Bare 2 MM Exowear Unisex Socks
In stock — ships from Irvine, CA
This item is currently on backorder. Order now to reserve yours, and we will ship it as soon as it is back in stock.
Bare 2 MM Exowear Unisex Socks - 2XS/XS (2X-Small / X-Small) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Pickup available at In Store
Usually ready in 2 hours
All Bare size charts on one page. Imperial in bold, metric underneath.
Wetsuits
BARE men's wetsuits
Weight and height
| Your size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
120–140 54–63 |
5′2″–5′4″ 157–167 |
| S |
135–155 61–70 |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| M |
150–175 68–79 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| MTALL |
150–180 70–82 |
5′11″–6′1″ 180–184 |
| MLSHORT |
160–185 72–84 |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| ML |
170–195 77–88 |
5′10″–6′0″ 178–183 |
| MLTALL |
175–200 79–91 |
6′0″–6′2″ 183–188 |
| LSHORT |
180–205 82–93 |
5′7″–5′9″ 170–175 |
| L |
190–215 86–98 |
5′11″–6′1″ 180–185 |
| LTALL |
195–220 88–100 |
6′1″–6′3″ 185–191 |
| XLSHORT |
200–225 91–102 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| XL |
210–235 95–107 |
6′0″–6′2″ 183–188 |
| XLTALL |
215–240 98–109 |
6′2″–6′4″ 188–193 |
| 2XLSHORT |
220–245 100–111 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| 2XL |
230–255 104–116 |
6′1″–6′3″ 185–191 |
| 3XL |
250–275 113–125 |
6′2″–6′4″ 188–193 |
| 4XL |
270–295 122–134 |
6′3″–6′5″ 191–196 |
Chest, waist and hip
| Your size | Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
Hip in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS |
33–35 84–89 |
27–29 68–74 |
34–36 86–91 |
| S |
35–37 89–94 |
29–31 74–79 |
35–37 89–94 |
| M |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
37–39 94–99 |
| MTALL |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
37–39 94–99 |
| MLSHORT |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| ML |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| MLTALL |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| LSHORT |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| L |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| LTALL |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| XLSHORT |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| XL |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| XLTALL |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| 2XLSHORT |
45–47 114–119 |
39–41 99–104 |
45–47 114–119 |
| 2XL |
45–47 114–119 |
39–41 99–104 |
45–47 114–119 |
| 3XL |
47–49 119–124 |
41–43 104–109 |
47–49 119–124 |
| 4XL |
49–51 124–129 |
43–45 109–114 |
49–51 124–129 |
Torso and inseam
| Your size | Torso in · cm |
Inseam in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
25.875 66 |
28.5 72 |
| S |
27.375 70 |
30 76 |
| M |
28.375 72 |
31 79 |
| MTALL |
29.625 75 |
32 81 |
| MLSHORT |
27.625 70 |
30.25 77 |
| ML |
29.375 75 |
32 81 |
| MLTALL |
30.625 78 |
33 84 |
| LSHORT |
28 71 |
30.5 77 |
| L |
30 76 |
32.5 83 |
| LTALL |
31.25 79 |
33.5 85 |
| XLSHORT |
28.125 71 |
31 79 |
| XL |
30.625 78 |
33 84 |
| XLTALL |
31.875 81 |
34 86 |
| 2XLSHORT |
28.5 72 |
31.25 79 |
| 2XL |
31.25 79 |
33.5 85 |
| 3XL |
31.875 81 |
34 86 |
| 4XL |
32.375 82 |
34.5 87 |
How Bare measures
Wear minimal clothing (ie. T-Shirt, shorts, bathing suit) at the time of measuring. All measurements must be taken with a soft tape measure pulled snug but not tight. Stand straight, looking forward with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have help taking the measurements, in order to remain in the optimal measuring stance.
- Weight: As close as you can accurately.
- Height: From the top of your head to the floor.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part.
- Hip: Measure around the fullest part.
- Torso: Top of shoulder to crotch vertically.
