration.
• Air dry: Avoid using a dryer, which can damage the fabric.
• Follow the manufacturer's care instructions: This ensures your undergarments maintain their performance and quality.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Q: Can I wear cotton under my wetsuit?

A: Absolutely not! Cotton absorbs water and retains it, significantly reducing insulation and increasing the risk of hypothermia. Always choose moisture-wicking materials.

Q: How tight should my undergarments be?

A: They should fit snugly but not constrictingly. Too tight and you'll restrict blood flow and reduce comfort; too loose and you'll lose insulation.

Q: Do I need to wear something under a drysuit?

A: Yes, a drysuit keeps water out, so you need thermal undergarments for warmth. The specific layering will depend on the water temperature.

Q: Can I wear a swimsuit under a wetsuit?

A: While possible, it's generally not recommended. Swimsuits are not designed for use under wetsuits and may not provide adequate protection or warmth.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Underlayer for Your Aquatic Adventures

Selecting the right undergarments for your wetsuit is a crucial aspect of enjoying watersports safely and comfortably. By considering water temperature, activity level, wetsuit thickness, and personal preferences, you can create a layering system that optimizes warmth, comfort, and performance. Remember, choosing the right undergarments can significantly enhance your experience and prevent potential hazards in cold water. Prioritize safety and comfort to fully enjoy your time in the water!