When to Wear a Wetsuit Jacket?
One of the primary factors that will determine what kind of jacket you need is the activity you will be using it for.
- For diving in colder water, it is usually worn on top of a fullsuit for additional warmth. On the contrary, some divers choose to layer a thin neoprene top under their wetsuits. Another option is to wear a wetsuit jacket over farmer John. This will create a double layer of material covering the torso, consequently providing extra insulation, yet letting the diver keep more freedom in the arms.
- For diving in temperate waters, a long-sleeved wetsuit jacket combined with pants will be a good option. The benefit of this setup is that it’s a bit more versatile than, say, a one-piece fullsuit, since you can mix and match the jacket and pants with other pieces of your exposure protection gear to adjust it for different conditions.
- For diving in warm water, a thin short-sleeved wetsuit jacket will be the most reasonable choice. A combination with wetsuit pants, shorts, or a bikini made of 1-3mm neoprene will neither overheat the diver nor allow one to feel chills while at depth. Likewise, a short or long-sleeved wetsuit jacket made of thin material will be a perfect option for snorkeling, freediving, and swimming.
- As for spearfishing, there are specially designed camo wetsuit jackets in different colors, to match the environment and sufficiently disguise the spearfisher. The spearfishing camo tops can have a number of features useful for this particular sport. For example, a wetsuit jacket with a hood reduces water resistance, improving hydrodynamics, while keeping the diver warm. A beavertail wetsuit jacket’s closure comfortably combines with pants. A jacket with a loading pad on the chest will offer some protection when loading a speargun.
- During overwater activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, a wetsuit top provides UV protection against harmful sun rays. It can also help you stay on the water longer, protecting you from the wind on cooler days.
How Should a Wetsuit Jacket Fit?
Choose a size that will provide a snug fit but won’t be too tight. A jacket that’s too loose may interfere with movements and allow too much water to flush through. On the other hand, a too-tight wetsuit jacket may chafe and even impair blood circulation.
Which Wetsuit Jacket to Choose?
When choosing a wetsuit top, you should consider the jacket material. Neoprene is the most common material used to manufacture wetsuit jackets. It is very stretchy and has various thicknesses making it versatile. There are, however, other proprietary materials used by different brands, offering unique advantages. Some of the most popular ones are Sharkskin’s Chillproof 3-layer material, Ultrawarmth Omnired Infrared fabric by Bare, and Akona’s AQ-TEC material.
It is also important that the jacket is easy to don and doff. Zipperless tops are usually very stretchy and are almost as easy to put on as the usual T-shirt. Furthermore, a front zip wetsuit jacket cut makes this process even more convenient.
DIPNDIVE carries a wide range of wetsuit jackets from multiple brands including ScubaPro, Sharkskin, O’Neill, Bare, Seac, NeoSport and Henderson, so that you can choose the perfect one to best meet your needs and improve your performance during any water activity.
Can You Swim in a Wetsuit Top?
Yes, you can swim in a wetsuit top. It provides buoyancy, reduces drag, and offers warmth and protection for activities like snorkeling, surfing, or casual swimming. However, for long-distance swimming, a full wetsuit might be better as it covers more of your body and provides additional warmth.
Do Wetsuit Tops Keep You Warm?
Yes, wetsuit tops keep you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin, which your body heats up. This insulation is effective in mild to cool waters, though it won’t be as warm as a full wetsuit for very cold conditions.
Will a Men’s Wetsuit Jacket Fit a Woman?
A men’s wetsuit jacket can fit a woman, but it may not be as comfortable or effective as a women’s cut. Women’s wetsuits are tailored for different proportions, like the bust, hips, and waist. If a men’s wetsuit jacket is the only option, choose a size that matches your body measurements closely, but for the best fit and performance, a women’s wetsuit is recommended.
