## What Type of Bathing Suit Should You Wear Scuba Diving?
When it comes to scuba diving, choosing the right bathing suit is essential for both comfort and safety. While you may be tempted to just wear your regular swimsuit, there are several reasons why this is not ideal.
Regular swimsuits are typically made of thin, stretchy material that is not designed to withstand the rigors of scuba diving. Over time, the chlorine in the water can damage the material, causing it to lose its elasticity and become less comfortable. Additionally, regular swimsuits often have low necklines and short legs, which can expose your skin to the sun and increase your risk of sunburn.
For these reasons, it is recommended that you wear a specialized dive skin or wetsuit when scuba diving. Dive skins are made of thicker, more durable material that can withstand the harsh conditions of diving. They also provide more coverage, protecting your skin from the sun and other elements.
When choosing a dive skin, there are several factors to consider:
* **Thickness:** Dive skins come in a variety of thicknesses, from 1mm to 7mm. The thickness you need will depend on the water temperature you will be diving in. For warm water diving, a 1mm or 2mm dive skin will suffice. For colder water diving, you will need a thicker dive skin, such as a 5mm or 7mm.
* **Material:** Dive skins are typically made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that is flexible and insulating. Some dive skins are also made of other materials, such as spandex or nylon.
* **Fit:** Dive skins should fit snugly but not too tightly. A good-fitting dive skin will keep you warm and comfortable without restricting your movement.
In addition to dive skins, you can also wear a wetsuit when scuba diving. Wetsuits are made of a thicker material than dive skins and provide more insulation. They are ideal for diving in cold water or for extended periods of time.
When choosing a wetsuit, there are several factors to consider:
* **Thickness:** Wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses, from 3mm to 7mm. The thickness you need will depend on the water temperature you will be diving in. For warm water diving, a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit will suffice. For colder water diving, you will need a thicker wetsuit, such as a 7mm or 9mm.
* **Type:** There are two main types of wetsuits: full wetsuits and semi-dry wetsuits. Full wetsuits cover your entire body, from your head to your toes. Semi-dry wetsuits have a zippered entry and less restrictive material around the arms and legs.
* **Fit:** Wetsuits should fit snugly but not too tightly. A good-fitting wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable without restricting your movement.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right bathing suit for scuba diving is essential for both comfort and safety. By following the tips above, you can choose a dive skin or wetsuit that will keep you warm, comfortable, and protected from the elements.