Scuba diving in cold water is a challenging activity, and the right equipment is essential. Cold water scuba diving requires special clothing and equipment to remain safe and comfortable. The right suit can make a big difference, whether it’s keeping you warm or protecting you from the chill. If you’re planning on diving in cold water, we recommend that you get yourself a dry suit – also known as a hot-water suit or thermal suit. A dry suit is a waterproof garment worn as an outer layer instead of traditional wet-and-dry dive suits used by most recreational divers. This article covers everything you need to know about cold water scuba gear featuring dry suits for men and women.
What to look for in a Cold Water Scuba Suit
When selecting a cold water scuba suit, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. Cold water scuba suits are designed to protect you from the cold, keep you warm, and provide extra protection against cuts and scrapes. When selecting a cold water scuba suit, the following criteria are important: Fabric – The fabric of your cold water scuba suit will determine how warm it keeps you and how much it resists water. There are two basic types of fabric that scuba suits are made from: Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. You’ll need to hang your suit out to dry after every dive. Polyester – A polyester or synthetic fabric suit is generally easier to dry than neoprene, but it will not keep you as warm. Rubber thickness – The thickness of the rubber in a scuba suit is an important consideration. A thicker rubber will be more resistant to cuts and abrasions when you are exploring the sea floor. However, thicker rubber also holds more heat in, so it can make it harder to stay warm. A thinner rubber thickness is easier to swim in, but it will allow more cold water to get in, making it harder to stay warm.
Men’s dry suits
If you dive in cold water conditions, a dry suit is the best scuba gear for you. Dry suits keep you warm and dry, which makes them especially popular among fishermen and divers who need to work in a wet environment. When selecting a dry suit, you have two options: Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.
Women’s dry suits
Dry suits are a great choice for women who dive in cold water. Neoprene is the most common fabric used in dry suits and it is naturally good at retaining heat. A good dry suit will keep you warm, dry, and free from cuts and scrapes. Full-body dry suits are the best choice for colder water temperatures but standard dry suits may be enough for milder conditions. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.
How to find the right size
When you are purchasing a cold water scuba suit, it’s important to find a suit that fits you well. A too-large suit will not provide the warmth or protection that you need, and a too-small suit will be uncomfortable and difficult to move in. When purchasing a cold water scuba suit, it’s best to try on a few different sizes to find one that fits you well. Women and men’s suits tend to be different sizes, so it’s important to try on a suit of each type to make sure you get the right size.
Types of material used in dry suits
Neoprene is the most common fabric used in dry suits and it is naturally good at retaining heat. Dry suits can also be made from other fabrics such as synthetic rubber or polyester. A good dry suit will keep you warm, dry, and free from cuts and scrapes. Neoprene – Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is naturally very good at retaining heat. It is the perfect choice for cold water scuba diving as it keeps you warm, but it does not dry quickly. Neoprene dry suits are available in two styles: Full-body – A full-body scuba dry suit covers your legs and your arms. Full-body scuba dry suits are great for cold water diving because they keep all of your body warm. However, they are also more expensive than standard full-body scuba suits. Standard – A standard scuba dry suit covers your torso, but not your legs and arms. Standard scuba dry suits are cheaper than full-body scuba suits and are often the best choice for scuba divers who want to keep their hands free.
Bestseller No. 1
O'Neill Men's Boost 300g Drysuit, Black, Medium
- 3 Layer Breathable Nylon Shell
- Loose Fit Drysuit
- Neoprene Neck Seal
- Laytex Wrist and Ankle Seals
- Waterproof Horizontal Back Zip
Bestseller No. 2
2018 Crewsaver Atacama Sport Drysuit Front Zip RED /, Black, Red, Size Large
- 3 layer breathable fabric all over
- Articulated arms and legs for increased freedom of movement. Includes free thermal Stratum fleece for extra warmth
- The Aquaseal flexible zip located at the front of the drysuit is positioned for maximum comfort, uninhibited movement, and allows the wearer to don the drysuit without assistance.
- The popular Atacama Sport is based on the template of the best-selling Cirrus drysuit and has been updated for the new season, taking features and design inspiration from the high-end Crewsaver...
- YKK Aquaseal flexible zip construction. Reinforced seat and knees. Leg pocket with D-ring attachment. Glideskin neoprene wrist and neck seals. Elasticated waist. Removable braces. Not for use in...
Bestseller No. 3
Plus Size Dry suit with Detachable Hood Drysuits for Men in Cold Water (Latex Gaskets-Fabric Socks, 3X-Large)
- Drryfsh dry suits made of durable 3-layer fabric with membrane, which provides water, wind and damage protection.. Waterproof 20 000 mm. Breathability 7000g/m2/24h. It is guaranteed that you will...
- Waterproof front entry zipper much easier to put on and take off than traditional dry suits,and the men's relief zipper lets you answer nature's call without having to take the whole drysuit off.The...
- This dry suits comes with:latex neck,wrist gaskets and black fabric socks,the suit is equipped with two splash-proof thigh pockets with YKK aqua seal zipper,reflective patches increase visibility in...
- The suit itself is perfectly functional and does have a number of features aimed at increasing your comfort. Lightweight removable moulded knee and drop seat pads give you added protection against...
- If you need reliable, high performance drysuit that will provide comfort and maximum range of movement in every weather and conditions - the Drryfsh ankle seal dry suits is right for you. the Drryfsh...
