What’s the difference between a drysuit and a wetsuit?

A wetsuit keeps you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the neoprene. Your body heats that water, and the suit’s insulation slows how quickly it is replaced. A drysuit, on the other hand, keeps you completely dry. It seals at the wrists and neck and uses air trapped inside for insulation instead of water. You wear undergarments beneath a drysuit to control warmth.

The choice between them depends on water temperature and personal comfort. Most divers use wetsuits in water 65°F (18°C) and warmer, and switch to drysuits when it gets colder. Drysuits require separate training because the added air space changes buoyancy control, but they allow diving year-round in almost any temperature.

I dive in both, depending on the environment. In moderate water I prefer a wetsuit for simplicity and mobility. In cold water, a drysuit is the only way to stay warm enough to focus and enjoy the dive.

How to Choose, Fit & Use the Right Wetsuit for Diving

Choosing the right wetsuit for scuba diving based on water temperature, fit, thickness, and personal cold tolerance. Includes tips on donning, gear care, and real-world recommendations.

My Scuba Gear for Drysuit Diving

See the complete scuba gear setup I use for drysuit diving in Chicagoland and Lake Michigan. Includes personal choices, training context, and tips for diving in cold water conditions.

My Gear for Cold Wetsuit Diving

See the scuba gear I use for cold water dives in a wetsuit. A practical and cost-effective setup for local conditions when a drysuit isn’t necessary or you don't have one.