What to wear under my wetsuit for warmth?

[Heg]

Hi
I need a top and pants or full suit to wear under my wetsuit in winter. I'm confused by all the brands such as Sharkskin, Lavacore, Frogskin etc etc.
Does anyone have any recommendations please? I'm female , 5'5" and around 59 kg. I want a comfortable fit that will keep me warm and dry easily.
Thanks

 

[Npallasi]

How cold does the water get in the winter? You might want to consider an additional wetsuit or perhaps a drysuit instead.

 

[Heg]

Coldest I will dive in is around 21degs -yes I am a wuss I wear a 7/5mm wetsuit in water that is 25/27 degrees, so just need another layer to stop me getting chilled. I've got a short sleeve sharkskin top that I wear when doing multiple dives, but want some sort of full suit or leggings too.

 

[Kharon]

You could try a Henderson Polyolefin. Shoulders are lycra. If I'm correct 21°C is about 70°F. I'd be in a 3mm. When diving up here where the thermocline drops to low 50's (F) I'll wear a 3mm with 3mm vest and one or two Hendersons. They are about the equivalent of 2mm each but no buoyancy.

 

[Scubafoon]

I use Lavacore underneath the 3mm wetsuit if water temp is around 21C, it has neutral buoyancy so doesn't really affect your weighting.

 

[drbill]

I wouldn't wear anything under my wetsuit (except a bathing suit). The wetsuit is designed to trap water against the skin where it is heated by the body. If your wetsuit is too loose and is letting water in, you might need to look at a better fitting suit. When I want additional warmth I wear a hooded vest. Most wear them under the wetsuit, but I wear mine on top of it.

 

[Soggy_Diver]

For my feet, I have found that thick wool socks inside my scuba boots work. I think that this is because my feet are between sizes, and so without socks, cold water circulates a bit in the boots. The socks seem to trap the water and allow it to warm up. This is in really cold water (e.g., 4 C to 12 C).

 

[Heg]

I wouldn't wear anything under my wetsuit (except a bathing suit). The wetsuit is designed to trap water against the skin where it is heated by the body. If your wetsuit is too loose and is letting water in, you might need to look at a better fitting suit. When I want additional warmth I wear a hooded vest. Most wear them under the wetsuit, but I wear mine on top of it.

My suit is a great fit with semi dry cuffs. I am just a wuss that gets cold very easily. I was diving in my suit in PNG while others were diving in board shorts.

---------- Post added May 28th, 2014 at 05:47 AM ----------

You could try a Henderson Polyolefin. Shoulders are lycra. If I'm correct 21°C is about 70°F. I'd be in a 3mm. When diving up here where the thermocline drops to low 50's (F) I'll wear a 3mm with 3mm vest and one or two Hendersons. They are about the equivalent of 2mm each but no buoyancy.

3mm? In 21 degs? Oh my lord- I'd last about 15 minutes ;-) . I'll check out the Henderson suit. Thanks

 

[Token]

[deleted...advice off track]

 

[andrethediver]

+1 for Lavacore. Gives you 2 -3 mm of extra insulation and no extra weight. Can go for long sleeves and a hooded version for even more comfort.

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