Body suit under wet suit

Ricky B · Mar 12, 2014

I have seen on some dive shop websites a suggestion to wear a bodysuit under a wetsuit to make it easier to get in and out of a wetsuit, particularly if the wetsuit is wet. Having struggled in the past with (rented) wetsuits, this seems like a plausibly good idea.

Does anyone use a bodysuit for this purpose? How does it work out in practice?

Does a bodysuit add any thermal protection (seems unlikely) or interfere with anything?

Keith.M · Mar 12, 2014

I use one. It does help in putting the suit on.

I doubt it adds any thermal protection, but it doesn't hurt it.

gcarter · Mar 13, 2014

I use a rash guard top - I don't have any issues with the legs on my 7mm, just the arms. Bonus is when on the SI and you drop the top of the suit, you have sun protection.

A spray bottle with dilute baby shampoo also helps, with or without the under garment.

knotical · Mar 13, 2014

A Lycra suit definitely makes it easier to don a wetsuit.

Surprisingly it also adds some thermal benefit. Didn't quite believe it myself until I spent some time in the pool wearing just a Lycra wetsuit. When I started taking it off while still in the water, I definitely felt the chill.

TMHeimer · Mar 13, 2014

I've heard of this, haven't tried it. Figure that's one more thing to rinse.

Kharon · Mar 13, 2014

+1 on the lycra but I think the thermal protection comes from water trapped underneath and within the fabric rather than the fabric itself. I hate neoprene, especially thick neoprene - weight issues, flexability issues. I never wear more than a 3mm even when the water temp is in the low 50's °F (and here it always is, at the second thermocline). I layer one or two polyolefin full body suits (2mm equiv, no buoyancy) and a 3mm vest (minimal buoyancy) as needed. Wearing all of them I've got 7mm equiv arms & legs and 10mm equiv core and only need 12 pounds of lead and have good flexibility. If I could lose my gut I could drop even more lead.

rhwestfall · Mar 13, 2014

Lycra really helps the suit to slide on/off. Did it for years under a very close fitting (plush lined) WS until i went dry.

fnfalman · Mar 13, 2014

I wear UnderArmor long sleeve compression shirt because I don't like the feel of Lycra rashguard. For the bottom, I wear a long compression swim trunk.

However, I wear the top primarily for sunburn protection while topside and the tight swim trunk doesn't bunch up like a regular swim trunk would. I have zero issue sliding in and out of the wetsuit even when it's wet. Custom fit makes a massive difference.

DivemasterDennis · Mar 13, 2014

Debbie and I call it a "skin," a full body suit less than half a mil thick. It will definitel add some exposure protection, noticable to the wearer. And as reportedd by others, makes donning and doffing the wetsuit easier. I rarely wear one, but Debbie is an occasional user.
DivemasterDennis

DharmaMtn · Mar 13, 2014

I'm giving my new Henderson lycra skin a try for the 1st time this week and I love it. No jelly stings! I rent a shortie to wear over it which is easy on/off wet or dry. Same with the lycra. The majority of folks I'm seeing here in Bonaire this week are wearing full wetsuits but I haven't felt the need. I stay 60' and above so that may account for not requiring more warmth.

I saw the thread on skins and almost got carried away with a Polyolefin but was able to rein myself in and stick with the lycra.

Body suit under wet suit

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Ricky B

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knotical

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Kharon

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rhwestfall

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