- Inseam: Measure from crotch to floor.
Bare women's wetsuits
Height
| Your size | Height ft/in · cm |
|---|---|
| 2 |
5′2″–5′4″ 157–163 |
| 4 |
5′3″–5′5″ 160–165 |
| 4Tall |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| 6 |
5′4″–5′6″ 163–168 |
| 6Tall |
5′7″–5′9″ 168–173 |
| 6+ |
5′4″–5′6″ 163–168 |
| 8 |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| 8Tall |
5′9″–5′11″ 175–180 |
| 8+ |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| 10 |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| 10+ |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| 12 |
5′7″–5′9″ 170–175 |
| 12+ |
5′7″–5′9″ 170–175 |
| 14 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
Chest, waist, hip and inseam
| Your size | Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
Hip in · cm |
Inseam in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
30–32 76–81 |
23–25 58–64 |
33–35 84–89 |
29.875 75 |
| 4 |
32–34 81–86 |
25–27 64–69 |
35–37 89–94 |
30.5 77 |
| 4Tall |
32–34 81–86 |
25–27 64–69 |
35–37 89–94 |
31.75 81 |
| 6 |
34–36 86–91 |
27–29 69–74 |
37–39 94–99 |
31.125 79 |
| 6Tall |
34–36 86–91 |
27–29 69–74 |
37–39 94–99 |
33 84 |
| 6+ |
37–39 94–99 |
33–35 84–89 |
43–45 109–114 |
31.125 79 |
| 8 |
36–38 91–97 |
29–31 74–79 |
39–41 99–104 |
31.75 81 |
| 8Tall |
36–38 91–97 |
29–31 74–79 |
39–41 99–104 |
34 86 |
| 8+ |
39–41 99–104 |
35–37 89–94 |
45–47 114–119 |
31.75 81 |
| 10 |
38–40 97–102 |
31–33 79–84 |
41–43 104–109 |
32.375 82 |
| 10+ |
41–43 104–109 |
37–39 84–99 |
47–49 119–125 |
32.375 82 |
| 12 |
40–42 102–107 |
33–35 84–89 |
43–45 109–114 |
33 84 |
| 12+ |
43–45 109–114 |
39–41 99–104 |
49–51 125–130 |
33 84 |
| 14 |
42–44 107–112 |
35–37 89–94 |
45–47 114–119 |
33.625 85 |
How Bare measures
Wear minimal clothing (i.e. T-shirt, shorts, bathing suit) at the time of measuring. All measurements must be taken with a soft tape measure pulled snug but not tight. Stand straight, looking forward with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have help taking the measurements, in order to remain in the optimal measuring stance.
- Height: From the top of your head to the floor.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part.
- Hip: Measure around the fullest part.
- Inseam: Measure from crotch to floor.
Drysuits
BARE men's drysuits
Weight and height
| Your size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| S |
135–155 61–70 |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| MSHORT |
140–165 63–75 |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| M |
150–175 68–79 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| MTALL |
150–180 70–82 |
5′11″–6′1″ 180–184 |
| MLSHORT |
160–185 72–84 |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
| ML |
170–195 77–88 |
5′10″–6′0″ 178–183 |
| MLTALL |
175–200 79–91 |
6′0″–6′2″ 183–188 |
| LSHORT |
180–205 82–93 |
5′7″–5′9″ 170–175 |
| L |
190–215 86–98 |
5′11″–6′1″ 180–185 |
| LTALL |
195–220 88–100 |
6′1″–6′3″ 185–191 |
| XLSHORT |
200–225 91–102 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| XL |
210–235 95–107 |
6′0″–6′2″ 183–188 |
| XLTALL |
215–240 98–109 |
6′2″–6′4″ 188–193 |
| 2XLSHORT |
220–245 100–111 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| 2XL |
230–255 104–116 |
6′1″–6′3″ 185–191 |
| 3XLSHORT |
