Which goes first...

[rfwoodvt]

Morning all,

Looking at adding a step-in hooded vest to layer with my wetsuit and am trying to decide which should go over the other.

In general, does it matter which one goes on first from a protection/warmth perspective?

What if one of them has the better arm, head/neck and leg seals?

Thanks!

 

[Ana]

I can't imagine there's a rule for that, whatever sequence fits better.

Some of my vest's fit better under some wetsuits and others fit better over them. Just a bit tighter or looser makes the difference for me, I'm curious to see what the experts respond.

 

[asher102]

In general, I would say that a hooded vest goes under your wetsuit.

 

[Zef]

It dpends entirely on the suits and their sizing. I have an aqualung balance comfort 5.5mm wetsuit and a matching shorty that is designed and sized to be worn over it. I also have a cressi shorty that is sized to be worn under a wetsuit.

Figure out what is most comfortable for you based on what you have/are going to buy.

-Z

 

[scubadada]

I wear my 5/3 mm hooded vest under my 3, 5, or 7 mm full suit. I have not used just a hood for many years. I'm thinking about getting a 5/7 mm hooded vest to add to my flexibility.

I've seen a minority of divers layer their hooded vests over their wetsuits, I would imagine that it works just fine

 

[sea_ledford]

All things equal, I like a hooded vest over a suit as I think it seals the neck and back zip better so less water flow through the suit. But really whichever one is tighter will be the primary dictator of which goes on first.

 

[Marie13]

I’ve seen people do both. Most do it under, but some do it over.

 

[jakehbk]

A step in hooded vest is an odd beast. Where are you diving and what style of wetsuit do you already own? I have a 3 piece wetsuit combo that is a farmer john bottom, a hooded best and a step in long sleeve jacket. It goes on in that order.

My rule is that a step in wetsuit piece with short legs goes on last to avoid the legs bunching or riding up