What the Heck is a Drain Hole?
Crysta Goff October 7th, 2025 Posted In: Uncategorized
What Are the Small Holes in My Wetsuit? (Hint: They’re Supposed to Be There)
If you’ve ever looked closely at your wetsuit and noticed tiny round pin holes or little triangular slits near the seams, you might have wondered… is my wetsuit damaged? Good news! Those small openings are NOT defects. They’re called drain holes, and they’re actually an important part of your wetsuit’s design.
Why Wetsuits Have Drain Holes
Water always finds its way inside your wetsuit when you’re submerged. That’s normal. The problem is what happens next: if water has nowhere to go, it collects inside your suit and feels like you’re carrying around a heavy water balloon.
However, drain holes fix that problem. They give trapped water a quick way out, keeping your wetsuit lighter, more comfortable, and performing the way it should.
Different Shapes, Same Purpose
Not all drain holes look alike… Some are small, round pinholes punched through the neoprene.
Others are tiny triangular cuts or slits tucked along the seam and reinforced with extra stitching. No matter the shape, they all serve the same purpose – letting water drain out of the suit without letting more water rush in.
Do Drain Holes Leak?
Nope. Drain holes are carefully placed in low-pressure areas where water naturally flows out, not in. They’re reinforced to prevent tearing and are a sign of good wetsuit construction.
Caring for Your Wetsuit Drain Holes
You don’t need to do anything special. Just rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after each session and hang it to dry. This keeps salt and sand from building up around the seams so the drain holes can do their job.
When a Hole Isn’t a Drain Hole
Here’s the key distinction:
Normal drain holes are small, cleanly finished, and usually found in the chest or back area near zippers and seams. Damage looks different. It may be jagged, torn, frayed, or located in unusual places. Those are not intentional and can get worse if left unrepaired.
If you’re not sure, a quick check is to look for symmetry. Drain holes are often placed evenly on both sides of a seam or zipper. Random or messy holes elsewhere are likely damage.
If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to one of our wetsuit experts. We’ll take a look and help you determine whether the hole you see is a drain hole (totally normal) or a defect that needs repair.
The Bottom Line
If you spot little holes or slits in your wetsuit, don’t panic – they’re most likely drain holes, and drain holes are your friend. It’s one of those small details you may not notice at first, but once you know what they do, you’ll appreciate just how much thought goes into making a wetsuit perform.
