Bare Exoware Review

Last updated: Feb 2026

Adds real warmth without neoprene bulk
Extremely easy to don, even when wet
Works well as a standalone or layering piece
Comfortable fit with no restriction of movement
Reliable alternative to thin wetsuits or gimmick layers

Overall Score: 8.2 / 10 (Strong)

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop

The Bare Exoware is a low-bulk exposure layer designed to add meaningful warmth without the thickness or restriction of neoprene. I use it as my go-to option for sub-3mm conditions when a full wetsuit feels excessive. Unlike similar products that rely on marketing claims, the Exoware actually delivers noticeable thermal benefit while remaining easy to layer and comfortable in the water. It has replaced several other “light exposure” options in my kit.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Noticeable thermal gain for such a thin layer	Not a replacement for a true wetsuit in cooler water
Very easy to put on and take off	Higher cost than basic rash guards
Does not restrict movement or buoyancy control	Limited abrasion protection compared to neoprene
Layers cleanly under other exposure protection
Has replaced other lightweight exposure options in my kit

Why I Chose the Bare Exoware

I was looking for something to bridge the gap between a rash guard and a 3mm wetsuit. In warmer water, a full wetsuit can feel excessive, but many thin exposure layers promise warmth they do not actually deliver. After being disappointed by other products in this category, I was skeptical.

The Bare Exoware delivered exactly what I wanted. It provides meaningful warmth without bulk, layers easily, and does not interfere with movement or trim. It has become my default option whenever conditions fall below rash-guard comfort but do not justify neoprene.

Verdict

The Bare Exoware does what it claims to do. It adds warmth without bulk, is easy to live with, and fills a real gap in exposure protection. It has earned a permanent place in my kit for warm-water and transitional conditions.

Would I buy it again? Yes. It solved a real problem and continues to perform exactly as expected.

Who the Bare Exoware Is Best For

This item is best suited for:

Divers who want more warmth than a rash guard provides
Warm-water travelers looking to avoid a full wetsuit
Divers layering under thin wetsuits or shells
Anyone frustrated by “thermal” layers that do not actually insulate

It may not be ideal for:

Cold-water diving requiring true neoprene insulation
High-abrasion environments where thicker protection is needed
Divers expecting wetsuit-level warmth from a thin layer

Deep Dive into the Score

Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.

Category	Score	Raw Score	Weight	Weighted
Function & Performance	Strong	8.0	30%	2.4
Ease of Use	Exceptional	9.0	20%	1.8
Versatility	Strong	8.0	15%	1.2
Durability & Build Quality	Strong	8.0	15%	1.2
Value	Strong	8.0	10%	0.8
Brand Trust & Transparency	Strong	8.0	10%	0.8
Total	Strong			8.2 / 10

Deep Dive Score Explanations

Function & Performance – 8: Provides real, noticeable warmth for its thickness without affecting buoyancy or movement.
Ease of Use – 9: Extremely easy to don and doff, even when wet.
Versatility – 8: Works well standalone or as a layering piece across a range of warm-water conditions.
Durability & Build Quality – 8: Holding up well with no issues so far, though not designed for abrasion-heavy use.
Value – 8: Priced higher than rash guards, but justified by actual performance.
Brand Trust & Transparency – 8: Bare’s exposure gear has been consistently reliable and accurately represented.

Performance in the Water

Thermal Comfort: Noticeably warmer than a rash guard. Enough to avoid stepping up to a 3mm wetsuit.
Mobility: No restriction at all. Feels invisible once in the water.
Layering: Works cleanly under wetsuits or shells without bunching.
Practical Use: Has replaced other lightweight exposure layers I previously carried.