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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-wetsuit-thickness

In cooler water, a thicker wetsuit mainly provides more of what?

Thermal insulation.

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  1. Thermal insulation ✔
  2. Weight
  3. Air consumption

Why: Thicker closed-cell neoprene provides more insulation, slowing heat loss to the surrounding water. 5 mm or 7 mm suits are common for cooler dives.

Huh, didn't know that: A wetsuit lets in a thin layer of water that your body warms; the suit material insulates you from the cooler water.

The dad joke
Why did the wetsuit win the argument? It had thick skin.
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References

Answer: Thermal insulation. Thicker closed-cell neoprene provides more insulation, slowing heat loss to the surrounding water. 5 mm or 7 mm suits are common for cooler dives.

  1. PADI Gear: Wetsuits www.padi.com/gear/wetsuits
    Wetsuit thickness is primary to warmth.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. PADI Gear: Wetsuits www.padi.com/gear/wetsuits
    the most common being 3 mm (warm water), 5 mm (temperate water) and 7 mm (cold water)
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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