Updated December 10, 2023
You have anticipated diving in colder water and made the decision to go with a drysuit. The drysuit, itself, only provides a minimum of thermal protection. Sure, it keeps you dry, but if you want to be warm, you’ll need to consider an undergarment to do the job effectively without overheating.
What factors do you need to consider when deciding what undergarment(s) to choose? It depends on the water temperature, your preferences and style, and the price.
To help in your research, I’ve put together some categories to consider in your selection process and descriptions of 10 popular undergarments to browse, followed by a comparison table.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2023
- Scubapro Climasphere Drysuit Undergarment
- Fourth Element Halo 3D Drysuit Undergarment
- Fourth Element Arctic 2 Piece Drysuit Undergarment
- Aqua Lung MKO Drysuit Undergarment
- Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men’s Top
- Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men’s Bottom
- Waterproof Warmtec HD 200G Fiberfill
- Waterproof Warmtec HD 300G Fiberfill
- Hollis 300gm Men’s Undergarment
- Sharkskin Men’s Chillproof Undergarment
- Bare Polarwear CT 200 Undergarment
How to Choose the Best Drysuit Undergarments
Warmth
The most important feature of an undergarment is warmth. Some materials insulate better than others. Drysuits will leak and the undergarment must still be effective when a little bit wet. In addition, moisture-wicking, that is the ability of the material to eliminate moisture, like sweat, from the body, is important. This will help maintain comfort and avoid that sticky feeling.
Layering
Wearing more than one layer of undergarments is an effective way to maintain warmth. It is best for the undergarments to be designed to be used together. For really cold water a base layer is worn next to the skin and additional layers are added on top. Being bulky and hindering movement is a factor in choosing which garments to be worn together. In addition, accessories including hoods, gloves, and booties designed for colder water will be essential in maintaining warmth.
Design and Fit
There are several options available to suit your personal needs and comfort. Most undergarments are one-piece, full-body models. Two-piece systems with a top and a bottom, which are more versatile, are a choice. You can wear one or the other separately or in conjunction with other undergarments. Some are designed in the form of a vest to put emphasis on warmth for the body’s core. Battery-operated models are also available which are heated. Foot and thumb loops are useful in keeping the garment in place and preventing riding up. Stretch panels can be incorporated in the crotch or armpits for increased mobility and the allowance of proper finning capability. The design should allow the hosing and apparatus for a P-valve (a system that allows the collection of urine during the dive, while maintaining dryness). The undergarment should always fit well and be comfortable or there will be a negative impact on the experience.
Material
A number of different materials are used to accomplish the various functions described. Wicking is important to keep the diver as dry as possible. The material should also provide the necessary warmth while under increased barometric pressure. Fleece is soft and a good insulator and also effectively wicks away moisture. Wool can also be used for increased warmth in colder water and has similar wicking properties. Compression can alter the properties of materials. Some suits use pre-compressed materials like Thinsulate, which is an excellent insulator, yet very thin, and won’t affect buoyancy when changing depth. Nylon and Spandex are two other useful materials that have features that can improve durability and flexibility, respectively, that can be combined with other materials.
Care and Maintenance
Because of the variety of materials that are used in the design and construction of the different undergarments, be sure to follow carefully the instructions from the manufacturer when washing and storing.
For my reviews of related cold water equipment, please check out the popular articles below:
- Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
- Top 10 Scuba Drysuits Compared and Reviewed
- Best Scuba Drysuits Buying Guide
- Best Scuba Diving Drysuits for Women
- Best Scuba Diving Boots
- Best Scuba Diving Gloves
- Best 8 Scuba Diving Hoods
Best Drysuit Undergarment Reviews
Scubapro Climasphere Drysuit Undergarment
- Unisex
- Stretch fleece – conforms to the body, but allows freedom of movement
- Two pieces – full-body undersuit and shorty top
- Thumb and foot loops
- Neoprene cuffs on ankles and wrists
- Can wear one or both pieces for moderate or colder water
- Rating: 5
- Price: $$
UnisexView More Options From Scubapro
Fourth Element Halo 3D Drysuit Undergarment
- Thumb and foot loops, P-valve holes
- 3-layer construction using dual-layered stretch material with Spacetek insulated panels
- Very warm even when wet
- Designed to combine with a Xerotherm inner layer
- Bulky when worn with a Xerotherm layer
- Expensive
- Effective in very cold water, especially when combined with the Xerotherm inner layer
- Rating: 5
- Price: $$$$
View More Options From Fourth Element
Fourth Element Arctic 2 Piece Drysuit Undergarment
- Thumb and foot loops
