What does one wear beneath a wetsuit? Among less experienced divers, this is likely one of the most frequently asked queries. Is it okay to go nude underneath? Diving in two or more layers of clothing would be uncomfortable and constrictive.
Swimsuits, diving shorts, bikinis, and other minimally covered undergarments are an option.) or nothing at all in warmer locations and waters.
Why Divers Wear Undergarments under Wetsuits
Added Insulation & Protection
The main benefit of wearing underwear underneath a diving suit in colder climates is that it keeps the diver’s body much warmer on land and underwater. Experienced divers prefer to wear thin layers underneath to act as additional insulation for the body rather than a very thick wetsuit that will restrict movement and deplete their energy more quickly.
When deciding whether or not to wear an undergarment with your wetsuit, you should also take into account the temperature of the air and wind above the water in addition to how cold or warm the water is. Divers frequently experience a range of temperatures during a single dive, so it’s important to select the right material and style of undergarment (full-body, one-piece, or two-piece) that can maintain your body at a comfortable temperature throughout your dive.
In addition to offering UV protection, some undergarments also serve as an additional barrier between the environment and your skin, protecting you from bites, stings, cuts, and scrapes.
Comfort
Many divers choose to remove their wetsuits while submerged in the water, but doing so can occasionally be uncomfortable and even painful due to the constant rubbing of the skin against the suit’s interior material. Some divers discover that their skin starts to chafe and feel sore after donning a wetsuit for an extended period of time.
Wetsuit chafing typically affects the neck, armpits, behind the knees, and crotch. While you can use anti-chafing cream or gel to prevent this issue, sometimes it’s more practical to wear a bathing suit or spandex underneath.
Decency
Divers frequently have to change in open areas, like on a boat or at a crowded beach. After all, it can get really warm inside a wetsuit, especially when resurfacing in tropical weather. Wetsuits are also notoriously difficult to put on and take off, so you typically cannot do it quickly and covertly behind a towel.
You can get the coverage you need to avoid flashing other people as you change by wearing a bathing suit, a thin rash guard, or any other type of clothing underneath.
Hygiene
If you have to rent a wetsuit, you may not like the idea of your skin rubbing against places where other people’s skin have rubbed before—particularly in your more sensitive areas. It’s not exactly hygienic, especially if the person who wore it before you also went commando in the suit. You may also want to keep in mind that some people do pee in their wetsuits, so that’s even more incentive to put some undergarments on.
In such cases, your best bet would be to at least wear a swimsuit or some trunks to protect your delicate body parts.
What to Wear under a Wetsuit
Fitted bicycle shorts or diving shorts are incredibly useful when you wear them under a wetsuit. Aside from serving as an extra layer for diving in slightly colder temperatures, it also helps you get in and out of your wetsuit easily.
For best results, you’ll want to go for a pair of diving shorts that are made of neoprene, which will make it buoyant and light, but thick enough to provide added warmth. The Neosport XSPAN 1.5mm Diving Shorts are a good option because they’re made of ultra-soft and comfortable XSPAN material with 4-way super-stretch foam neoprene rubber that doesn’t wrinkle when you wear the wetsuit. You won’t need to find a different brand for your female diving partner since this pair is also unisex.
For Male
Rash Guard
You’ll also need to stay warm and comfortable in your upper body. A rash guard or compression shirt makes a good first layer in colder waters despite the wide range of undershirts available. Similar to diving shorts, they offer an additional layer of warmth and wetsuit chafe protection. You may select one with longer sleeves depending on the temperature above and below the surface.
The Mares Men’s Rash Guard with long sleeves provides a more comfortable fit and can even be worn on its own when snorkeling or while hanging out by the beach. It is made of a lightweight material that is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, and it offers 30+ UV protection in addition to greatly reducing friction with wetsuits.
It is perfect for all kinds of water sports because it is fashionable and dries quickly.
Full-Body Jumpsuit
If you want complete coverage, a full-body jumpsuit is an option that will keep you even warmer.
We advise you to check out the NeoSport 1mm Men’s Neo Skin Jumpsuit if you’re looking for a jumpsuit of high quality. Its ultra-thin neoprene construction offers natural insulation and comfort without adding bulk when worn under other layers. It has a heavy-duty back zipper closure with an easy-to-reach pull tab leash and comes in a flattering cut designed to enhance the male physique.
Briefs
If you plan to dive in warm water and don’t really need the extra layers, but would still value the extra protection down there (especially if you’re renting your wetsuit), you can choose to wear a diving brief. Thankfully, some briefs are also available in lightweight, comfortable lycra that is thin enough to wear underneath your exposure suit.
For Women
Diving Shorts
Diving shorts are also a popular choice for women’s diving undergarments, especially if there’s a need for a bit more warmth.
