The primary purpose of an exposure suit is to keep a diver warm, so water temperature is the primary factor to consider when selecting a suit. Fortunately for us, appropriate exposure suits are available for any water temperature.

Other factors must be considered as well. For example, you'll get colder if you stay still for long periods of time, so if you plan on participating in slow-moving dive activities you may want a warmer suit. Or perhaps you're more sensitive than others and desire more insulation.

While there are many styles and brands available, most suits can be placed in one of three categories. These are skin suits, wetsuits, and dry suits.