| Wetsuits from different manufacturers will have | | | | Liquid Sealed Seams |
| different features for improved performance and as | | | | A rubber compound can be used to seal the seam |
| selling points. Some of these innovations are purely | | | | and make it watertight. This is very effective but the |
| gimmicks and do nothing for either comfort or | | | | use of the rubber compound reduces the flexibilty so |
| performance but some are useful and we've put | | | | is not suitable for areas where flexibility is important. |
| together information on the more useful features | | | | Neoprene Coating |
| that you should be aware of before you buy a | | | | There are two types of neoprene coating currently |
| wetsuit. | | | | in use WRC (water repellant coating) and Pu printing. |
| Neoprene | | | | A chemical that repels water is used in WPC, usually |
| This is a rubber foam material that is lined for stretch | | | | on the top half of the wetsuit. Less water is |
| and warmth with a jersey fabric. Stretch is important | | | | absorbed by the fabric and the wetsuit is therefore |
| for fit and comfort but the stretchier the fabric the | | | | lighter and warmer. PU printing is used to make the |
| less durability it has. In areas such as knees which | | | | fabric more resistant to damage by abrasion as it |
| receive the most wear a more durable fabric which | | | | increases the durability of the neoprene material. |
| does not need to stretch so much can be used. | | | | Batwings |
| Seams | | | | Used in most expensive wetsuits, batwings are thin |
| In order to fit well a wetsuit is made from a number | | | | pieces of neoprene that are sewn inside the zipper |
| of panels. A better fit is obtained by the use of more | | | | to prevent the entry of cold water, thus making the |
| panels but this also increases the number of seams | | | | wetsuit warmer and more comfortable. |
| which reduces the flexibility. Seams should be placed | | | | Wrist, Neck and Ankle Seals |
| away from areas where they may cause rubbing, | | | | Seals at neck, wrist and ankle must be tight enough |
| such as at the neck or behind the knees and also | | | | to prevent water from entering the wetsuit but not |
| away from areas that will reduce the ability to move, | | | | so tight that they restrict movement and cause |
| such as across the shoulders or under the arms. | | | | rubbing. A good fit with soft neoprene and fewer |
| Stitching | | | | seams are some points to look for. |
| Two types of stitching are used in wetsuits, | | | | How Much? |
| flatlocking or blindstitching. In more expensive | | | | In the more expensive wetsuits features such as |
| wetsuits blindstitching is usually used. The seam is | | | | superstretch material, blindstitching etc will enhance |
| first glued then stitched with the needle not passing | | | | performance and comfort. Some of these features |
| completely through the material. With no needle hole | | | | however lead to lower durability and a shorter life for |
| all the way through the material the seam is | | | | the wetsuit. So it comes down to a balance between |
| watertight. This process is more expensive as it is | | | | what you can afford, how long your wetsuit will last |
| labour intensive. In flatlocking a flerxible and strong | | | | and how you are prepared to sacrifice durability for a |
| seam is produced but the needle passes right through | | | | higher performance. For those who will be spending a |
| the material so it is not watertight. It is usually used | | | | lot of time in their wetsuits it makes sense to buy |
| in summer wetsuits and is not suitable for winter | | | | the most comfortable one you can afford. |
| wetsuits. | | | | |