If you’re looking for smooth shorts that go great with wetsuits, the Scubapro Everflex 1.5 Shorts are a great choice. They’re just long enough to keep the top of your thighs warm but don’t bunch up when you move or slide into your suit, thanks to its elastic and form-fitting—not to mention absorbent and insulating—neoprene shorts.
Sleeveless Vest
Compression shirts are an option for female divers as well, but some prefer sleeveless tops because they offer more mobility in the shoulders and arms. They are available in the same thin, quick-drying, lightweight fabrics that are advised for swimming, water sports, and layering under wetsuits when diving, and some brands refer to them as vests.
The Lavacore Women’s Vest is a great choice if you have the money to spend on a high-quality sleeveless top. It is made of a high-tech fabric that stretches and insulates like a neoprene wetsuit and is made of fleece on the inside and water-resistant, high-stretch polyurethane film on the outside. Additionally, it has SPF 50+ sun protection, antibacterial properties, a waist drawstring with a barrel lock to prevent it from riding up, and a barrel lock.
It keeps you cozy and aids in maintaining your core temperature whether you’re lounging on the beach or swimming with or without an outer layer, both under a wetsuit and on its own.
Full-Body Jumpsuit
For added full-body warmth and protection, the ladies can go for a buoyant and lightweight jumpsuit under their exposure suits. They come in a variety of fabrics and thicknesses, so it’s always best to learn which ones are naturally insulating rather than relying solely on how thick it is.
Should you decide to go for an ultra-thin jumpsuit, NeoSport has a skin-style option for women. The NeoSport 1mm Women’s Neo Skin Jumpsuit offers scuba divers the comfort and stretch they require while protecting and assisting in maintaining body temperature. You can expect it to dry quickly, be simple to put on and take off, have thermal-bonded knee pads, and have lycra-trimmed wrist and ankle seals for the price.
One-Piece Swimsuit
One-piece swimsuits are an option for women who want the least amount of coverage so they can move more freely. However, it can’t be just any ordinary swimsuit, as with any recommended undergarment for wetsuits.
The Speedo Women’s Xtra Life Lycra Fiber Racing Suit is among the most popular options. If you’re swimming, snorkeling, or going scuba diving (and wearing it under your exposure suit), this training suit from a company known for producing classic quality and high-performance swimwear is a great choice. It has flat-lock stitching, front lining, and non-slip straps and is made of 26% Xtra Life Lycra Spandex, which is incredibly comfortable, and 74% strong nylon.
Choosing What to Wear under Your Wetsuit
It’s time to get specific now that you are aware of your options. Which undergarment best suits your requirements? Or is anything at all necessary to wear underneath your wetsuit?
The answer is… it depends. In warmer waters, you can get away with wearing minimally covered underwear (swimsuits, trunks, and other similar items), or even nothing at all. Although it’s a matter of preference, many people actually prefer to go commando while wearing wetsuits. However, you’ll probably want to wear something underneath if you intend to rent the suit.
The best strategy for colder temperatures is unquestionably to wear layers underneath the suit. There are many options available to you. If you already have a thinner wetsuit that you typically wear in warmer climates, you can choose to add a jumpsuit, rash guard, or any other type of clothing that will give you the extra insulation you require. You won’t need to buy a new suit if you do it this way.
Or you can just get a thicker wetsuit if you’d really rather be naked underneath.
The environment (and temperature) you plan to dive in, how sensitive your body is to cold, and a host of other factors will ultimately determine what to wear. Before making a purchase, be sure to take everything into account!
How to Store Your Wetsuit
Many divers are unaware of the ideal wetsuit storage practices. Even though it might be tempting toss it in the back of your closet, properly storing it can have long-term advantages. Clean your wetsuit thoroughly before putting it away. By doing this, you must ensure that all salt water is gone. Rinse your wetsuit in fresh, warm water for around 20 minutes and then place on a hanger to dry. You run the risk of mold growth if you try to store your wetsuit before it has completely dried out and don’t dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight.
The ideal method for storing your wetsuit is to lay it down someplace flat. By doing this, you can prevent sagging and lessen the likelihood of creases. Use a hanger that is very thick and strong enough to support the weight of the wetsuit if you must hang your wetsuit. Keep your wetsuit out of direct sunlight in a dry, cool location. Avoid keeping your wetsuit in a garage where it might be exposed to fumes because this could harm the neoprene.
What Do Women Wear under a Wetsuit?
In terms of swimwear, women are more conservative than men. In particular when renting a wetsuit, they must wear undergarments.
Aside from unisex options like going commando, using bicycle shorts, full-body jumpsuits, and rash guards, women can also opt to wear the following under a wetsuit:
Bikini
Women can also wear bikinis, and the decision between a bathing suit and a bikini is based on personal desire and comfort.
