Question for my wife,

[Matt B]

She was wondering if any woman just wear tights to dive in, or something similar. She likes to wear a rash guard on top and doesn't really care for skins she has seen. Suggestions?

 

[WetPup]

Depends entirely on how cold the water is and how susceptible you are to feeling the cold. Some people just go in with a rashie and a bikini, no tights or skins at all. The only thing I'd be cautious about with tights is that they snag on stuff. I've just got a pair of regular running compression tights that I use when the water is really warm (we have stingy things to worry about and I won't dive without full length exposure protection of some sort). I hate most of the stuff the dive manufacturers make in this regard, but you should be able to find something at the local sports shop that works just as well.

 

[Bubblesong]

For skin protection it should have a tight weave that keeps out stingers and blocks sunlight. Some stretchy women's tights open up the weave exposing skin, like the famous LuLulemon Sheer Yoga Pants Disaster (17% recalled after this problem was "revealed").

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

She was wondering if any woman just wear tights to dive in, or something similar. She likes to wear a rash guard on top and doesn't really care for skins she has seen. Suggestions?

Dive Skin Rashguard Pants | MAKO Spearguns

 

[Marie13]

For pool work since I get cold I wear a rash guard with a pair of UnderArmor workout leggings that are a pretty substantial material. I'd look for something that that.

 

[sassyalice]

Plain old yoga pants

 

[Land Fish]

I've seen quite a few ladies dive in their swimsuits with or without rashie, and I think it depends on individual tolerance towards cold.

While I'm a tropical fish who has to wear full 3mm (minimum), I couldn't see why others should do the same if they are comfortable with rashie and tights.

For skin protection it should have a tight weave that keeps out stingers and blocks sunlight.

This too.

 

[Damselfish]

If she is ok with something a little heavier/warmer, she could look at the lavacore or sharkskin pants. Will be more expensive than anything lycra, but also more durable and protective. I've taken to wearing lavacore pants with a rashguard or my front-zip paddleboard jacket. When warmth isn't a huge concern separate tops and bottoms are nice, plus torso length isn't an issue like it can be with full suits.

 

[C P]

Both my daughters like yoga pants, both under their wetsuits and by themselves. They have convinced my wife to try it for really warm water so I guess the arguments were pretty good.

 

[Bubblesong]

I really hope all these yoga pants preferring females read up on LULUlemon yoga pants because a sunburnt backside is going to smart!