The wetsuit is the second skin of any lover of surfing, kitesurfing, paddle surfing, or diving. It protects against cold, wind, and water, but it also requires specific care to maintain its elasticity and extend its lifespan.
One of the most important is to dry it well after each use. If you don't, the wetsuit can lose its properties, develop bad odors, or even tear prematurely.
In this guide, I teach you tips to dry a wetsuit quickly, safely, and effectively, with tricks I personally use after every water session, especially if you travel by van.
Factors that affect wetsuit drying
Drying a wetsuit seems simple, but several factors actually influence it:
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Wetsuit thickness: the thicker it is, the longer it takes to dry.
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Wetsuit quality: High-end wetsuits dry faster than mid or low-range ones, especially if they have an inner lining that helps drainage.
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Ambient humidity: in very humid beach areas, drying is slower.
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Sun exposure: direct sun dries it quickly but can also damage the material.
How to dry a wetsuit step by step
- Rinse with fresh water: Saltwater corrodes everything, including your wetsuit. After coming out of the sea, rinse it with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and sunscreen residues. This prevents fabric, zippers, and seams from deteriorating.
- Squeeze out excess water: Never wring it. Just press gently to let the water out.
- Use a suitable hanger: Hanging it incorrectly can deform it and shorten its lifespan. Ideally, use a hanger specifically for wetsuits, like the Glassy hanger, which distributes the weight evenly and allows water to drain faster.
- Dry it in the shade: Like salt, direct sun can damage your wetsuit, so always try to dry it in the shade. If you're in a van, since the Glassy hanger is magnetic, you can hang it in the shaded part of the van.
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Turn it inside out halfway through drying: First dry the inside well, then make sure to do the same with the outside. This prevents storing it damp and the appearance of bad odors.
Common mistakes when drying a wetsuit
Mistakes to avoid:
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Wringing the wetsuit to squeeze it.
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Hanging it on a thin regular clothes hanger.
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Hanging it from the van or car's rearview mirror (you'll damage the vehicle's paint with salt).
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Leaving it in direct sun for hours.
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Storing it damp in the car or backpack.
Tips that work:
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Use a wetsuit hanger like the Glassy one, specially designed to support its weight without damaging the wetsuit or your vehicle's paint.
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Gently squeeze it and hang it folded at the waist.
- On rainy days, if you plan to swim the next day and need to dry it quickly, you can hang it in your home shower and place a dehumidifier nearby. I've done this many times and it works perfectly 👌🏻.
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You can wash it with biodegradable soap while showering to prolong the material's elasticity.
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Extra tip: To dry yourself comfortably and avoid prying eyes, you can use a poncho towel .
How long does it take for a wetsuit to dry?
Drying time is very relative, as it depends on thickness, suit quality, and environmental conditions:
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Thin wetsuit (2 mm): 3-4 hours in a ventilated place.
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Medium wetsuit (3/2 or 4/3 mm): between 6 and 12 hours.
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Thick wetsuit (5/4 or 6 mm): may need more than 24 hours.
If it has an inner drainage lining, it not only provides warmth but also dries much faster. I've had suits from top brands like Billabong Furnace Pro or Ripcurl Flash Bomb, both with drainage lining, and Oneil Hyperfreak Fire without lining, and I can assure you the drying time difference is noticeable.
If you want to speed up the process when drying between sessions without damaging the material, the Glassy hanger is one of the best options, as it allows proper draining, ventilation, and drying in the shaded area of your vehicle.
How to prevent bad odors in the wetsuit?
A poorly dried wetsuit can develop bacteria and bad odors. To avoid this:
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At minimum, rinse it after each session. If possible, wash it regularly with a biodegradable soap.
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Always dry the inside first, then the outside.
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Never store it damp in a closed car or backpack.
I've found that when I take a quick shower in the van with the wetsuit half off and use the Glassy biodegradable shampoo, besides rinsing it, it eliminates the suit's bad odor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I dry the wetsuit in the sun?
It is not recommended. Direct sun dries and cracks the material, especially the seams. Always better in the shade, in a ventilated place.
How to dry a wetsuit quickly?
Rinse with fresh water, squeeze it, hang it on a specific hanger, and let air circulate.
What do I do if I stored the wetsuit wet?
Rinse it immediately with fresh water, wash it with mild soap, and let it dry completely before using it again.
How long does a well-cared-for wetsuit last?
Between 2 and 5 years, depending on usage frequency and how you dry it. The higher the suit's range, the more flexible but more delicate it is.
Can I use a dryer or heater?
No. Direct heat damages the rubber and makes it stiff. Only natural air and ventilation. If you need extra speed to dry it, use a dehumidifier near the suit at home.
Why choose Glassy for your wetsuit care
Many surfers and adventurers ask:
Why choose Glassy accessories to dry my wetsuit?
Because we offer products designed for the real life of surfers. We are surfers and have designed the Glassy hanger from real experience. It is made to support the wetsuit's weight without deforming it, speed up drying, and prevent contact with your vehicle's paint to avoid damage.
Is it more expensive than a regular hanger?
Yes, but unlike a common hanger, a specific hanger prevents the wetsuit from breaking or deforming. It's an investment that extends its lifespan and protects your vehicle at the same time.
What makes it different from other products?
This hanger is designed in Spain and sustainably manufactured in France locally. We use powerful magnets so the hanger won't fail and your wetsuit won't end up on the floor. After years of experience, we've achieved a super durable and foldable solution, so it takes up very little space in your van or car and you can always have it ready to use.
