Whether you’re new to the waterlife or are a seasoned adventurer adding to your gearbox, understanding the difference between wetsuit vs drysuit means making sure to pack the right cold water gear for the journey ahead.
While they share one specific function, the differences between wetsuits and dry suits are far greater...and can make or break a wearer’s adventure if the wrong one’s donned.
Why? Because open water conducts heat away from the body, and it’s possible to become hypothermic in the middle of summer, given long enough exposure. The cooler the water, the greater the risk.
Wendell Uglene, Mustang Survival Engineer and expert on cold water survival and safety, reminds us that:
“One of the biggest mistakes people make around cold water is they mentally compare the water temperature to that of air, and it’s very different. Water takes heat away from your body 26 times faster than air.”
That’s why determining whether to wear a wetsuit vs drysuit matters. The right choice in thermal protection can make all the difference for activities like boating, sailing, or paddling.
Consider this your definitive guide to picking whether a wetsuit or a dry suit is going to support you best in your planned pursuits.
However, before we get into the details and respective differences and shared traits, let's take a brief look at the history of wet and dry suits and how they’ve evolved into the boating and water sports apparel we know today.
A Brief History of Wetsuits and Dry Suits
The origins of these specialized suits showcase how design and technology have brilliantly evolved, transforming our experience in aquatic adventures and meeting the ever-changing needs of those who dare to explore beneath the waves.
At Mustang Survival, we’re proud to be at the forefront of it all.
Origin of the Wetsuit and Dry Suit
The original wetsuit was introduced not long after the development of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) gear during World War Two.
Back in the 1950s, a physicist at the University of California Berkeley named Hugh Bradner decided to use neoprene foam, which incorporates gas bubbles trapped in the neoprene it’s made of, to create the first wetsuit. This innovation became a game-changer in water sports apparel, providing thermal protection for activities like surfing and snorkeling.
Dry suits, on the other hand, are born from the heavy suits made of waterproof and watertight canvas that protected wreckage divers in the 1800s. Today’s dry suits are engineering feats designed for cold water immersion, considering the entire surface environment, beyond what the wearer will need if/when they happen to go in. This makes them a popular choice for activities like kayaking, angling, and cold water SUP.
When comparing a wetsuit vs drysuit, it's clear they have come a long way from their original inception. However, their desired functions remain the same. Now that we know a bit more about their history, here's a breakdown of each.
What’s a Wetsuit?
Wetsuits are designed to provide thermal protection from the cold water by securing your body's heat. Unlike dry suits, which use air and multiple under-layers to retain heat (more on that in a minute), wetsuits insulate our body's natural heat via a thin layer of water and the suit's material. Understanding the difference between wetsuit vs drysuit is crucial when choosing the right cold water gear for your activities.
Wetsuits are designed with closed-cell foam materials, usually neoprene, that feature thousands of gas bubbles. Upon entering the water, a thin layer of water creates a protective layer between your skin and the wetsuit. This process creates a thermal protection barrier that allows your body to stay warm for extended periods. Wetsuits are essential water sports apparel, as well as for any activity in cold water. That being said, you’ll often find them being used for activities like surfing, snorkeling, diving suits, and even boating.
Wetsuits are available in varying thicknesses, typically from 2mm to 8mm. Naturally, the thicker the suit, the thicker the neoprene, the more trapped gas it can hold, and the cooler the water it can be worn in. And, you can buy liners to go underneath the wetsuit that extend the temperature of your wetsuit, making it versatile for different cold water gear needs.
What’s a Dry Suit?
Dry Suits keep you dry - whether staying at the surface or planning to submerge. Since all Mustang Survival Dry Suits are designed and engineered for surface use and wear, we’ll stick to those.
Specifically, surface dry suits are often made with breathable, waterproof fabrics as it’s easy for wearers spending much of their time on the surface to get overheated and/or dehydrated. Unlike wetsuits, which trap a thin layer of water and preserve body heat, dry suits are waterproof. When considering wetsuit vs drysuit, it’s important to note that dry suits offer significantly better waterproofing and thermal protection, making them ideal for colder conditions or extended use.
Mustang Survival’s recreational dry suits are all crafted using MarineSpec BP fabric—a tough, breathable, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant material designed in-house for ultimate performance.
