Can You Wear Cotton Under a Wetsuit?

Whether you are planning on wearing cotton under your wetsuit is a matter of personal choice. While there are certain items of clothing that are considered inappropriate to wear under a wetsuit, you can try other options such as a sports bra and underwear. If you want to avoid the risk of chafing, wear a wetsuit-friendly outerwear instead.

Avoid Wearing Cotton Under a Wetsuit

Despite the fact that rashes and chafing are common among divers, it is still advisable to wear underwear underneath a wetsuit. This is because cotton retains a lot of water and decreases buoyancy when wet. Furthermore, cotton takes longer to dry than polyester and nylon, which are common materials used in swimsuits. Alternatively, some divers prefer to wear underwear underneath their wetsuits for comfort and convenience.

Among the many advantages of wearing a wetsuit is its ability to absorb moisture and keep it close to the body. This is not an ideal insulation material and can dramatically lower your body temperature. Cotton is also bulky and is not the ideal material for an extra layer. As such, wearing cotton under a wetsuit may be counterproductive. In addition to being uncomfortable, wearing cotton clothing may make it difficult to remove the wetsuit and cause chafing, which can be a big problem if you're swimming or snorkeling.

If you're worried about the cost of a wetsuit, a thin neoprene dive skin may be an option for you. These skins give you additional thermal protection and can also be interchanged with swimsuits. Cotton, on the other hand, is the most unsuitable material to wear under a wetsuit, as it tends to absorb moisture from the body.

Avoid Wearing a Sports Bra or Sports Underwear Under a Wetsuit

There are a few benefits of wearing sports underwear under a wetsuit. While normal underwear is comfortable, they are not designed for wet environments. They can chafe and can even cause extra water retention. However, in tropical countries, it is perfectly acceptable to wear everyday swimwear underneath a wetsuit. It is important to choose the right material and size before going into the water.

Chafing is also an issue when wearing a wetsuit. Common areas to experience chafing are armpits, knees, and crotch. Individuals with hair may notice that it pulls against the suit. Chafing is uncomfortable and can even cause rashes. To prevent this from happening, you may want to wear a rash guard or other breathable undergarment underneath your wetsuit. Another reason to wear undergarments is for hygienic reasons.

A full-length rash guard is the best option. A full-length rash guard is not only comfortable but provides maximum coverage. It will keep your skin away from potentially spoiled areas. You will also avoid perverts looking at your naked body. It is also necessary to protect your skin while wearing a wetsuit so that it will stay dry. In addition to providing support, a sports bra will help prevent your skin from touching other parts of the wetsuit.