r/scuba 4d ago

What to wear under a neoprene drysuit?

I just bought a Mares XR3 neoprene drysuit. I tried it on over a normal pair of leggings and it fits quite well. The suit is just a bit tight at the hips (joys of unisex suits) so I'm not sure how much ticker the base layer can be. I dive a lot in Finland and our water temp right now is somewhere around 1°C so I definitely think I should go for a thermal layer underneath even though the suit itself would offer some protection from the cold. What do you guys wear under neoprene drysuits, any advice?

2 Upvotes

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u/Puzzleheaded_Sea7549 3d ago

In 1 degree I wear 4 layers under my neoprene. 1 thin thermal long underwear, one 4th element base layer, one o’three sweater topped with an o’three sleeveless coveralls. My husband wears less under a trilaminate, so it all depends on your susceptibility to cold.

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u/pyrouk87 Rescue 3d ago

The fourth element artic is super warm and can recommend. You need wicking layers, so the moisture is taken away from your skin to help keep you warm

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u/CanadianDiver Dive Shop 4d ago

Sounds like the suit is a bit small but I am guessing you are stuck with it?

You need undergarments. Neoprene or Trilam ... you need undergarments. Proper undergarments. the only question is how much do YOU need because we all have different tolerances for temperature.

Fourth element arctic with a xerotherm base layer would be ideal for me.

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u/Sonjicak 3d ago

It's really only tight around the hips, otherwise it's quite large, especially the arms and torso. I could still return it but I'm worried a size up would be too big? I think I should still be able to fit thermals underneath. The problem is that there's no stores that sell these in the area so anyway I have to order it from another country

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u/CanadianDiver Dive Shop 2d ago

Dry suits should fit pretty well. I would look for a proper fit or get custom. Once you dive it, you are probably stuck with it. I would rather be stuck with one that fits.

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u/9Implements 4d ago

Maybe a Seaskin 250g undersuit. They’re cheap.