Do you want to learn more about wetsuits? If you enjoy water sports, especially surfing and snorkeling, investing in a high-quality wetsuit may have become increasingly essential. You need to invest in a flexible, waterproof material.
Not all wetsuits are made from the same materials. Different wetsuits have different properties inside and out. So what are wetsuits made of?
Please keep reading to learn more about wetsuit materials and their properties.
The History of Wetsuits
Wetsuits are made of a neoprene rubber material designed to keep the wearer's body temperature stable in cold water. The wetsuit material is also flexible and comfortable to wear. The first wetsuits were developed in the 1930s for use by the U.S. military.
After the war, it became popular in the surfing community because it kept people warm in cold water. Rubber was first used in the construction of wetsuits in 1935 by a man named Hugh Bradner. He was a physics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, working on a way to keep divers warm in the cold waters off the California coast.
His original design was made of rubberized fabric, and it worked by trapping a layer of water between the body and the suit. The body heat warms the water and provides insulation against the cold water.
Materials
A wetsuit is a piece of clothing worn by people who work in or near water. The primary purpose of a wetsuit is to keep the wearer's body warm, even in cold water.
Swimmers, divers, and surfers who swim in cold water wear wetsuits to stay warm and protected. Thus, the swimmers can prevent hypothermia, a condition in which the body temperature is dangerously low.
Wetsuits are made of a variety of materials, including the following.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber developed in the 1930s as an oil-resistant alternative to natural rubber. It is now used in a variety of applications, including wetsuits.
Wetsuits are made of neoprene because they are excellent insulators and have a low water absorption rate. This means it will keep you warm in cold water and will not absorb much water if you get wet. Here are some types of neoprene:
Open-cell Neoprene
Neoprene is typically thought of as a material with open cells because it is a porous material. Neoprene with empty cells can help you get a wetsuit that fits a little bit tighter on your body than one made of closed-cell neoprene. So you might need to lubricate the wetsuit to wear it if it is composed of neoprene.
Closed-cell Neoprene
Due to its lack of porosity compared to open-cell neoprene, this form of neoprene is frequently utilized to create wetsuits. Closed-cell neoprene has a lining made of polyester and nylon.
Smooth Skin Neoprene
These days, many kinds of wetsuits and accessories like gloves, hoods, and boots are made from this sort of neoprene. Because of its rubber-like texture, this type of neoprene repels wind and water while also giving off heat by absorbing sunlight.
On a sunny, breezy day, it is also employed in the lower back and chest panel of wetsuits specifically created for cold waters to boost the complete suit's warmth significantly. The sole disadvantage of this kind of neoprene is that your fingernails can rip it while putting on or taking off the wetsuit, making it less resilient than other neoprene.
Nylon-Lined Neoprene
All classic wetsuits are made of neoprene with a jersey nylon lining underneath. Nylon was used to line it for several reasons, including to make it simpler to wear wetsuits. In comparison, wetsuits are made of pure rubber, which makes them easier to put on.
Before the development of nylon-lined neoprene, talcum powder was used to put on and take off the wetsuit. So the wetsuit is easier to put on and take off thanks to the nylon lining inside the neoprene. In addition, the nylon fabric layer offers additional defense against cracking after drying out in the sun, splitting, and general wear and tear.
Foamed Neoprene
Foamed neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that contains tiny bubbles of nitrogen gas. The material is used in a variety of applications, including realistic prosthetic limbs, insulation for electrical wires, and, of course, wetsuits.
Lycra
Lycra, also known as spandex, is a synthetic fabric with very high stretchability. It is most often used in sportswear and swimwear because of its tight fit and comfortable stretch.
Lycra is also used in wetsuits to provide a snug, body-hugging fit that seals heat and keeps water. The fabric is also very durable, which is essential for wetsuits that see a lot of wear and tear.
Polyester
Polyester is a type of plastic that is used to make wetsuits. It is a robust and durable material resistant to tears and abrasion. It is also a good insulator, keeping the body warm in cold water.
Polyester is typically used in the lining of wetsuits, as it is smooth and comfortable against the skin.
The Durability and Thickness
This material is very durable and is resistant to both abrasion and punctures. The durability of a wetsuit is determined by the type of neoprene used.
The thickness of the neoprene material varies depending on the intended use of the wetsuit. For example, a wetsuit meant for surfing will be thinner than a wetsuit meant for diving.
The thickness of the wetsuit also affects the level of insulation. The more layers, the thicker the wetsuit. A thicker wetsuit will provide more insulation than a thinner wetsuit.
Suitable Sizes
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that is effective in insulating against both cold and heat. The material is also stretchy, allowing a snug fit that helps the wetsuit work more effectively. Wetsuits come in a variety of sizes, which are generally determined by height and weight.
Divers are subject to restrictions, but these restrictions are not always weight-related. Many ladies believe that every single wetsuit is made for guys or, at the very least, women who have no curves.