240–265 95–106 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| 3XL |
250–275 113–125 |
6′2″–6′4″ 188–193 |
| 4XLSHORT |
260–285 118–129 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| 4XL |
270–295 122–134 |
6′3″–6′5″ 191–196 |
Chest, waist and hip
| Your size | Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
Hip in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| S |
35–37 89–94 |
29–31 74–79 |
35–37 89–94 |
| MSHORT |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
37–39 94–99 |
| M |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
37–39 94–99 |
| MTALL |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
37–39 94–99 |
| MLSHORT |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| ML |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| MLTALL |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
39–41 99–104 |
| LSHORT |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| L |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| LTALL |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
41–43 104–109 |
| XLSHORT |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| XL |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| XLTALL |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
43–45 109–114 |
| 2XLSHORT |
45–47 114–119 |
39–41 99–104 |
45–47 114–119 |
| 2XL |
45–47 114–119 |
39–41 99–104 |
45–47 114–119 |
| 3XLSHORT |
47–49 119–124 |
41–43 104–109 |
47–49 119–124 |
| 3XL |
47–49 119–124 |
41–43 104–109 |
47–49 119–124 |
| 4XLSHORT |
49–51 124–129 |
43–45 109–114 |
49–51 124–129 |
| 4XL |
49–51 124–129 |
43–45 109–114 |
49–51 124–129 |
Torso and inseam
| Your size | Torso in · cm |
Inseam in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| S |
27.375 70 |
30 76 |
| MSHORT |
26.875 68 |
29.5 75 |
| M |
28.375 72 |
31 79 |
| MTALL |
29.625 75 |
32 81 |
| MLSHORT |
27.625 70 |
30.25 77 |
| ML |
29.375 75 |
32 81 |
| MLTALL |
30.625 78 |
33 84 |
| LSHORT |
28 71 |
30.5 77 |
| L |
30 76 |
32.5 83 |
| LTALL |
31.25 79 |
33.5 85 |
| XLSHORT |
28.125 71 |
31 79 |
| XL |
30.625 78 |
33 84 |
| XLTALL |
31.875 81 |
34 86 |
| 2XLSHORT |
28.5 72 |
31.25 79 |
| 2XL |
31.25 79 |
33.5 85 |
| 3XLSHORT |
28.5 72 |
31.25 79 |
| 3XL |
31.875 81 |
34 86 |
| 4XLSHORT |
28.5 72 |
31.25 79 |
| 4XL |
32.5 82 |
34.5 87 |
BARE women's drysuits and underwear
Weight and height
| Your size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XSshort |
110–115 50–52 |
5′0″–5′2″ 152–157 |
| XS |
100–125 45–57 |
5′3.5″–5′5.5″ 161–166 |
| sshort |
110–135 50–61 |
5′1″–5′3″ 155–160 |
| S |
120–145 54–66 |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| mshort |
130–155 59–70 |
5′2″–5′4″ 157–162 |
| M |
140–165 64–75 |
5′6.5″–5′8.5″ 169–174 |
| MTALL |
145–170 66–77 |
5′9.5″–5′11.5″ 176–181 |
| lshort |
150–175 68–80 |
5′3.5″–5′5.5″ 161–166 |
| L |
160–185 73–84 |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
| xlshort |
170–195 77–88 |
5′5″–5′7″ 165–170 |
| XL |
180–205 82–93 |
5′9.5″–5′11.5″ 176–181 |
Chest, waist, hip and torso
| Your size | Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
Hip in · cm |
Torso in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XSshort |
32–35 81–89 |
23–26 58–66 |
33–36 84–91 |
22.25 57 |
| XS |
32–35 81–89 |
23–26 58–66 |
33–36 84–91 |
23.25 59 |
| sshort |
35–38 89–97 |
26–29 66–74 |
