Can I Wear My Wetsuit In a Hot Tub Or Sauna?
Lauren June 23rd, 2025 Posted In: Articles
So, you just wrapped up a long surf session or a chilly dive and you’re dreaming of sliding straight into the steamy comfort of a hot tub or sauna – wetsuit and all. But hold up! You might be wondering: Can I wear my wetsuit in a hot tub or can I wear my wetsuit in a sauna? While it might seem convenient (or even cozy), the short answer is: it’s really not the most brilliant idea to do so.
In fact, wearing your wetsuit in either of these high-heat environments can seriously shorten its lifespan. Not only that, it can even put your health at risk! Let’s break down why that is, what exactly happens to your wetsuit, and what you should do instead.
What Happens When Neoprene Meets Heat
Wetsuits are made primarily of neoprene, a flexible synthetic rubber filled with tiny nitrogen bubbles that provide insulation and buoyancy. This material is engineered to perform in warm (think comfy tropical temps) to pretty darn cold water temperatures (almost Arctic-like!). But the moment you take that neoprene into artificially heated environments like saunas or hot tubs, the game changes.
Here’s the science-y part: Neoprene breaks down when it’s exposed to prolonged high heat. That means:
- The nitrogen bubbles can collapse or burst, reducing insulation and buoyancy.
- The glue and stitching (seams) that hold the suit together can weaken or melt.
- The fabric lamination (the outer jersey or lining) may peel or delaminate.
- The entire suit may lose its stretch, shape, and performance.
Basically, a few relaxing minutes in that sauna could result in a wetsuit that no longer fits right, keeps you warm, or performs like it should in the water. We definitely don’t want that happening!
Why Wearing Your Wetsuit in a Hot Tub Is a Bad Idea
The name says it all—hot tub. With temperatures typically set between 100–104°F (38–40°C), it’s far above what your wetsuit was designed to handle. But it’s not just the heat that’s the problem. It’s the combo of heat and chemicals typically used in hot tubs.
Hot Tub Hazards for Wetsuits:
- Chlorine and bromine (used to sanitize hot tubs) are harsh on neoprene and can degrade the rubber over time, drying it out and making it brittle.
- The heat accelerates the damage. Think of it like baking your wetsuit in a chemical stew.
- Your wetsuit can absorb these chemicals, which may irritate your skin the next time you wear it in the ocean or freshwater.
- Stitching and glued seams are especially vulnerable. They’re often the first to go when neoprene starts to break down.
So, next time you think, can I wear my wetsuit in a hot tub?, remember: just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
What About Saunas?
Saunas are dry, steamy, and extremely hot—typically between 150–195°F (65–90°C). That’s not a warm bath, that’s a neoprene nightmare. Yikes!
Wearing your wetsuit in a sauna exposes it to extreme temperatures without the buffering effect of water. And neoprene is not made to breathe or release heat effectively in dry environments. That means not only is the material breaking down, but your body is also overheating. Sweating profusely in an insulating rubber suit can lead to dehydration, dizziness, or worse.
When people ask, can I wear my wetsuit in a sauna, the answer is a hard no. Not unless you want to roast your suit (and possibly yourself).
The Risks of Wearing a Wetsuit in a Hot Tub or Sauna
Aside from damaging your gear, there are also health risks involved in lounging in high heat while wearing a wetsuit. Here’s why it’s risky to do so:
Overheating: Wetsuits are designed to trap heat. In a hot tub or sauna, your core temperature can spike too quickly, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Restricted sweat release: Unlike breathable fabrics, neoprene traps moisture, which prevents your body from regulating temperature through sweat.
Hygiene: A wetsuit that’s been worn in open water can carry bacteria or other organisms. Sitting in a communal tub while wearing it isn’t exactly sanitary (for you or others).
Damage to shared equipment: If the hot tub or sauna isn’t yours, wetsuit damage can transfer—glues and oils can shed into water or steam systems.
TL;DR: Why Your Wetsuit and Hot Environments Don’t Mix
We get it, you love your wetsuit. We love ‘um too. That said, here are your too long; didn’t read don’ts of why wetsuits and hot places do not mesh:
- Don’t wear wetsuits in saunas: The heat is too extreme and may permanently damage the suit.
- Don’t wear wetsuits in hot tubs: Chlorine + heat = early wetsuit death.
- Don’t expect glue or seams to survive: Heat breaks down adhesives quickly.
- Don’t forget the chemical exposure: Sanitizers cling to neoprene and can irritate skin.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’re looking for a warm recovery experience after a cold-water session, there are safer alternatives that don’t risk ruining your gear:
- Take off your wetsuit before entering a hot tub or sauna. Your skin, and your suit, will thank you.
- Rinse off first. Whether it’s saltwater or freshwater, give your body and wetsuit a rinse before stepping into any shared heat or water.
- Use a thermal rash guard or spa-safe swimwear if you’re looking for a bit of warmth but still want to sit in a sauna or hot tub.
- Dry your wetsuit properly. After each use (especially in cold water), hang your suit in a cool, shaded area. Not in direct sun or next to a heat source! This will preserve its flexibility and insulation.
And if you’re serious about post-surf or post-dive recovery, look into a neoprene changing jacket or poncho. It’ll keep you warm while your body cools down naturally, no heat damage involved.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Wetsuit, Keep It Out of the Heat
So, can you wear your wetsuit in a hot tub or sauna? Technically, sure, but we strongly recommend you don’t. High heat and neoprene are a recipe for disaster. You’ve invested good money in your wetsuit, and it’s built for movement, insulation, and aquatic performance—not sitting in a bubble bath or sweat lodge.
Between chemical exposure, heat stress, and material breakdown, hot tubs and saunas are a no-go zone for wetsuits. Protect your gear, protect your body, and save that neoprene for the waves, not the steam room!
