Thicker wetsuits provide greater insulation, but the quality of the material plays a part as well
If your diving conditions vary from the extremes, you should buy the thickest wetsuit to cover your needs
Refer to the chart below to help determine the appropriate wetsuit based on the water temperatures where you plan to do your diving
Recommended Thickness
Water temperature
Thickness recommended
75-85F
1/16" (1.6mm) neoprene, lycra, .5mm
70-85F
1/8" (3mm) neoprene
65-75F
3/16" (5mm) neoprene
50-75F
1/4" (6.5mm) neoprene
35-65F
3/8" (9.5mm) neoprene, drysuit
Styles
There are also a variety of wet suit styles to fit your diving conditions.
Shorties
These are one-piece, short sleeve shirt and short set
Three-quarter
This one-piece set has short sleeves and legs that extend to the ankles
Full-length
This suit has long sleeves and legs that extend down to the ankles
Full suit
A one-piece suit from neck to ankles
Some styles give you the option to buy a suit with long or short legs
Farmer John/Jane
Two-piece suits that offer a better fit if you have an odd leg-to-torso figure
Dry suit
If your diving conditions are in really cold water or deep depths, you may want to consider a drysuit
Designed to keep as much water out as possible by using rubber seals around the neck, wrists and ankles
Some also use Velcro-style straps around the wrists and ankles to provide an extra measure of sealing
Determining the proper style
The chart below gives you guidance but you should also consider another factor--protection from the elements. Even a thin suit that covers your arms and legs gives you some protection from sun and scrapes.
Protection From The Elements
Water temperature
Style of suit
80+F
Lycra Skin or Shortie
76-80F
Shortie or 3mm Full Suit
65-72F
3mm – 5mm Full Suit with Micropene Hood
60-65F
5mm Full wetsuit or drysuit with Hood
50-60F
Full drysuit
Under 50
Full drysuit-gloves, hood and booties
Dive into Scuba sells scuba diving gear at the best prices on the 'net. We're an authorized dealer for top name brands and manufacturers of scuba gear, including Akona, Aquatec,Genesis, Sherwood, Zeagle, Cressi, Underwater Kinetics, ScubaMax, Beuchat, Sealife, XS Scuba, Tilos and many more. From hoods to booties and everything else you need for an enjoyable, safe scuba diving adventure, you'll find it at Dive into Scuba. Our company is owned and operated by scuba diving veterans with more than 80 years of experience.
Our Store Location
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Corporate Office ( No Retail Outlet)
Dive Into Scuba / The Scuba Shop 2515 Irving Blvd Dallas, Texas 75207
