How to Dry a Wetsuit + Best Drying Hangers & Racks

ByKib Amos

We all love our wetsuits. After all, they protect us from the cold, the sun’s UV rays and the occasional bruise from a rock. When you’re done using your wetsuit and ready to pack up or need a second surf, drying your wetsuit is a necessity. The drying process is quite easy and takes less time than your sweater.

Here, we deal with the best way to dry your wetsuit without damaging it. You have to keep in mind that it’s made of neoprene material which is very much different from common cloth materials such as cotton. As a word of caution, keep it away from heat be it from direct sunlight or a cloths dryer. 

Contents show

How to Dry A Wetsuit

After your dive, swim or surf, you can dry your suit as follows:

1.  Rinse the suit then hang it

You should always rinse your wetsuit after using it. If you feel it’s a bit dirty, you can give it a thorough wash. After that, turn it inside out then hang it on a thick hanger. The thick hanger is chosen to avoid pulling out the shoulders which may be permanent. If you don’t have a thick one, use several of them held together.

Hang it outdoors under a shade to avoid direct sunlight. While it protects you from the sun’s UV rays, long term exposure to the rays eventually damages it. One other place to hang your suit is the bathroom. As long as it’s well ventilated, it’s a good place where you don’t risk it being stolen.

Red, Black-grey and white wetsuits
Wetsuits

2. Let it dry for 20 minutes

Let the wetsuit dry for about 20 minutes. By this time, you’ll notice water collecting in the edges of the arms and legs. The upper parts should be drying up by this time.

3. Squeeze out the water

For a faster drying process, squeeze out the water that would have pooled in the arms and legs. For the arms, start at the shoulder level then squeeze all the way to the wrists. As for the legs, you can start around the thigh region then move downwards to the toe area. You should repeat this every 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Let it dry

When there’s no more water to squeeze out, you should leave the suit to dry on its own. If it’s made of neoprene, it’ll take about an hour or two. It depends on the thickness and if it’s a full body suit or some other type. Generally, smaller suits dry faster than larger ones.

Every now and again, turn the wetsuit inside out to keep both sides drying at the same time. You could do this after each time the suit dries up on one side. This is especially necessary if the suit is a thick one.

In these quick steps, your wetsuit will be dry enough to put on and head out to the waves or pack for home.

Ideas for Fast Drying

For a quick and fast drying, use the following tips:

  • Hang the wetsuit where there’s some wind. Wind increases the rate of evaporation of water from the wetsuit. This makes it dry faster. If you’re drying it up indoors, put it close to a window or in a well-ventilated room.
  • Occasionally squeeze out the water from the arms and legs to make it dry faster.
  • Put the wetsuit in a large towel then squeeze firmly before drying it by hanging. This sucks the water out of the suit making it dry faster.

However impatient you may be, never dry the wetsuit in the sun or in a dryer or other source of heat. You’ll only end up with a damaged suit.

Best Wetsuit Drying Hangers

Best hangers wetsuit for wetsuit drying
Hanger

A good drying hanger for your wetsuit ought to be wide so that it doesn’t stretch out the shoulders or midsection of your wetsuit. For this reason, the best drying hangers for your wetsuit are as follows:

1. Ho Stevie! Wetsuit Hanger

Equipped with wide shoulder pads that are perforated for air circulation, this hanger has the following benefits:

  • Faster drying times since it has wide shoulder pads which separate the sides of the wetsuit for better air circulation. It can also be used for storing the wetsuit.
  • It’s also good for your wetsuit since it extends its life. Given that it doesn’t stretch it at the shoulders, it preserves the neoprene material for a better fit.
  • Can be used for any type of wetsuit or drysuit.
  • It’s made of heavy-duty polymer which makes it strong. It can thus be used with any type of diving suit no matter the weight.
  • It’s also foldable for easy packing. You can also easily insert it into your wetsuit without stretching the neck.

In our reviews, it came out on top thanks to these features.

2. Niiwi Foldable Wetsuit Hanger

Second on the list is this one from Niiwi. It’s another great option for the following reasons:

  • Wide shoulder pads to prevent damage to the wetsuit when hanging it.
  • Can be used with any type of diving suit including wetsuits and drysuits.
  • Made of non-corrosive EP plastic that’s strong and durable.
  • Foldable for easy storage and doesn’t stretch the neck of your suit when hanging it.
  • The hook on the hanger swivels through 360 degrees for easy hanging.

Easily one of the best when it comes to hanging the wetsuit.

3.YUENA CARE Wetsuit Hanger

Our third option is this one with the following features:

  • Made of high quality plastic hence strong enough for all wetsuits.
  • Can used with all types of diving suits including wetsuits and drysuits.
  • Wide to provide enough aeration and prevent damaging the shoulders of the suit.
  • Foldable for easy storage and to prevent stretching the neck of the suit.
  • The hook spins through 360 degrees.

These are hangers you can use for any type of wetsuit. We chose on the foldable ones as they’re easy to use with any type of diving suit.

Best Drying Racks

Besides drying hangers, your wetsuit can also be dried with a drying rack one of which is detailed below:

Malo’o Portable Wetsuit Drying Rack

This is the best drying rack for wetsuits and other types of diving suits such as drysuits for the following reasons:

  • The hanging rails provide enough air circulation for the quick drying of your diving suits. The bars are rust-resistant so you won’t worry about them.
  • The rack is also foldable for easy storage and usage. Even better, you can open it up to hang it on other surfaces such as car roof racks, trees and garage roofs.
  • It won’t scratch your car given that it’s padded behind the hinges and on the top handle. These paddings are long-lasting and will last throughout the lifetime of the rack itself.
  • It can be used to dry and hold just about anything you need. That’s from wetsuits, drysuits, jackets, snowboard and many others.

Besides this rack, you can easily make your own using a thick piece of metal erected horizontally. It should be thick enough not to crease the wetsuit when in use.

FAQs

Can you put a wetsuit in the dryer?

No. Putting your wetsuit in the dryer will spoil the neoprene it’s made of due to the heat. Keep in mind that putting the wetsuit in the dryer also voids the warranty from the seller. Not a good idea.

How long does a wetsuit take to dry?

Depending on the material, temperature and thickness, a wetsuit will take between an hour and two to be dry enough to wear. In the cold months such as the winter, it may take a whole day or even longer.

How do you dry a wetsuit overnight?

The best place to dry out your wetsuit overnight is the bathroom. It should be well-ventilated for the best drying. If you live in a safe area, you can use the balcony. Drying the wetsuit in any other place that’s not the bathroom but within the house requires that you add a container under it to collect the dripping water.

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