What Do YOU Wear When Diving?

[seubank20]

This may be the most ridiculous thread in the the history of ridiculous thread but with our upcoming OW class I have to ask... What do most ladies wear other than just a wetsuit?

I am well aware that you don't typically go naked under your wetsuit, but the issue I am having with what is most comfortable under a wetsuit. I am, for lack of better words, very "chesty" and most all bikini tops that I have/found that fit have the under-wire and are more for laying on the beach instead of usually doing things in. I have looked into a rash guard but do you typically still wear a bathing suit top under that for not? Also, most bathing suit tops tie in the back and I would think the knot pressed up against the equipment would be uncomfortable.

My husband and I are taking our OW in a class with 3 others guys. Of course leaving me as the only women in the bunch! I'm 22 and would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit uncomfortable with the way most all BCD's fit. They all strap in the most terrible places, and by that I mean in a way that they really accentuate my already very noticeable chest. Lol In a bikini top, even a very modest one, its still hard to not notice. So I figured a rash guard would be my best bet since we wont be we wearing wetsuits for our pool dives. The issue with that is if I dont wear something under the rash guard its not going to be pretty I am pretty certain!

Any advise?

 

[sealionesse]

I also swim laps, so I wear the same swimsuit I do for that. It's a solid one-piece, racing-style suit with a nice built in bra with good support. I don't think I would wear a bikini under a wetsuit simply because I would think things could get a little "displaced" when peeling it off later. But I am not really sure since I never tried wearing a bikini underneath.

 

[Wineaux]

Diving with a wetsuit (bear in mind, I am in cold water environment) I wear a bikini and a rash guard under my wetsuit. I have a Speedo bikini where the top is like a pull over the head sport bra with no hooks. I consider myself fairly chesty (34DD) so normally those over the head type tops end up giving me mono-boob (which drives me bonkers) but if I get the rash guard on quickly it is form fitting enough that it usually keeps things in the lifted/separated positions they were when I put the swim top on. I would not wear a tie in the back bikini (I try to avoid them anyway as they are not comfortable to lay on) but I think one with a hook closure in the back would be ok. One reason I wear the bikini is that it is easier to get changed at the car. I can wrap a towel around my waist to take off the bottoms/put on underwear/put on pants. Then I kneel facing the open door to take the top off and put on something dry. I really have no modestly after diving though... I don't think anyone's really looking for a free show, ya know?

Diving in a dry suit I just wear a sports bra and regular underwear, smartwool top/bottom and thermals under the dry suit.

Definitely wear something supportive under the rash guard or just under the wetsuit if you are warm enough. I have found the wetsuits smoosh my chest and make a little more room for the BCD to close.

Wetsuits for women with room for your chest are made.... you may want to consider one, even if it is custom made if you really get into diving. There are also women's BCDs but I do not know if they are just smaller sizes for the Small/Med?Large sizing or if they are actually made differently.

Good luck with your classes. you will have so much fun.... (I think being the only girl can be extra fun actually.)

 

[Laurie S.]

I wear a one piece racing-style suit with a shelf bra.

 

[Bratface]

I wear a bikini under my wetsuit, rash guard when the water's cooler. For your OW training, wear a high topped swim suit (think speedo style) or a reef shirt over your bikini. The instructor may need to make adjustments to your BC and you both will feel more comfortable if you are a bit covered up.

 

[TSandM]

I'm fairly busty (5'4", 120, 34DD) and I wear a swimsuit with an underwire under my wetsuit, and that's perfectly comfortable.

As far as BCs go, I HIGHLY recommend a backplate system with a simple harness. It keeps EVERYTHING away from the front of your chest, and is infinitely adjustable, so you can be sure of a fit no matter what size you are. Plus it keeps the tank totally solid in the middle of your back. The day I dove mine (as a loan from a friend) I told him to give me a price, because he wasn't getting it back.

 

[diverjen]

Yes! I am only a D cup, but larger if I gain weight and I love not having my chest squished or encumbered by a traditional bc. I also recommend the speedo type swimsuit and rash guard for the pool.

I'm fairly busty (5'4", 120, 34DD) and I wear a swimsuit with an underwire under my wetsuit, and that's perfectly comfortable.

As far as BCs go, I HIGHLY recommend a backplate system with a simple harness. It keeps EVERYTHING away from the front of your chest, and is infinitely adjustable, so you can be sure of a fit no matter what size you are. Plus it keeps the tank totally solid in the middle of your back. The day I dove mine (as a loan from a friend) I told him to give me a price, because he wasn't getting it back.

 

[knotical]

also see this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/womens-perspectives/292022-what-wear.html

 

[tstormdiver]

This may be the most ridiculous thread in the the history of ridiculous thread but with our upcoming OW class I have to ask... What do most ladies wear other than just a wetsuit?

In the temperate waters here in KY, one type does not fit all situations. I wear a different combination of suits. I have a 3mm, a 5mm wetsuits & a drysuit with different thicknesses of undergarments for insulation.

I am well aware that you don't typically go naked under your wetsuit, but the issue I am having with what is most comfortable under a wetsuit. I am, for lack of better words, very "chesty" and most all bikini tops that I have/found that fit have the under-wire and are more for laying on the beach instead of usually doing things in. I have looked into a rash guard but do you typically still wear a bathing suit top under that for not? Also, most bathing suit tops tie in the back and I would think the knot pressed up against the equipment would be uncomfortable.

I wear a racing style bating suit under my wetsuits.

My husband and I are taking our OW in a class with 3 others guys. Of course leaving me as the only women in the bunch! I'm 22 and would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit uncomfortable with the way most all BCD's fit. They all strap in the most terrible places, and by that I mean in a way that they really accentuate my already very noticeable chest. Lol In a bikini top, even a very modest one, its still hard to not notice. So I figured a rash guard would be my best bet since we wont be we wearing wetsuits for our pool dives. The issue with that is if I don't wear something under the rash guard its not going to be pretty I am pretty certain!
Any advise?

Don't worry about being the only female in the class. You are a "diver" when in class, not so much male/ female. Just be as modest as you possibly can be & everything should be fine. A rash guard may help from chafing, but not really for making things "a little less noticeable". There are BC's made specifically for women & are better cut & padded for comfort. Talk to your instructor or dive shop to see what they may be able to do for you.

 

[mizzie]

I plan to just wear a one piece swimming suit. Most likely the one I already own, which is pretty high in the front and back. I don't feel comfortable in a bikini alone in a dressing room, so I can't imagine I would like it under a wetsuit.