Bottom layer under wetsuit - yes or no?
12. 10. 2023
However, you often ask us if it is necessary to wear something under the wetsuit. Opinions differ, in the end you will see for yourself what suits you. Read our recommendations.
A neoprene suit must fit perfectly. Due to the thermoregulating ability of the neoprene material, the suit should be tight, for a simple reason: the heating capacity decreases with more water that gets between the neoprene and the skin. (Yes, you read that right, we talked about the fact that neoprene is not waterproof in the article about children's wetsuits.)
We recommend wearing an underlayer under a neoprene. And for several reasons:
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protection against unpleasant friction,
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preventing frequent washing of neoprene,
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filling the "air pocket" between the skin and the neoprene.
For hygiene reasons and ease of maintenance, we recommend wearing at least the lower part of the swimsuit (boxers or brief/panty-shaped swimsuits) under the wetsuit. However, if you want to increase thermal comfort, we recommend adding lycra clothing to your neoprene outfit. Lycra T-shirts are relatively thin, quick-drying and offer protection against UV radiation. That is why they are very much used for water sports. Another benefit is that after swimming, snorkeling or diving, you can take off just the wetsuit and stay in the bottom layer.
