What are wetsuits and what makes them different from drysuits? Wetsuits and drysuits are both important equipment for people who engage in water sports and those who work in cold waters.

A wetsuit is a garment worn to protect the wearer from losing body heat when submerged in cold or icy waters. It works by trapping a layer of water in the suit that eventually maintains body heat.

Like wetsuits, drysuits also protect the wearer from suffering hypothermia, but unlike wetsuits, drysuits keep you dry. These are also worn in some water sports and in working in cold or icy waters. Because drysuits intend to keep you dry, no openings are allowed in the suit.

Material

Drysuits are made of nylon or a combination of nylon and rubber or foam neoprene. Wetsuits on the other hand are made of a very flexible rubber, Neoprene.

How these garments work

Wetsuits are designed to let a small amount of water into the suit that will be heated by the body and thus preserving the warmth and heat of the wearer's body.

Drysuits on the other hand are totally sealed and prevent water from entering the suit. With this, it keeps the wearer dry and warm. Drysuits also allow you to use warm clothes underneath to add to the warmth. Drysuits are not snugly fit so additional clothing can be worn under.

What to use

When temperatures plunge to 60 degrees or below, drysuits are usually worn because they provide more warmth. However, drysuits can be worn as well in higher temperatures especially for prolonged stay in the water.

Wetsuits are worn in temperatures higher than 60 but you can also choose to wear a combination of drysuits and wetsuits in these temperatures.

Cost

Because Drysuits are more durable and efficient in preserving body heat, they generally cost higher than wetsuits.