Although not everyone enjoys diving, your weight shouldn't ever be a barrier to getting in the water. It is a fantastic way to learn about the undersea environment, meet new people, and be active. If you're one of the many attractive curvy women out there, remember that finding the ideal fit doesn't have to be difficult.
Suppose you're interested in purchasing a wetsuit, do your research to find one that fits your needs. There are a variety of wetsuits on the market; one of the best varieties is the plus-size wetsuit for swimming.
Manufacturing Process of Wetsuits
The neoprene is cut into pieces and sewn together to form the wetsuit. The seams are then glued or taped to prevent water from entering the suit. Some wetsuits also have a lining, which can be made of polyester or nylon.
The manufacturing process of wetsuits begins with the creping of neoprene sheets. The creping process stretches and weakens the neoprene sheets so they can be easily cut and sewn.
Next, the neoprene sheets are cut into panels and sewn together to create the wetsuit. Finally, the wetsuit is finished with a seam sealant and a neck seal to prevent water from entering the suit.
The Construction
The construction of the wetsuit, including patterning, seams, and other elements, is chosen once the neoprene, laminated materials, and thickness are selected. Comfort and durability were considered when designing the pattern, including fit, zipper positioning, reinforced regions, ankle, and wrist cuff fastening systems, etc.
Flatlock and GBS seam constructions are the most widely used. The raw edges of each pattern piece are first glued together to create Glued & Blind Stitched (GBS) seams, which are then stitched using a very specialized sewing machine that only penetrates the neoprene about halfway rather than the entire suit.
This makes the seam more waterproof. A liquid tape is applied to the external hem of our higher-grade wetsuits, which are double-blind and stitched internally and externally to fill any potential leak areas on the seams.
Most affordable, rental, and warm water wetsuits include flatlock seams (3 mm, 2 mm & 1.5 mm). Although they are exceedingly resilient, flatlock seams are not watertight.
The Benefits of Wearing a Wetsuit
Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm in cold water conditions by trapping a thin layer of water next to your skin. Your body warms this water, which in turn keeps you warm. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between the body and the suit.
The benefits of wearing a wetsuit include the following:
Increased Warmth
Wetsuits are made of a neoprene material that is excellent at trapping heat. The neoprene is also very flexible, so it doesn't restrict movement.
The tight fit of the wetsuit also helps to trap body heat. These factors work together to keep the wearer warm in cold water.
The suit is then sealed with a seam sealant to keep water from entering. The thickness of the neoprene and the fabric used to determine the suit's warmth. Thicker neoprene and a lined material will be warmer than a thinner neoprene or an unlined fabric.
Protection From the Elements
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber impervious to water. This material is also buoyant, which helps swimmers stay afloat. Neoprene is also insulating, so it helps protect wearers from cold water and weather.
Increased Buoyancy
In addition to providing thermal insulation, wet suits also provide some buoyancy. The neoprene itself is not very buoyant, but the case is usually lined with a material such as polyester or nylon, which is much lighter than water. This provides some buoyancy and keeps the diver more visible in the water.
Additional Considerations
The suit's seams may go unnoticed or unthought when purchasing a wetsuit and examining the neoprene thickness and various styles. Yes, that's what keeps everything in place. The quality of your wetsuit's seams truly matters greatly and might affect how warm and cozy you feel during your dive.
Flatlock seams are threads that lie flat on the suit to make the garment more comfortable. The negative of flatlock seams is that they are not watertight, so the warm water, in your case, may seep out, or cold water may slip in. This won't be a big concern if you dive in warmer seas, but a flatlock stitch can make your cold water dives less comfortable.
Glued and blindstitched seams use two different ways of joining for a more watertight seam. They are initially bonded together and then internally threaded. Though they tend to give in to wear and tear a little more than other types of seams, they can hold more warm water.
The most waterproof seams, whether secured with neoprene or liquid tape, have been taped if you are cold water diving and want the maximum amount of water tightness.
Although liquid tape is more flexible and long-lasting than neoprene tape, you can feel confident that your seams won't leak water with either type of adhesive. Therefore, pay attention to the types of seams you are purchasing suits. You won't believe the impact they might make.
The Future
The future of wetsuits is looking very promising. With the new materials being developed, wetsuits are becoming lighter, thinner, and more comfortable. This is making them much more popular with both amateur and professional athletes.
Wetsuits will continue to be essential equipment for surfers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts. As the demand for wetsuits increases, so does the need for new and innovative designs. Several companies are already developing new and improved wetsuits for the future.
What Are Wetsuits Made Of? Your Questions, Answered
What are wetsuits made of? Most wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is a type of synthetic rubber. Neoprene is a lightweight, strong, and flexible material that helps insulate the body from cold water. It is also chlorine-resistant, which makes it a good choice for swimming and surfing.
When shopping for a wetsuit, look for one that is comfortable and has the right fit.
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