36–39 91–99 |
22.75 58 |
| S |
35–38 89–97 |
26–29 66–74 |
36–39 91–99 |
24.25 62 |
| mshort |
38–41 97–104 |
29–32 74–81 |
39–42 99–107 |
23 58 |
| M |
38–41 97–104 |
29–32 74–81 |
39–42 99–107 |
25.25 64 |
| MTALL |
38–41 97–104 |
29–32 74–81 |
39–42 99–107 |
26.5 67 |
| lshort |
41–44 104–112 |
32–35 81–89 |
42–45 107–114 |
24 61 |
| L |
41–44 104–112 |
32–35 81–89 |
42–45 107–114 |
26.25 67 |
| xlshort |
44–47 112–119 |
35–38 89–97 |
45–48 114–122 |
25 63 |
| XL |
44–47 112–119 |
35–38 89–97 |
45–48 114–122 |
27.25 69 |
Inseam
| Your size | Inseam in · cm |
|---|---|
| XSshort |
28.75 73 |
| XS |
31.25 79 |
| sshort |
29.25 74 |
| S |
31.75 81 |
| mshort |
30 76 |
| M |
32.25 82 |
| MTALL |
34 86 |
| lshort |
30.5 77 |
| L |
32.75 83 |
| xlshort |
31 79 |
| XL |
33.25 84 |
How Bare measures
Wear minimal clothing (ie. T-Shirt, shorts, bathing suit) at the time of measuring. All measurements must be taken with a soft tape measure pulled snug but not tight. Stand straight, looking forward with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have help taking the measurements, in order to remain in the optimal measuring stance.
- Weight: As close as you can accurately
- Height: From the top of your head to the floor
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part
- Hip: Measure around the fullest part
- Torso: Top of shoulder to crotch vertically
- Inseam: Measure from crotch to floor
Exowear
BARE Exowear hooded vest
| Your size | Height ft/in · cm |
Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2XS |
<5′4″ <162 |
31–33 79–84 |
25–27 64–69 |
| XS |
5′4″–5′6″ 162–168 |
33–35 84–89 |
27–29 69–74 |
| S |
5′6″–5′8″ 168–173 |
35–37 89–94 |
29–31 74–79 |
| M |
5′8″–5′10″ 173–178 |
37–39 94–99 |
31–33 79–84 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 178–183 |
39–41 99–104 |
33–35 84–89 |
| L |
5′11″–6′1″ 180–185 |
41–43 104–109 |
35–37 89–94 |
| XL |
6′0″–6′2″ 183–188 |
43–45 109–114 |
37–39 94–99 |
| 2XL |
6′1″–6′3″ 185–191 |
45–47 114–119 |
39–41 99–104 |
| 3XL |
6′2″–6′4″ 188–193 |
47–49 119–124 |
41–43 104–109 |
How Bare measures
Wear minimal clothing (ie. T-Shirt, shorts, bathing suit) at the time of measuring. All measurements must be taken with a soft tape measuring tape pulled snug but not tight. Stand straight, looking forward with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have help taking the measurements, in order to remain in the optimal measuring stance.
- Weight: As close as you can accurately.
- Height: From the top of your head to the floor.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part.
Hoods
BARE dive hoods
| Your size | Forehead in · cm |
Neck in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
21 53 |
13 35 |
| S |
21.5 54.5 |
14 35.5 |
| M |
22.5 57 |
15 38 |
| L |
23.5 59.5 |
16 40.5 |
| XL |
24 61 |
17 43 |
| 2XL |
24.5 62.5 |
18 45.5 |
How Bare measures
Your suit may fit perfectly but sometimes little things can affect a diver's experience. A hood that bunches or lets water in is just enough discomfort to change the focus of a dive. Our hoods are designed with anatomical fit so it is important to measure for the perfect fit.
- Forehead: Start in the center, front and measure around the widest part.
- Neck: Start in the center, front and measure around the middle of the neck.
