A waterproof and rugged one-piece oversuit coupled with a synthetic pile undersuit gives a combination to suit all but the wettest cave. The oversuit provides a waterproof barrier that will deflect most spray, and with the legs sealed to rubber wellington boots with rubber bands it is sometimes possible to wade pools with little water penetration. Most importantly the suit prevents loss of heat by evaporation, even when the undersuit is saturated. Choice rests on the type of caving done most frequently. Whatever fabric is chosen a suit should have a detachable or fold-away hood to prevent water entering the neck while climbing wet pitches.
Cold water running through the suit can rapidly drain heat from a caver, inducing hypothermia.
Worn under the oversuit is a one piece suit of close fitting and stretchy synthetic fabric. Fibre Pile 'Furry Suits' are warm even when wet, hold little water and drain quickly. Fleece suits are thinner and lighter and suit either warmer caves or more active cavers. Suits with separate jackets and trousers can sometimes be obtained cheaply but have the disadvantage of either bunching or separating at the waist. A simple crotch strap on the jacket can sometimes rectify this.