Freediving wetsuits are generally in two pieces because this best suits a large number of freedivers. The best way to find your own preferred wetsuit style is to try out a few different options and see what works for you.
Freedivers often prefer to wear two piece wetsuits for reasons including flexibility and ease of movement, particularly ease of breathing. Two piece wetsuits generally also better avoid entry of cold water, while providing additional warmth through a double layer of material around the abdomen. Some freedivers still prefer to wear one piece wetsuits or no wetsuit.
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You may have observed many freedivers wearing two piece wetsuits in contrast to surfers, snorkelers or scuba divers who are more likely to choose a one piece suit. Our article explains more about why freedivers often opt for two piece wetsuits, the reasoning behind this choice, and how two piece wetsuits work.
Why do freedivers wear two-piece wetsuits?
There are a number of reasons why many freedivers choose two-piece wetsuits rather than the one-piece suits often worn by surfers, snorkelers, and some scuba divers.
Ease of movement: Two piece wetsuits are generally more flexible and responsive to movement. This means less effort needs to be made by freedivers moving through the water and more oxygen is available to fuel the freedive itself.
Better fit: Coming in two separate sections, it’s easier to choose sizes fitted to the dimensions of your upper and lower body. Someone who has muscular arms and torso but thin legs, or vice versa, may get a much better fit from buying a two piece wetsuit as separate pieces in different sizes. Someone with a long torso is likely to feel more comfortable with a two piece suit.
Ease of breathing: Closely related to ease of movement, the lower flexibility of one piece wetsuits also means that they can slightly constrict breathing. Even a small reduction in the amount of air a freediver is able to inhale can have a significant effect on how deep or long they can safely dive for. Freedivers are therefore more likely than scuba divers to choose a two piece wetsuit.
Additional warmth: In a two piece wetsuit both pieces have a section which covers the abdomen. This double layering can provide valuable additional warmth in cooler waters, lowering energy expenditure on maintaining core body temperature and potentially allowing longer, deeper dives.
Less water ingress: One piece wetsuits usually fasten with a large zip down the back. Zip structures allow water to enter the suit, reducing comfort and warmth. Two piece wetsuits are more likely to be pullover systems without zips so that this does not happen. Two piece suits also generally include a hood which also reduces the chances of water entering at the neck.
Is a two-piece wetsuit better?
A two-piece suit may be better for many freedivers for all the reasons stated above. There are still wider factors to consider, including an element of personal preference, and a one piece wetsuit may suit some freedivers more.
You don’t necessarily have to even wear a wetsuit at all to freedive, as detailed in our freediving without a wetsuit (opens new tab) article. But in most places around the world, you’ll need one if you want to stay warm for any decent period of time. And if you dive in sub 12°C (53°F) like me, then it’s an absolute necessity!
Some divers may find it quicker and easier to get in and out of a one piece wetsuit which normally open with a zip at the back. A two piece wetsuit generally has to be pulled and maneuvered onto the body.
Once on, one piece suits generally have a smoother silhouette and more hydrodynamic fit. This means less drag when moving through the water, and less energy spent on overcoming this force. This reduction in drag has to be balanced against potential constriction of breathing and other movement which could offset it. It’s important that a one piece suit for freediving is well-fitting and as flexible as possible.
Freedivers who prefer one piece suits might choose to have suits custom made to conform more closely to their individual physical dimensions.
In terms of price, one piece wetsuits are often cheaper than two piece wetsuits, targeted more towards beginner or occasional recreational freedivers rather than those who freedive regularly and/or competitively.
Why are some wetsuits two pieces?
Some wetsuits come in two pieces because a significant proportion of the freediving community, and some other water sports enthusiasts, prefer two piece suits and the advantages they can offer (as listed above) around flexibility, breathing, ease of dressing and warmth. With this level of demand, it makes sense that manufacturers produce two piece wetsuits.
How does a two-piece wetsuit work?
Whether one or two piece, wetsuits work in fundamentally the same way, by trapping a small amount of water in between a layer of neoprene wetsuit and the skin. The water trapped is then warmed by body heat. The neoprene and warm water add an insulating layer around the body, protecting the freediver from heat loss and preventing further ingress of cold water.
The most popular freediving wetsuits normally come in two pieces and include a hood. Freediving wetsuits are made from either open- or closed-cell neoprene. (Closed cell neoprene is lined inside with nylon or polyester fabric, and is therefore stronger. Open cell neoprene is not lined, making these wetsuits more flexible and waterproof but also more delicate.)
How you put on a two piece wetsuit will vary according to the type of material used for construction, whether it has any zips, and your personal preferences.
Open-cell neoprene wetsuits feel rubbery and tacky inside, making them harder to slide on over the skin. Donning the wetsuit will probably require the use of soapy water or a compatible lubricants. Alternatively, you could sprinkle talcum powder inside to aid drawing on the wetsuit, if you and your suit are completely dry.
You might also choose to wear a lining garment inside your open cell suit which will prevent it sticking to your skin and make it easier to put on and take off.
How do you remove a two-piece wetsuit?
There are several techniques for removing a two piece wetsuit. NB Most two piece freediving suits will not have a zip, but if there is a zip, unfasten it first.
Some freedivers find it easier to remove a wetsuit while still in the water. Others may get their diving buddy to help them peel up the jacket and peel down the trousers. Rather than tugging or pulling, you should peel and roll the material slowly away from the skin so that the garments end up inside out.
It’s important to be careful handling your wetsuit and avoid using fingernails or undue force, since this could damage the delicate neoprene.