Do Wetsuits Keep You Warm In Cold Water

Do wetsuits keep you warm in cold water? Short answer: YES. Wetsuit's purpose is to keep you warm in cold water but the science runs beyond a simple yes or no. How warm a wetsuit keeps you in cold water depends on many factors.

Wetsuits work like magic by trapping a thin layer of water close to your skin, letting your body heat warm it up and keeping the temperature constant so that you don’t feel cold as you enjoy your adventure in water.

But you know, not all wetsuits are created equal, so how warm a wetsuit can keep you in cold water depends on a few factors. So, in this article, we will explore how wetsuits keep you warm and the type of wetsuits you need for each season.

Do Wetsuits Keep You Warm In Cold Water

Yes, wetsuits play a crucial role in keeping you warm in cold water. In water, you lose body heat more quickly than when you are on the land, the deeper you go below the surface of the water, the colder you become. That is why you need a wetsuit to keep your body temperature constant underwater.

Wetsuits are mainly designed to keep you warm in water to avoid a condition called hypothermia. Whether you are a diver, swimmer, surfer or scuba diver, you need a wetsuit for warmth in water especially in colder waters because you get colder faster in cold water than in warm water.

Some people can get away with not wearing a wetsuit in the summer but don’t try it in winter or places such as California waters. The wetsuit is the barrier between your skin and cold water, allowing your body heat to keep the thin layer of water in between it and your body warm.

The Science of Wetsuit Warmth

Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a special rubber material that contains tiny air bubbles. When you put on a wetsuit, a thin layer of water gets trapped between your skin and the neoprene. This water layer acts like a personal insulator.

Since your body naturally produces heat, the trapped water layer gets warmed by your body heat, creating a comfortable microclimate around you. This warm layer is protected and kept constant by your wetsuit, letting you enjoy adventures in the water without getting cold.

However, a well-fitting wetsuit is key. A loose suit allows for too much water movement, flushing away the warmed water layer and constantly replacing it with cold water. A snug fit minimizes water flow, keeping your warm zone intact.

Still, how warm you get depends on the temperature of the water and the thickness of your wetsuit. So, let’s get to know how much warmth you can get from a wetsuit.

What Thickness Wetsuit Do You Need For Warmth In Water

The level of warmth you get in water depends on the thickness of your wetsuit and the temperature of the water you are exploring. When choosing a wetsuit, it is necessary to consider the temperature of the water and the thickness that suits the water most.

The table below shows the thickness you need for each water temperature. This guide, provides you full details about the thickness you need in a wetsuit.

 

Water Temperature (°F/°C)	Wetsuit Thickness (mm)	Recommended Wetsuit Type	Accessories	Seal Type
70°F+ / 21°C+	0.5 - 2 mm	Springsuit, Rashguard, Shorty	None (Optional: Boots)	Flatlock (Minimal warmth)
68°F - 62°F / 20°C - 16°C	2 mm - 3/2 mm	Short John/Jane, Springsuit	Boots (Optional: Hood)	Flatlock or Stitched (Moderate warmth)
58°F - 52°F / 14°C - 11°C	3/2 mm - 4/3 mm	Fullsuit	Boots, Hood (Optional: Gloves)	Stitched or Glued (Good warmth)
50°F - 45°F / 10°C - 7°C	4/3 mm - 5/4 mm	Fullsuit with chest/back panels	Boots, Hood, Gloves	Glued (Very good warmth)
Below 45°F / Below 7°C	5/4 mm - 6/5/4 mm	Hooded Fullsuit with chest/back panels	Boots, Hood, Gloves	Glued (Excellent warmth)

 

Water Temperature vs. Wetsuit Thickness

Water temperature and wetsuit thickness are intimately linked, as the thickness of a wetsuit directly affects its ability to provide insulation in various water conditions.

The correlation between water temperature and wetsuit thickness is crucial for ensuring comfort and safety while engaging in water activities.

In colder waters, thicker wetsuits are necessary to provide adequate insulation and maintain body heat.

This is because thicker neoprene material offers greater thermal resistance, effectively trapping more air and creating a thicker barrier between the body and the cold water. As a result, thicker wetsuits help to minimize heat loss and keep the wearer warmer for longer periods.

Conversely, in warmer waters, thinner wetsuits or even no wetsuit at all may be suitable, as less insulation is required to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

Thinner neoprene allows for greater flexibility and mobility, making it ideal for activities in milder conditions where overheating could be a concern.

The ideal wetsuit thickness directly correlates with the water temperature you'll be facing. Choosing the appropriate thickness based on water temperature ensures your wetsuit effectively performs its job of keeping you warm and comfortable in the water.

Diving vs. Surfing Wetsuit Requirement

Diving and surfing are two popular water activities that require different wetsuit specifications due to their distinct environmental conditions and the nature of the activities themselves. Here's a comparison highlighting the differences in wetsuit requirements and effectiveness between diving and surfing:

Factor	Diving Wetsuit	Surfing Wetsuit
Water Depth	Designed for deeper depths, handling water pressure	Primarily for surface use
Neoprene Type	Denser neoprene for compression resistance	Stretchier neoprene for flexibility
Thickness	Thicker overall, with thicker torso and leg panels for warmth	Thinner overall, prioritizing flexibility
Exposure Duration	Prioritizes warmth retention for longer dives	Suitable for shorter bursts of activity
Activity Intensity	Materials may be slightly stiffer to accommodate thicker neoprene	Prioritizes flexibility for paddling, maneuvering, and catching waves
Seal Type	More emphasis on watertight seals (e.g., glued seams)	May have slightly less watertight seals for comfort and flexibility
Additional Features	May include features like hoods, boots, and reinforced knees	May include features like rashguard protection or chest panels

 

Conclusion On Do Wetsuits Keep You Warm In Cold Water

As explained above, wetsuits keep you warm in cold water but the extent of the warmth they provide depends on factors like the water temperature, thickness and size. If you choose an oversized wetsuit, you will get less warmth as it will let in cold water every time. A snug-fit wetsuit will provide you with optimal warmth.