What Is a Dry Suit?
A dry suit is a type of attire worn when submerging underwater, such as in the sea or lakes.
Designed with waterproof features to prevent water infiltration into the suit, it serves various purposes. It not only protects against life-threatening conditions in cold underwater environments but is also suitable for tasks in water containing contaminants. Additionally, it prevents a drop in body temperature and comes in various types, including suits with excellent insulation properties and those combined with innerwear.
Dry suits are categorized into two types: the neoprene type, made from synthetic rubber, and the shell type, constructed with waterproof materials like nylon. In Japan, dry suits made of synthetic rubber are commonly used.
Uses of Dry Suit
Apart from preventing water infiltration, dry suits provide insulation to protect body temperature. These dual functions make them suitable for activities in low water and air temperatures, both underwater and on the water’s surface.
For underwater activities, dry suits are worn when the water temperature is approximately below 23°C. They are used in leisure diving, underwater construction work, search and rescue operations during water emergencies, and fishing conducted through diving.
On the water’s surface, they are utilized primarily during colder seasons for marine sports such as surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and yacht sailing. In situations where individuals involved in rescue operations or fishing are at risk of falling into cold water, dry suits are worn for protection.
Principles of Dry Suit
Dry suits are one-piece garments, including integrated boots, gloves, and hoods. The loose fit allows for the wearing of dedicated innerwear between the suit and the body. They are donned and doffed through waterproof zipper openings, effectively preventing water penetration, and maintaining a protective seal.
Structure of Dry Suit
The materials used in dry suits vary between neoprene suits and shell suits.
1. Neoprene Suits
Neoprene suits use foamed chloroprene fabric, often with jersey or fleece on the inside and jersey on the outside. The outer surface of the foamed chloroprene rubber fabric is radially coated with a rubber-like non-absorbent material.
2. Shell Suits
Materials used in shell suits include compressed neoprene, biaxial laminate, triaxial laminate, vulcanized rubber, and waterproof breathable fabrics. Compressed neoprene fabric with high hardness is used. Biaxial and triaxial laminates involve attaching fibrous fabric to one side of a waterproof film, while vulcanized rubber refers to materials where polyester fabric is coated with elastomer. Waterproof breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex are also used.
Types of Dry Suits
Dry suits are mainly classified into neoprene suits and shell suits.
1. Neoprene Suits
Most dry suits available in Japan are neoprene suits. Constructed with foamed chloroprene fabric, they have a tight fit and provide insulation even if water enters the interior. However, they are not suitable for use in cold water without thick undergarments, and their insulation cannot be adjusted, making them less suitable for warm water.
Foamed neoprene fabric, containing air bubbles, changes insulation properties with surrounding water pressure and is prone to pinhole formation. While excelling in underwater mobility, they have limited mobility on land.
2. Shell Suits
Shell suits are made with waterproof fabric, offering a loose fit. They lack inherent insulation, relying on innerwear for thermal protection, making them suitable for extreme cold to high water temperature environments. While underwater mobility is limited, they provide excellent mobility on land due to the lack of necessary fabric stretch. They are durable and offer strength without changes in buoyancy or insulation under water pressure, although they are less common in circulation.