When scuba diving in cold water, it’s important to retain as much body heat as possible by using the appropriate gear. Drysuits are preferable to wetsuits when diving in cold water temperatures because they’re loose-fitting, so you can wear plenty of drysuit undergarments for thermal protection.
While drysuits will keep you entirely dry on their own, they won’t keep you warm, so undersuit layers are especially important.
What Are the Best Base Layers to Wear Under Drysuits?
Whether you’ll be in and out of the water for activities like cold water surfing or you’ll remain submerged for a long dive, you’ll want a base layer that’s fairly breathable since your drysuit won’t be.
Moisture-Wicking Underlayer
The divewear layer closest to your skin should draw moisture from sweat away from your body. This way, your skin remains dry at all times. Whether you choose a one-piece or two-piece base layer, you should look for materials that advertise fast-moisture wicking.
Polartec Fleece Midlayer
For your midlayer, you should consider a Polartec fleece material or even neoprene. These materials will continue to keep you warm even if they get wet.
Avoid Cotton
Steer clear of wearing any cotton material under your drysuit. If it gets wet, cotton pulls heat from the surface of your skin and decreases your overall body temperature.
Best Drysuit Undergarments for Cold Water Diving
If you’re looking for a ready-to-go drysuit undergarment, consider any of these great options designed specifically for peak performance.
1. Sharkskin Chill-Proof 1-Piece Suit with Rear Zipper
Versatility is key with the Sharkskin Chill-Proof 1-Piece Suit. Made of windproof, 3-layer composite materials, you can wear this one-piece as a standalone wetsuit in warm water. Alternatively, you can wear it as an undergarment for a wetsuit or a drysuit.
The inner layer of the Chill-Proof Suit has microfleece for moisture wicking. The middle layer is breathable yet completely windproof for maintaining body heat out of the water. The outer layer is a spandex and nylon blend.
Both the women’s and men’s Sharksin drysuit offer UV resistance, a water-repellent finish, and neutral buoyancy.
2. Lavacore Full Suit
The Lavacore Full Suit is another great choice with both women’s and men’s options. You can find versions available in either 1.5mm or 2mm thickness as well as front and back zip options. It’s easy to find the undersuit that best matches your style and preferences.
The soft inner fleece layer of the Lavacore Full Suit is antibacterial to help you avoid odor buildup and skin irritation. Optional thumb loops and removable stirrups add helpful versatility. Whether you’re wearing this as a supplemental undergarment or as a wetsuit in warm water temperatures, your suit will stay put.
This drysuit undergarment is also rated as DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and features flat-seam construction for stretch and comfort. If you have a cold water dive planned, consider adding this to your wishlist!
3. Mares Ultra Skin Steamer Skin Suit
A front zipper makes for easy doffing and donning in this next undersuit. Offering full body coverage, impressive comfort, and vital warmth retention, the Ultra Skin Steamer Skin Suit by Mares is a full-featured choice.
Whether you select the men’s version or the women’s version, you’ll experience greater comfort than you thought possible in icy waters. An inner fleece layer wicks moisture and provides a soft surface against the skin, while a polyurethane-membrane midlayer keeps you safe from wind above the surface. The stretch-spandex outer layer provides a perfect fit, freedom of movement, and UPF 50+ protection from the sun.
Whether you’re laying lines in overhead conditions, waiting for the right wave for some Arctic surfing, or just prepping for a casual cold water dive, you’ll be happy you chose this well-built undersuit.
4. Pinnacle Inferno V-Skin Men’s Front Zip Wetsuit
Pinnacle’s Inferno V-Skin suit represents new technology and innovation in the drysuit undergarment scene. When worn alone, the Inferno V-Skin offers great heat retention for warmer waters, but when combined with Pinnacle’s Black Ice Drysuit, you’ll be ready to take on even the coldest conditions.
Thumb loops and stirrups keep your suit in place, while you can attach an optional V-Skin Collar or V-Skin Merino Hood for additional warmth and protection.
The trilaminate material is composed of thermal inner linings, a high-stretch spandex exterior, and bi-laminate Merino under the arms. Plus, it’s 100% breathable to keep you comfortable and sweat-free out of the water.