For those new to dry suits, the Quadra offers an accessible option, perfect for entry-level users without compromising on quality. Explore our full range of dry suits here or check out the Quadra for men and women.
Along with being breathable, dry suits are waterproof and watertight to prevent exposure of the skin to water; insulating against heat transfer to the surrounding environment. This makes them essential cold water gear for activities like paddling or fishing in colder regions. Aiding in keeping water out, the neck and wrists often incorporate soft rubber (like Latex) or neoprene seals to keep water out, while some suits even have purge valves to evacuate any water that happens to creep in.
Other words used to describe surface dry suits? “Immersion Suits” or “Anti-Exposure Suits”; terms often used by aircrews who fly over water.
Dry suits can be more cumbersome than wetsuits; a product of their purpose and how they’re made. They’re meant to fit loosely, with space for you to layer thermal base layers—or more specifically, the Mustang Survival Kazan Dry Suit Liners—and perhaps a light layer atop that for close-to-the-body warmth. This is a key difference when looking at wetsuit vs drysuit, as wetsuits are designed for a tighter fit and less layering.
You may be able to find dry suits designed with your specific activity or job in mind. And, for most recreational users, you’ll find dry suits tend to offer a generalized fit for all surface activities, much like the Hudson Dry Suit.
Professionally, some suits are tailored to custom jobs, particularly in the public safety space: Rescue swimmers wear dry suits specially cut to allow a full range of motion while surface swimming and freeing distressed persons from obstacles. And, you may have seen photos or videos of Coast Guard helicopter crews in orange outfits (or read our article here); their dry suits/anti-exposure suits are engineered in high visibility colours in case they have to ditch at sea (where high contrast is essential in successful rescues).
Likewise, and interestingly, suits designed for use by aircrew and other military personnel are also flame resistant to protect from fires that may happen while in the air, on a surface vessel, or while in the water, while bailing out. When comparing wetsuit vs drysuit, aircrews would strictly stick to dry suits.
Women in marine sports often have to adapt to suits that are primarily engineered for men. However, the market is evolving, and we’re happy to lead the way with the introduction of female-specific options, such as the newly launched Women's Helix CCS Dry Suit and the Women's Quadra Dry Suit.
You can explore our complete lineup of women’s dry suits here.
What’s the Difference Between Dry Suits vs Wetsuits?
The list of similarities is significantly shorter than their differences.
The one function these two different suits share is this: they both act to protect the wearer from direct exposure to water. Thus, they're designed to keep you warm and safe from hypothermia in cold water.
But - they do it in entirely different ways. Put simply:
Wetsuits vs drysuits anticipate completely different conditions. Wetsuits anticipate the wearer being, and staying, wet. The materials and construction anticipate some water making its way into contact with skin. Wetsuits are lighter and tighter-fitting compared to drysuits. As well, they are usually made of cheaper material and have a shorter lifespan than their dry counterparts.
Wetsuits are suitable cold water gear and will keep you warm. However, depending on water temperature, when dealing with extreme conditions, we suggest using a drysuit.
Conversely, drysuits anticipate the wearer being dry, with their construction and materials engineered to be completely watertight. A dry suit's design allows for added layers. Extra layers provide more thermal protection. This extra protection may be critical in certain climates and environments.
As well, drysuits, such as the Hudson and Helix, are made to last. Unlike a wetsuit, which frequently rips and requires constant repair, a drysuit has a longer lifespan.
As a pseudo-second similarity in addition to protection from direct exposure to water, both suits offer a small amount of buoyancy (thanks to the trapped air) along with protection from abrasion, marine life, and the environment, both in and out of the water.
No matter the activity, choosing the right water sports apparel can make all the difference in staying comfortable and safe. When deciding between a wetsuit vs drysuit, always consider your environment and activity.
Dry Suit vs Wetsuit, Take Your Pick
Whether you choose a dry suit or wetsuit for waterborne activities depends on multiple factors, but most importantly on the activity and temperature of the water. Choosing between wetsuit vs drysuit options can seem tricky, but it all comes down to what you need for your adventure.
So, as you consider what suit is best for you, think about:
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What activity/activities you’ll be getting up to
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How long you’ll be in the water
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And what temperature the waters will be where you’re headed in
Deciding between a wetsuit vs drysuit doesn’t have to be difficult. And from there, go forth and adventure with confidence, and in safety!