Undergarment recommendation: Uniqlo Heattech / AIRism Mesh

[Divectionist]

Hi all

For those interested, I just wanted to mention that Uniqlo's Extra Warm and Ultra Warm long sleeve and long johns make for really effective undergarment layers, with the AIRism Mesh shirt being a really nice thin base layer to add.

The point is that these are very cheap when compared to scuba specific undergarments. My better half is always cold and swears by these thermals, so I got a few to try to get a feel for how they wear under the drysuit to gauge what thickness scuba thermals I should buy, eyeing the fourth element line - now I don't even want anything else. The only other undergarment I can compare this to from experience in the trilam suit is the one Sharkskin makes, however, I also understand that this is not deemed the most effective despite being sold as a dedicated drysuit undergarment also (the full body black version). Nevertheless, the Extra warm and Ultra warm layered was much more effective than the Sharkskin, whilst being a lot more comfortable.

Comparing the Heattech stuff to my much more pricey skiing undergarments is also a win for them. They are just warmer. The mesh shirt has a wicking texture that you'd probably pay a lot for if it was a sports specific garment or brand.

Anyway, in Australian $ (and quickly converted US$):

Heattech Ultra Warm top/bottom ca. $80 (US$ 55)
47% Acrylic, 26% Polyester, 20% Rayon, 7% Spandex

Heattech Extra Warm top/bottom ca. $60 (US$ 40)
50% Acrylic, 33% Rayon, 13% Polyester, 4% Spandex

AIRism Mesh Crew Neck shirt ca. $15 (US$ 10)
94% Polyester, 6% Spandex

So for AU$155 / US$105, you get 2 leg and 3 torso layers to combine or wear on their own in warmer waters.

Give them a try

 

[TheBullfrog]

I just want to second the fact that Uniqlo's Heattech Ultra Warm base layer is AMAZING. I tried it out this weekend. So comfortable against the skin and warm and cozy. Didn't feel ANY cool/cold when diving Monterey this weekend. It is a game changer. And at $30 bucks ea. (top & bottom), you cannot go wrong.

 

[afieldofblue]

Thanks for the head's up - I'm really curious about this as my Uniqlo heattech clothing from 10+ years ago was quite bad at wicking and would get very wet - so I'm wondering if the technology has evolved...

You're using this as a base layer, against your skin, right?

Thanks

 

[landphil]

I always use Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs as my underbase layer- they are super lightweight and don’t hold any moisture. Definitely gets me a lot more dives on my merino base layer before they get really gross.

The one thing with Uniqlo Airism and Heattech is that they sell both all synthetic and cotton blends under both labels. The cotton blends would certainly be a bad choice for drysuit base layers. But I’m definitely going to pick up a set of those Heattech Ultras to try out as a base layer next time I end up near a store.

 

[afieldofblue]

I think I'll give these a spin - I'll be diving dry in relatively warm water (18°C to 24°C) so looking for a simple nicely wicking base layer I could use on it's own.
I also have airism undies and t-shirts, but really curious about the long sleeved heatech, so will look to buy a pair - just not sure if I should get extra or ultra for these temps.