For open water swimming, snorkeling and diving, diveskins are used when diving in water temperatures above 25 degrees C, 77 degrees F. They are made from spandex and provide little thermal protection but simply protect the skin from stings and abrasion. These spandex suits became popular approximately 20 years ago, and are styled after women's nylon stockings which Aussie lifeguards wore to protect against jellyfish stings when on rescues. The down side of spandex is that it can shred when contacting an abrasive surface, and that it is costly.

The original diveskins were a neoprene jacket and jeans -- either Levis or Wranglers, and known as a 'Top and Levis'. Jeans have a negative buoyancy of approximately 8 oz., and are efficient for diving. They offer some thermal protection, and good protection against sun, abrasion, and stings. Additionally, Levis and Wranglers can be purchased slimfit or tapered, have a leg opening of 34-36 cm (13 1/4 to 14 inches), and are constructed of heavyweight denim, which allows them to strink and formfit in water. Add dive fins, and you have an incredibly efficient set of water gear. Even regular style jeans can be tucked into dive boots or cuffed to prevent drag underwater, and they will provide protection against the elements, at a fraction of the cost of lycra. At some dive locations, just suiting-up can be a chore... here jeans, a t-shirt or dive top are all that you might need for a safe, fun dive... and you won't need to change after diving.

See also

• Swimsuit
• Wetsuit
• Diving suit