Bestseller No. 4
GUL Mens Dartmouth Eclip Zip Drysuit Dry Suit & Underfleece - Blue - 3 Layer Dry Suit Waterproof Sprayproof
- 100% Waterproof heat taped seams
- Contoured body panels reduce snagging, bulk and reduce windage
- ECLIP ZIP: YKK Aquaseal Zip Features. Articulated arms and knees. GLIDE SKIN: neck and wrist seals. VELCRO Brand touch fastener zip guard. Latex socks. Zipped arm pocket with drainer. Internal...
- GCX3 Breathable, waterproof, hard wearing 3 layer fabric
- Hard wearing seat and knee panels
Bestseller No. 5
SEAC Men's Warmdry 4mm Neoprene Dry Suit, Black, XX-Large (Model: 0060001009125A)
- High-density 4mm neoprene drysuit designed for demanding recreational divers
- Semi-rigid boots turn inside-out for fast drying
- Bellowed 1000-denier Cordura pockets hold necessary gear
- Glide Skin taped collar and smooth Aquastop wrist closures keep water out
- Fabric storage bag, hood, hose and straps included
Bestseller No. 6
SEAC Unifleece Insulating Undergarment Dry Suit, Black, Large
- Lightweight, breathable, 2-layer undergarment keeps you warm while diving in cold environments
- Outer layer repels water to help keep you dry
- Double-ended front zipper gets you in and out quickly
- Ankle stirrups prevent bunching when putting on your drysuit
- Easy-access zippered pockets for carrying extra gear
Bestseller No. 7
Gill Dry suit - Fully Taped & Waterproof Ideal for Watersports such as Dinghy, Sailing, Kayaking & Paddleboard (Black, XL)
- A perfect choice for a range of water activities the Drysuit features XPLORE+ 3 layer fabric technology for a highly durable breathable and waterproof finish.
- With in-built adjustable braces a flexible YKK Aquaseal waterproof zipper and pre marked glideskin collar and cuffs the suit will adjust to fit your body. Benefiting from fabric socks to increase suit...
- Wear over your usual layers this - drysuit is ideal for sailing dinghy sailing paddle sports and board sports such as stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.
- Main Fabric: 100% Nylon PU coated. Reinforcement: 100% Polyester PU coated. Hand Wash. Do Not Bleach. Do Not Tumble Dry. No Iron. Do Not Dry Clean. Do not store wet. After use rinse in fresh water.
Bestseller No. 8
Mookta Drysuits Waterproof, Breathable and Lightweight Mens Kayak Dry Suit
- The use of new technology with 3 layers of waterproof materials and special coatings makes it waterproof,breathable,comfortable and has excellent performance
- The neck and sleeves are waterproof seals made of latex,which are comfortable and waterproof
- There is an extra protective layer made of neoprene on the neck,cuffs and ankles to make it strong and durable
- Ergonomic avant-garde design,easy to put on and take off and have a better freedom of movement experience
- With adjustable design,self-draining design,fully waterproof zipper,the pursuit of excellence in details
Bestseller No. 9
GUL Mens Dartmouth Eclip Zip Drysuit Dry Suit & Underfleece - Black - 3 Layer Dry Suit Waterproof Sprayproof
- 100% Waterproof heat taped seams
- Contoured body panels reduce snagging, bulk and reduce windage
- ECLIP ZIP: YKK Aquaseal Zip Features. Articulated arms and knees. GLIDE SKIN: neck and wrist seals. VELCRO Brand touch fastener zip guard. Latex socks. Zipped arm pocket with drainer. Internal...
- GCX3 Breathable, waterproof, hard wearing 3 layer fabric
- Hard wearing seat and knee panels
Bestseller No. 10
O'Neill Men's Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit, Black/Graphite, Large
- Loose upper fit and performance lower fit
- Smooth skin Dry seals
- 100% waterproof
- Fluid seam Weld
- Body: 3mm Fluid Flex foam Neoprene
Tips for staying warm while scuba diving
– Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress in warm layers. This will help you stay warm before you get wet and enter the water. Having extra layers to remove when you get too warm is a good idea. – Stay out of the current: Keep an eye out for where the current is coming from and try to avoid it. Currents are often warmer than the surrounding water, so they are a great way to warm up, but they can also make it difficult to stay warm. – Stay fit: Being physically fit has many benefits, including helping you stay warm underwater. If you are in good shape, your body will produce more heat, helping you stay warm while you are underwater. – Protect your extremities: Your hands, feet, and head are less able to protect themselves from the cold. Make sure to keep them warm with gloves, booties, and a warm scuba hood. – Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress in warm layers. This will help you stay warm before you get wet and enter the water. Having extra layers to remove when you get too warm is a good idea. – Stay out of the current: Keep an eye out for where the current is coming from and try to avoid it. Currents are often warmer than the surrounding water, so they are a great way to warm up, but they can also make it difficult to stay warm. – Stay fit: Being physically fit has many benefits, including helping you stay warm underwater. If you are in good shape, your body will produce more heat, helping you stay warm while you are underwater. – Protect your extremities: Your hands, feet, and head are less able to protect themselves from the cold. Make sure to keep them warm with gloves, booties, and a warm scuba hood. – Stay dry: Getting wet is the number one way to get cold underwater. Make sure that you stay as dry as possible by donning your suit and mask strap covers before entering the water. – Stay warm before you enter the water: Before you put your dry suit on, dress