However, if you pick the bikini, avoid wearing one with a knot as the tight wetsuit will press the knot into your skin. Although at first it might not seem like a big deal, it eventually starts to hurt and distract you.
Wetsuits may be challenging to put on and take off, so it can be much more practical to wear a bikini than to quickly cover up with a towel or throw something over your shoulders.
Two-piece bikinis are also ideal for extended diving trips. Using the marine lavatory or ducking behind a bush after a shore dive becomes easier when you take off your bottoms.
A wetsuit may irritate your skin, so stay away from embellishments with knots, metal, and beads. Thicker straps may also be more secure than smaller straps. When possible, use slim bikinis and flat clasps.
Sports Underwear
Sport bras and sports underwear are excellent choices for what to wear beneath a wetsuit. In comparison to regular underwear or bikinis, they frequently offer better security and excellent chest support.
They are strong and made to withstand wet and sweaty conditions. The majority of them will also dry quickly, which is helpful for drying your gear before or after dives.
Bikini bottoms and spandex shorts go well with sports bras. A sports bikini, which fits closer than a regular bikini and resembles a sports bra, is another option and is preferable for taking off your wetsuit.
Bathing Suit
A one-piece bathing suit is an easy and understated way to cover a good deal of your upper body. It doesn’t offer much insulation or protection, but it can cover up your intimate parts and keep the suit from rubbing against them.
Sleeveless Vest
Women can also wear compression shirts, though some people prefer sleeveless tops because they offer more mobility in the shoulders and arms. Some businesses refer to them as vests, and they are made of the same light, thin materials that are great for swimming, water sports, and layering under wetsuits while surfing.
Whether you’re surfing or just lazing on the beach, vests keep you cozy and help control your core temperature.
Thermal Wear
The best way to stay warm is to wear thermal clothing under your wetsuit. Choose a thermal that is appropriate for the activity you will be engaging in because they come in a variety of designs and thicknesses.
Find out the water’s temperature on the day you want to go swimming. Then check to verify if the product you’re buying has a temperature range appropriate for its intended use. The thickness also affects how mobile it is while being worn, in addition to how warm it is.
It is possible to find thermal tops and bottoms. These are generally rash guards with polypropylene added for extra insulation. This creates a warm and cozy fluffy, fuzzy texture inside of a wetsuit.
Your arms and legs will have more mobility while your torso is kept warm when you’re wearing these thermal clothes.
How Do You Choose What to Wear under a Wetsuit?
Aside from personal preference, you can consider these three other factors when choosing what to wear underneath your wetsuit:
Weather
You should probably wear something underneath a wetsuit if you plan to rent one for hygiene reasons.
Swimsuits, diving shorts, bikinis, and other minimally covered undergarments are options.) or nothing at all in warmer locations and waters.
Layering is advised for warmth and safety in chilly conditions. You can add a rash guard, full-body suit, or any other type of undergarment to your thinner wetsuit (2mm–4mm) to provide the additional insulation you require.
Ease of Movement
You should choose clothing that is appropriate for the activity you plan to engage in to wear underneath your wetsuit. Make sure that, in addition to being comfortable, whatever you choose to wear does not restrict your movements, especially while surfing.
After Activities
Keep this in mind when choosing which of your options will allow you to change quickly without barring any of your private parts in case you want to go somewhere else after surfing.
Why Do Surfers Wear Undergarments under Their Wetsuits?
Wearing undergarments beneath wetsuits provides the following benefits:
Hygiene and Protection
It’s unpleasant to think about touching your exposed skin—especially if you’re renting a wetsuit—against fabrics or any other material that has previously been in contact with someone else’s skin. By wearing something underneath the wetsuit, surfers provide their body with protection and proper hygiene.
Warmth
The extra layers keep our bodies warm in and out of the water, particularly in colder weather. Rather than wearing a bulky wetsuit, which can impede movement and drain energy, surfers choose to wear lightweight layers to aid with chilly comfort.
Decency
There is very little privacy available when you need to change in public places. You should put something on below because as soon as you experience any discomfort while wearing your wetsuit, you’ll want to get out of it as quickly as you can.
An undergarment underneath your wetsuit can provide the protection you need to enjoy your time above the water while also helping you avoid uncomfortable situations.
Comfort
Some people find it painful to be completely naked underneath wetsuits because their skin frequently rubs up against the interior material.
When surfing, some parts of the body, such as the neck, groin, behind the knees, and armpits, tend to chafe, particularly when surfing for prolonged periods of time.
Chafing can be reduced with undergarments.
Conclusion
Your wetsuit does not have to be worn over underwear. However, if you are renting one, it is advised for hygienic reasons.
Wetsuits are challenging to put on and take off, especially when there is nothing underneath. But in the end, what you wear under a wetsuit should not only depend on personal preference but also on the weather, ease of movement, and after activities.
