Wetsuit  and  Diving  Suit

Wetsuit  and  Diving  Suit

A wetsuit and a diving suit are both types of specialized garments designed to keep divers warm and protected while underwater. However, they have different constructions and purposes. Let’s explore each one:

Wetsuit:

A wetsuit is typically made of neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber foam that provides excellent insulation. It is worn by divers, surfers, snorkelers, and other water sports enthusiasts in moderate to cold water temperatures. The primary function of a wetsuit is to trap a thin layer of water between the suit and the diver’s skin, which is then heated by the body, forming a warm layer that helps retain body heat and keeps the diver insulated from the cold water.

Wetsuits come in different thicknesses, ranging from very thin (around 1-2mm) for warm-water environments to thick (up to 7-8mm) for colder waters. The thicker the wetsuit, the more insulation it provides. Wetsuits are available in various styles, such as full suits covering the entire body, shorties covering the torso and upper thighs, and spring suits covering the core area.

What is the style and thickness of the Wetsuit?

Wetsuits come in various styles and thicknesses, depending on their intended use and the conditions they are designed for. Here’s some general information about wetsuit styles and thicknesses:

Style: Wetsuits are typically categorized into three main styles:

Fullsuits or Steamers: These wetsuits cover the whole body, including the arms and legs, providing the most coverage and warmth. They are suitable for colder water conditions.

Springsuits or Shorties: These wetsuits have short arms and legs and are designed for use in warmer water temperatures or during the summer months.

Long John or Farmer John/Jane: These wetsuits have full-length legs but no sleeves, providing more freedom of movement for the arms. They are commonly used in moderate water temperatures.

Thickness: Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that provides insulation and flexibility. The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters (mm) and varies based on the intended water temperature and the user’s tolerance to cold. Common thicknesses range from 1mm to 7mm.

1mm to 2mm: Suitable for warm water conditions, such as tropical environments or summertime in temperate regions.

3mm to 4mm: Ideal for moderate water temperatures and can be used in spring and autumn seasons.

5mm to 7mm: Designed for colder waters and winter use, providing better insulation in frigid conditions.

Keep in mind that different wetsuit brands and models may have slight variations in style and thickness options. To get specific information about a particular wetsuit, it’s best to check with the manufacturer or retailer or refer to their product descriptions.

Diving Suit:

The term “diving suit” is a more general term that can encompass various types of suits used in different diving scenarios, including professional diving operations and extreme conditions. Unlike wetsuits, diving suits are not limited to neoprene and can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the intended use.

One example of a diving suit is a drysuit. Unlike wetsuits that allow water to enter, drysuits are designed to keep the diver completely dry by sealing the body from the water. They typically have waterproof seals at the neck, wrists, and ankles to prevent water from entering. Divers wear insulating undergarments beneath the drysuit to stay warm. Drysuits are ideal for diving in very cold water where a wetsuit’s insulation may not be sufficient.

Another type of diving suit is an exposure suit, which is a term that encompasses both wetsuits and drysuits. It refers to any suit that provides protection from exposure to the elements underwater, including temperature and potential hazards like jellyfish or rough surfaces.

What is the style and thickness of the  diving suit?

The style and thickness of a diving suit, also known as a wetsuit or drysuit, depend on the type of diving and the water temperature in which it will be used. Here’s an overview of the two main types of diving suits:

Style: A diving suit comes in different styles, including fullsuits, shorties, and long johns, as mentioned in the previous response.

Fullsuits (Steamers): These cover the entire body, including arms and legs, and provide the most coverage and warmth. They are commonly used in colder water conditions.

Shorties (Springsuits): These have short arms and legs and are suitable for warmer water temperatures or when a diver needs less insulation.

Long John or Farmer John/Jane: These have full-length legs but no sleeves, offering greater freedom of movement for the arms. They are commonly used in moderate water temperatures.

Thickness: The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters (mm) and varies based on the water temperature and the diver’s tolerance to cold. Common thicknesses range from 1mm to 7mm.

Warm Water (Tropical): 1mm to 3mm thickness wetsuits are suitable for warm water conditions.

Temperate Water: 4mm to 5mm wetsuits are commonly used in moderate water temperatures.

Cold Water: 6mm to 7mm wetsuits are designed for colder water and winter diving.

Drysuit:

A drysuit is a different type of diving suit that provides thermal insulation by keeping the diver dry. It allows the diver to wear insulating layers underneath the suit to stay warm. Drysuits are typically used in colder water or in situations where the diver wants to avoid direct contact with the water.

Drysuits can be made from various materials such as neoprene, crushed neoprene, or trilaminate fabrics. They also come in different styles, including front-entry, back-entry, and self-donning options. The thickness of a drysuit is not measured in millimeters, as it does not have a neoprene layer like a wetsuit.

The choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit depends on factors such as water temperature, the duration of the dive, and personal preference. For extremely cold-water diving, drysuits are often the preferred choice due to their superior insulation properties. However, they require additional training and equipment to ensure proper use and safety.

In summary, a wetsuit is a specific type of exposure suit made of neoprene that traps a thin layer of water to insulate the diver from the cold. On the other hand, a diving suit is a more general term that includes various types of suits used for diving, such as drysuits and other exposure suits designed for different diving conditions.

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