Their names may suggest their differences, but how do they exactly differ from each other? You might be looking for some protective garment for your scuba diving or your snorkeling tour somewhere in the Caribbean or somewhere where the climate is temperate, and you may be faced with the choice of what to pick. You may want to know the difference between the two before finally getting one.

Here are some of their differences that may help you identify what to choose.

● Wetsuits are flexible. Drysuits are not.

Wetsuits are made from a very flexible rubber thus, they are stretchable. Drysuits on the other hand are often made of nylon which are not flexible. To check if you are looking at a drysuit and not a wetsuit, you can always check its flexibility.

● Drysuits are entirely waterproofed while wetsuits are not.

As their names suggest, a drysuit keeps you dry. A wetsuit does not.

- If it is baggy and loose-fitting, it is the drysuit not the wetsuit.

Wetsuits are flexible because it is designed to fit and hug every curve of the body. Drysuits on the other hand are baggy to allow movement because they are not flexible. This also makes drysuits easier to put on than wetsuits.

- If it is more expensive, it could be the drysuit.

Drysuits are indeed more expensive than wetsuits. Although price is not quite a good determinant if you are looking at a wetsuit or a drysuit, but it can at least give you an idea even by just looking at the price tag.

How do they differ in their functions then?

Drysuits prevent any water from entering the suit and thus, make you dry when you are submerged in water. This also keeps you from losing body heat. Wetsuits however have openings that allow a small amount of water to get into the suit. Once this water is warmed by the body, it also insulates the body from the cold.

So when can these suits be used?

Drysuits are more effective in preserving body heat longer thus it is also recommended when temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or if you intend to have an extended stay underwater like in scuba diving. In temperatures above 60 degrees, you can always wear a wetsuit and choose from its many designs depending on the temperature.

Tags: Surfing

Share This