Wetsuits are made to protect you from the cold, but have you ever wondered why they are not waterproofed?

Wetsuits are made to protect the you from the cold when you are enjoying your favorite water sport or when you are on your snorkeling or scuba diving tour, especially if the weather is cold or if you want to stay longer in the water.

Wetsuits are indeed intended to keep your body warm while you are playing in the waters. It works by preserving your body heat beneath the suit. You may however ask why they are not made waterproofed if they are intended to keep you warm in the waters. Below are some information on how this piece of garment works.

The main material used for wetsuits is a very flexible rubber called Neoprene. This material is however waterproofed. Now you may wonder why the suit itself is not waterproofed.

This is made so because wetsuits work in protecting your body by letting a small amount of water into it. A wetsuit is designed to have openings at some portions of the suit like the neck, the arms or at the wrist, and the ankles. Although water is not allowed in any other parts of the suit, these openings let a small amount of water to occupy little spaces just right at the surface of your skin.

Once you are submerged in the water, the very minimal water between your body and the suit will eventually be warmed by the body. This will act as the body’s insulator from the cold atmosphere outside. It is also important that the wetsuit should fit you perfectly to avoid baggy areas that will cause more water to enter the suit. When this happens, it body heat could be drained rather than preserved.

This is how wetsuits work and the reason that they are not made waterproofed. So if you think you can wear wetsuits to make you dry, expect to get disappointed. Wetsuits are not meant to keep you dry but it will keep you warm.

Tags: Surfing

Share This