Which do you prefer/recommend?

[Caradhriel]

Ok, I've been certified for close to 10 years, and been in the same suit, under my wetsuit, for the whole time. The suit, bless it's heart, is really worn and it's simply time to replace it. I was just wanting to get a feel for what was the prefered and/or recommended style for comfort and ease of movement, a 1 piece or something like a tankini or halter top/board shorts kind of thing? I have no problem with the bathroom relief in a one piece, so that's not a consideration. Mostly wanting to know which is more comfortable/suitable for under a wetsuit usage.

 

[aussiescubagal]

Hi Caradhriel,

I have always dived in a two-piece - probably because I don't own a one piece! I have heard though that a one piece ends up feeling like a giant wedgie!!

My sister dives in a tankini two-piece, she has no complaints about that.

I don't think there is a recommendation, its purely comfort. Besides, most of the people I dive with wear a lycra as well for extra warmth (gets a bit chilly in Port Phillip Bay) so the suit underneath isn't an issue.

Hope that helps!

aussiescubagal

 

[MsParamedic]

I prefer to wear a one piece. I've never had a "wedgie" problem, but that maybe bacause I don't wear a high cut leg.

I do wear a tankini on live aboards, because of the bathroom factor, but once if it starts getting punched up under my wet suit or skin, I return to "ole reliable"--my one piece.

 

[scubaotter]

I also prefer a one piece suit. A one piece suit tends to lend more support up top - where I need it.

I have recently seen a lot of people wearing tankini's under their wetsuits lately.

The decision should be based on what is comfortable for you. Just remember you look weird to the fish no matter what is under your wet suit

 

[kelpmermaid]

One piece or two, I try to avoid any suit that ties or has plastic or metal hooks or any underwire. I'm afraid that those would dig into me under the wetsuit. I like racer back tops, too, as I think the straps are less likely to fall.

 

[marisa-t]

In my early years of diving I wore a two piece, I liked it cause the fact was I could take of that wetsuit and my skin could breathe again when back on the boat. That's when I didn't have a little gut! Now that I have a this little gut that won't go away cause I drink Dr. Pepper too much, I stick to One peices when diving... I wouldn't want to frighten the fish or the human divers when taking the suit back off.

I think it's whatever you want!!!!!

 

[Caradhriel]

Marisa, I know the feeling. I have 2 kids and have that little gut as well. Doesn't really bother me, which didn't help the style decision.

I did, however, discover the other day that the tops on most kinds of bikinis just don't give me the support I need anymore. Guess that answered that dilema real quickly.

 

[DiveMaven]

I have a couple of tankini's that I bought from Landsend. They have full coverage of my tummy, which I prefer as I do not have a body that should ever be seen in a bikini! <LOL> I've never had a problem with them bunching, and I simply find them much more comfortable than a 1-piece suit.

 

[seaangel]

I prefer a tankini most of the time. If in colder water, and colder air I will most likely wear a one piece. I do like two piece occassionally, if I am going to get a chance to work on a tan some on the boat. But, I am very discriminating about the type of two piece, it must be one that is not a string, thong type and must provide adequate coverage if you know what I mean. That often eliminates 95% of them when shopping for a new suit.

 

[Sylvie]

My wetsuit is pretty snug, so I prefer a one piece. Otherwise, I have to make sure that the bikini bottom doesn’t accidentally slip down while peeling the wetsuit off. I've also noticed that my breasts are more likely to accidentally pop out of a bikini top while struggling with the wet suit. I never worn tankini, but I can imagine the top might be irritating if it gets bunched up too much. I suppose it all boils down to individual fit and comfort.

Sylvie