## What to Wear Under a Wetsuit for Scuba Diving: A Comprehensive Guide
Scuba diving is an exhilarating underwater adventure that requires proper preparation and gear. One of the essential pieces of scuba diving equipment is a wetsuit, which helps protect divers from the cold water and provides buoyancy. However, it’s crucial to wear appropriate clothing underneath your wetsuit for optimal comfort and safety.
### Why It’s Important to Wear the Right Clothing
Wearing the right clothing under your wetsuit is essential for several reasons:
– Comfort: Wearing proper base layers can minimize chafing and irritation caused by the wetsuit’s material.
– Warmth: Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between the diver and the suit, which warms up and provides insulation. Wearing base layers helps retain that warmth and prevents heat loss.
– Moisture Wicking: Dive wear should be made of moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin, keeping divers dry and comfortable.
– Sun Protection: Some base layers can provide UV protection, reducing the risk of sunburn during surface intervals.
### Recommended Base Layer Materials
The ideal fabrics for base layers under a wetsuit are:
– Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and spandex are durable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
– Merino Wool: Merino wool is a natural fabric that is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and insulating.
– Neoprene: Neoprene is the material used in wetsuits, and it can be used in base layers for added warmth.
### Clothing Recommendations
1. Base Layer Tops:
– Long-sleeved, moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool shirts
– Consider tops with a crew neck or high-neck for added warmth
– Avoid cotton shirts, as they absorb water and can cause discomfort
2. Base Layer Bottoms:
– Long-legged, moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool leggings or tights
– Avoid loose clothing or denim, as they can restrict movement and trap water
3. Rash Guard:
– A rash guard is a long-sleeved shirt made of synthetic fabric
– It can be worn over the base layer for added sun protection and chafe prevention
4. Wetsuit Boots and Gloves:
– If your wetsuit does not come with built-in boots or gloves, consider wearing dive-specific boots and gloves made of neoprene or synthetic materials.
– They provide insulation and protect your hands and feet from the cold.
### Additional Tips
– Fit: Choose base layers that fit snugly but not too tightly. They should allow for unrestricted movement without causing discomfort.
– Layering: If diving in cold water, consider layering thinner base layers under a thicker base layer or a thin wetsuit.
– Avoid Cotton: Cotton absorbs water and does not provide warmth or moisture-wicking properties.
– Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best clothing to wear under a wetsuit depends on personal preferences and diving conditions. Experiment with different layers to find what works best for you.
### Conclusion
Wearing the right clothing underneath a wetsuit is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable scuba diving experience. By choosing moisture-wicking, form-fitting base layers made of synthetic fabrics or merino wool, divers can stay warm, dry, and protected while exploring the underwater world. Remember to consider personal preferences, diving conditions, and the fit of the layers for optimal performance and comfort.