How does a wetsuit work?

What you need to know as a open water swimmer and a First Responder!

Do you know how a wetsuit works and why it is crucial to have a good fit?

Using a wetsuit is a way of protecting the human body from cold waters. The wetsuit is now commonly used by divers, surfers, swimmers, and others to protect them from the cold waters.

Wetsuits made for swimming are typically made of neoprene. Neoprene was manufactured already in the 1930s by DuPont company. However, the first wetsuits made with neoprene were developed and produced in the 1950s. Although several manufacturers are claiming their inventions of the wetsuit, it is widely recognized that Hugh Bradner is the inventor of the modern neoprene wetsuit. He proposed that the divers did not have to be dry to stay warm in the water. This theory contradicted the prevailing idea behind the drysuit at the time.

Wetsuits are garments that provide thermal insulation for water activities like surfing, swimming, or diving. They trap a thin layer of water between the body and the wetsuit's inner surface. As the body generates heat, this water warms up, creating insulation around the wearer. This process reduces the temperature difference between the body and surrounding water, minimizing heat loss and keeping individuals warmer longer in cold water.

A byproduct of using a wetsuit for swimming is that the swimming times are reduced. This is probably due to the increase in buoyancy and, therefore reduced drag. This effect is highly appreciated by the users and is constantly developed further by manufacturers. The wetsuit also protects from ultraviolet exposure, stings from marine organisms, and rash from reefs and sand.

When using a wetsuit, the swimmers must ensure that it has a proper fit. There is much debate on what a proper fit is, and this is something that is an important unknown factor in the sports- and diving communities. If the wetsuit has a too loose fit, it will allow cold water to enter when the swimmer move. If this happens, the already heated water between the skin and the neoprene will be replaced by colder water. The manufacturer usually has their own sizing charts for finding the proper fit on a wetsuit for customers.

But what if the wetsuit has a too-tight fit?