When to Wear Wetsuit Bottoms?
If you’re into warm water diving, you can choose thinner wetsuit shorts or pants. They will provide protection from scrapes and stings as well as some warmth.
For colder water, choose diving pants made of thicker neoprene, or go for the shorts with pockets that can be worn over your wetsuit. They will not only provide extra warmth but also additional space for storing your dive accessories.
Wearing wetsuit bottoms for snorkeling will allow you to spend more time exploring underwater views without getting cold. Full-length pants will also protect the back of your legs from getting sunburned.
When choosing wetsuit bottoms for surfing, pay attention to their wind resistance. Surfing pants should also be stretchy and fit snugly to not interfere with movements.
Wetsuit bottoms for kayaking, SUP, and other paddling activities will provide some UV protection on hot days, as well as wind and chill protection on colder ones.
What to Pair With Wetsuit Bottoms?
Wetsuit bottoms can either come as a part of a two-piece wetsuit or be sold separately. In the first case, you will usually get a pair of high-waisted wetsuit pants and a hooded wetsuit top with beavertail closure. The benefit of such a combination is that, thanks to the two layers of neoprene around the torso, it will offer additional warmth in this area, while still allowing for the freedom of movement in the arms and legs.
If you buy the wetsuit bottoms separately, you can pair them with any wetsuit jackets, vests, or rashies of your choosing. Depending on your needs and water temperature, there can be multiple combinations.
If you are planning to dive, snorkel, SUP, etc., in warm tropical water, choose wetsuit shorts or thin leggings with a vest, short-sleeve top, rashguard, or bikini top. In temperate water, a combination of wetsuit pants or leggings with a long-sleeve top will be ideal.
As for colder water, thin wetsuit pants can go as a base layer under a fullsuit, thick pants as the first layer with a spring suit (step-in jacket), or shorts as a second layer over a fullsuit.
What Does a Woman Wear Under Wetsuit Bottoms?
Under wetsuit bottoms, most women wear bikini bottoms, swim briefs, or sports-style underwear. These options provide comfort and won’t bunch up or shift under the wetsuit. If extra warmth is needed, some may opt for thin thermal layers or dive-specific shorts that add insulation while still fitting smoothly under the wetsuit.
