Are Wetsuits Warm?
Whether you’re in the market for men’s wetsuits, women’s wetsuits or kids’ wetsuits, you may be wondering whether they will keep you warm in tough conditions and cold waters. To answer this, we take a look at the way wetsuits are designed and what they are made from.
Are wetsuits warm?
Whether you’re in the market for men’s wetsuits, women’s wetsuits or kids’ wetsuits, you may be wondering whether they will keep you warm in tough conditions and cold waters. To answer this, we take a look at the way wetsuits are designed and what they are made from.
Design
Wetsuits are designed to let in water but not to let it out. This means that the water that is accumulated in your wetsuit will heat up to match your body temperature and act as a thin layer of protection to keep you warm. These work in an opposing way to drysuits, which are designed to keep water out in order to keep the wearer warm.
Material
Wetsuits are made from a rubber-like material called neoprene which enables the water to accumulate. The fit of the suit needs to be tight, otherwise, the layer of water between the wearer and the suit will be too great and won’t keep them warm. This material comes in various thicknesses between 3-5 millimetres. The thicker the material, the warmer the suit.
Styles
There are different styles of wetsuits in order to accommodate a variety of water temperatures and weather conditions. If the wearer needs more flexibility to move, they may opt for a shorts-style suit, whereas those in cooler conditions can opt for designs which include hoods. You can even invest in a wetsuit vest, jacket, gloves and boots to keep you warmer still.
Zippers
If you choose a wetsuit with a zip, you may find that in some designs, cold water can get through the seams. This is more likely with a back zip, a chest zip is usually better at keeping water from penetrating the suit. That being said, zipperless suits are created for flexibility over warmth. Many wetsuit designers have come up with solutions to stop water from penetrating zips so it’s best to focus on the quality of the suit based on the style of suit that works for you.