- Dual-layer lightweight fleece-like material for insulation and comfort
- Overlap prevents separation and development of cold spots
- Continues to perform well when wet
- Good for cold water when used alone, when combined with a xerotherm under layer is suitable for very cold water
- Rating: 5
- Price: $$
Thumb and foot loopsView More Options From Fourth Element
Aqua Lung MKO Drysuit Undergarment
- Unisex
- Material of breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo blend with Spandex for extra stretch to fit all
- Rear relief flap and two-way non-corroding YKK zipper
- Excellent base layer when used with other undergarments
- Used alone suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 5
- Price: $
View More Options From Aqua Lung
Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men’s Top 
- Top of a two-piece undergarment (that can be used with the bottom, just below)
- Comfortable, stretchy 3 mm incompressible 3D Mesh lining for easy donning
- Retains shape allowing air to move in your suit, keeping optimal body temperature
- Thumb loops
- Long top reaching mid-thigh ensures no cold spots when combined with the bottom
- Suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
View More Options From Waterproof
Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men’s Bottom 
- Bottom of a two-piece undergarment (that can be combined with the top, just above)
- Same comfortable, stretchy 3 mm incompressible 3D Mesh lining as used on the top for easy donning
- Retains shape allowing air to move in your suit, keeping optimal body temperature
- Foot stirrups
- Suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
View More Options From Waterproof
Waterproof Warmtec HD 200G Fiberfill
- Unisex
- Polyester fiber lining with scald surface, outer shell of 100% nylon taffeta 210 polyurethane silver coated
- Snug fit, four pockets, mesh shoulders, elastic waist, front zipper, zippered legs, ventilation zipper in armpits
- Compression free technology
- Suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
View More Options From Waterproof
Waterproof Warmtec HD 300G Fiberfill
- Unisex
- Polyester fiber lining with scald surface, outer shell of 100% nylon taffeta 210 polyurethane silver coated
- Snug fit, four pockets, mesh shoulders, elastic waist, front zipper, zippered legs, ventilation zipper in armpits
- Compression free technology
- Thick material a little bulky
- Suitable for cold water
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
UnisexView More Options From Waterproof
Hollis 300gm Men’s Undergarment 
- Outer shell of nylon, technical fleece lining
- Neoprene cuffs, underarm vents, and neoprene stretch panel in the crotch for easier leg movement
- Windproof nylon shell
- Very affordable
- Suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Sharkskin Men’s Chillproof Undergarment 
- Very thin, neutrally buoyant, odor-resistant material with anti-microbial features
- Front zipper
- Windproof membrane
- Warmth is maintained even when wet
- Suitable for moderately cold water
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
View More Options From Sharkskin
Bare Polarwear CT 200 Undergarment
- Nylon exterior with Thinsulate insulated interior
- Fleece material with stretch panels
- Ribbed knit cuffs and collar comfort and fit
- Handwarmer pockets, chest pocket with zipper
- Thumb and foot loops, two-way zipper for easy P-valve routing
- Expensive and bulky
- Very warm, suitable for cold water
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Nylon exterior with Thinsulate insulated interiorDrysuit Undergarment Comparison Table
| Picture | Undergarment | Warmth | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Scubapro Climasphere | * | 5 | $$ |
 | Fourth Element Halo 3D | **** | 5 | $$$$ |
  | Fourth Element 2 Piece Arctic | *** | 5 | $$ |
  | Aqua Lung MKO | * | 5 | $ |
  | Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men's Top | * | 4.5 | $ |
  | Waterproof Meshtec 3D Men's Bottom | * | 4.5 | $ |
  | Waterproof Warmtec HD 200G Fiberfill | ** | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Waterproof Warmtec HD 300G Fiberfill | *** | 4.6 | $$ |
 | Hollis 300g Drysuit Undergarment | ** | 4.4 | $ |
  | Sharkskin Men's Chillproof Undergarment | ** | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Bare Polarwear CT200 Undergarment | **** | 4.7 | $$$ |
| Picture | Undergarment | Warmth | Rating | Price |
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on drysuit undergarments interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
can you give temp ranges that each suit would be good for…what do you mean by moderately cold…I mainly dive in the 50-60 degree range in my local lakes at depth, would the Waterproof Meshtech 3D be a good choice? looking for something warmer and not as bulky as regular store bought fleece.
Hi Dan,
Thanks a lot for your inquiry. The Waterproof Meshtech 3D will probably suit your temperature requirements well. One diver has reported that he uses that undergarment in Puget Sound where the temperature range is from 45 to 54 degrees F.
Moderately cold refers roughly to temps from 45 to 65 degrees. Cold is below 45 degrees and very cold a little above freezing. Suitability depends on your body weight and individual tolerance, as well.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Joe