Gloves
BARE dive gloves
| Your size | Palm circumference in · cm |
Palm length in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| 3XS |
5.75–6.25 14.5–16 |
5.75–6.25 14.5–16 |
| 2XS |
6.5–7 16.5–18 |
6.5–7 16.5–18 |
| XS |
6.75–7.25 17–18.5 |
6.75–7.25 17–18.5 |
| S |
7.25–7.75 18.5–19.5 |
7–7.5 18–19 |
| M |
7.75–8.25 19.5–21 |
7.5–8 19–20.5 |
| L |
8–8.5 20.5–21.5 |
7.75–8.25 19.5–21 |
| XL |
8.5–9 21.5–23 |
8–8.5 20.5–21.5 |
| 2XL |
8.75–9.25 22–23.5 |
8.25–8.75 21–22 |
How Bare measures
To complete your exposure protection system, it is important to have the proper fitting gloves. Measure A & B as described and use the chart to determine your unisex size.
- A: Palm Circumference
- B: Palm Length
Boots
BARE unisex boots
| Your size | Foot length in · cm |
|---|---|
|
04 USA men's 4 · USA women's 5.5 · UK men's 3 · UK women's 2.5 · Euro size 34–35 |
8 2/3 22 |
|
05 USA men's 5 · USA women's 6.5 · UK men's 4 · UK women's 3.5 · Euro size 36 |
9 23 |
|
06 USA men's 6 · USA women's 7.5 · UK men's 5 · UK women's 4.5 · Euro size 37–38 |
9 1/2 24 |
|
07 USA men's 7 · USA women's 8.5 · UK men's 6 · UK women's 5.5 · Euro size 39 |
9 7/8 25 |
|
08 USA men's 8 · USA women's 9.5 · UK men's 7 · UK women's 6.5 · Euro size 40–41 |
10 1/4 26 |
|
09 USA men's 9 · USA women's 10.5 · UK men's 8 · UK women's 7.5 · Euro size 42 |
10 2/3 27 |
|
10 USA men's 10 · USA women's 11.5 · UK men's 9 · UK women's 8.5 · Euro size 43–44 |
11 28 |
|
11 USA men's 11 · USA women's 12.5 · UK men's 10 · UK women's 9.5 · Euro size 45–46 |
11 1/2 29 |
|
12 USA men's 12 · USA women's 13.5 · UK men's 11 · UK women's 10.5 · Euro size 47–48 |
11 7/8 30 |
|
13 USA men's 13 · USA women's 14.5 · UK men's 12 · UK women's 11.5 · Euro size 49–50 |
12 1/4 31 |
How Bare measures
To complete your exposure protection system, it is important to have the proper fitting boot. One that bunches or causes discomfort can be an unnecessary distraction during your adventure. Use the chart to see what standard size is the Unisex BARE size.
Kids’ wetsuits
BARE kids' wetsuits
| Your size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
Chest in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 (2 YRS) |
30–40 14–18 |
2′10″–3′2″ 86–97 |
20–23 51–58 |
| 04 (4 YRS) |
40–50 18–23 |
3′4″–3′8″ 101–112 |
22–24 56–61 |
| 06 (6 YRS) |
45–60 20–27 |
3′10″–4′2″ 117–127 |
24–26 61–66 |
| 08 (8 YRS) |
55–70 25–32 |
4′4″–4′7″ 132–140 |
26–28 66–71 |
| 10 (10 YRS) |
65–85 30–39 |
4′7″–4′10″ 140–147 |
28–30 71–76 |
| 12 (12 YRS) |
80–100 36–45 |
4′10″–5′1″ 147–155 |
30–32 76–81 |
| 14 (14 YRS) |
95–120 43–55 |
5′1″–5′4″ 155–162 |
32–34 81–86 |
| 16 (16 YRS) |
115–140 52–64 |
5′4″–5′7″ 162–170 |
34–36 86–91 |
How Bare measures
Wear minimal clothing (ie. T-Shirt, shorts, bathing suit) at the time of measuring. All measurements must be taken with a soft tape measure pulled snug but not tight. Stand straight, looking forward with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have help taking the measurements, in order to remain in the optimal measuring stance.
- Weight: As accurate as possible.
- Height: From the top of the head to the floor.
- Chest: At the widest part.
Source: Bare’s size chart and Bare’s current size chart. Values in the second unit come from Bare’s own chart where it prints them.
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Product Information
Bare 2 mm ExoWear Unisex Socks offer maximum thermal protection for exposure-protection footwear used in scuba, diving, and underwater gear setups. They can be worn on their own or under boots to help keep feet warm in cold water, with OMNIRED™ infrared technology woven into the fabric to add warmth at depth.
The 2mm socks feature 3-Layer Fabric Technology, 4-Way Stretch, and a 3D Pattern for an optimal shape and fit across a range of water activities. Lab testing shows ExoWear slows thermal loss by 36% at 1ATM of pressure, supporting sustained comfort during extended underwater sessions.
- OMNIRED™ Technology
- 3-Layer Fabric Technology
- 4-Way Stretch
- 3D Pattern for optimal shape and fit
- ExoWear slows thermal loss by 36% at 1ATM of pressure (lab testing)
- 3D Print on bottom of sole for additional grip
- Flat seam stitching throughout for maximum flexibility, stretch and comfort
- 2mm thickness
- Unisex design suitable for scuba, diving, and underwater gear use
| Brand | BARE |
| Model | ExoWear Socks |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Fit | Unisex |
| Construction | 3-layer fabric with 4-way stretch and 3D pattern |
| Thermal Technology | OMNIRED infrared technology |
| Thermal Performance | Slows thermal loss by 36% at 1 ATM (lab tested) |
| Sole | 3D print for additional grip |
| Seams | Flat seam stitching |
⚠️ WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of dive boots, gloves, or hood should I choose?
As a general rule, thicker neoprene insulates more, so colder water pushes you toward thicker accessories, but fit, dive length, and personal cold tolerance matter as much as the millimeter number. Divers commonly lose a great deal of heat through the head, so a hood is often the highest-value warmth upgrade for the money. Remember that every added piece of neoprene also adds buoyancy you will need to account for.
How should dive boots fit?
Boots should fit like a snug athletic shoe, with no heel lift and no crushed toes; a little water inside is normal, a sloshing pocket is not. Try them on with the socks you would actually dive, and remember your fin foot pocket has to accommodate the boot. Hard-sole boots protect on rocky shore entries, while soft-sole boots are lighter and pack smaller for boat and travel diving.
How should dive gloves fit?
Gloves should be snug across the palm with fingertips reaching the ends without bunching, since trapped air and loose fingertips destroy dexterity. Thicker gloves are warmer but make buckles, clips, and inflator buttons harder to operate, so choose the thinnest glove that keeps you comfortable in your conditions. Try working a clip or buckle while wearing them before you commit.
How should a dive hood fit?
A hood should seal around the face and neck without restricting your throat or jaw, and lie flat on your head without pulling the mask strap out of position. A loose hood flushes cold water continuously, while an overly tight one is distracting and uncomfortable. Many hoods have a vent to release air trapped during descent, so check yours and burp out any trapped air before you go down.
Why does new neoprene feel so tight?
New neoprene compresses and relaxes with use, so a boot, glove, or hood that feels firm out of the packaging usually settles slightly after a few dives. It should still be snug afterward rather than loose, because neoprene that stretches into a loose fit was probably oversized to begin with. Buy for a snug fit when new, but never for a fit that restricts circulation or breathing.
Do I need to change my weighting when I add a hood, gloves, and boots?
Yes, because every piece of neoprene you add is buoyancy, and a hood, boots, and thick gloves together can shift your weighting noticeably. Do a proper buoyancy check any time you change your exposure protection rather than assuming your usual weight still works. The weight-check procedure is covered in your training, and a dive professional can help you re-do it.
How do I care for dive boots, gloves, and hoods?
Rinse them inside and out in fresh water after every dive day, since they hold sweat and salt more than any other gear, and dry them fully inside-out before packing. Dry them out of direct sunlight and never on a heater, because heat hardens neoprene and weakens glued seams. Store them dry and unfolded, as damp neoprene sealed in a bag is how gear picks up a permanent smell.














