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Wetsuits are useful garments made for people who spend their time in water environment. For example divers, canoeists, surfers, and other water related sports and activities. They work especially well in maintaining thermal insulation and enhancing buoyancy, adding safety and comfort for the individual wearing the suit.

Foamed neoprene is a kind of technology integrated within wetsuits. Neoprene is a fragile foamed material integrated within the layers of material of the swimsuits. The upper layers are made of strong and durable material such as nylon and supplemented by a layer of flexible material such as spandex.

There many different types of wetsuits available for different climates and different lengths. Wetsuits come in long arms and long legs, shorties, sleeveless, and some used for triathlon. And thickness varies in 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm etc.

For water sports and other water activities, wetsuits have become a necessity for many of them. Given that temperatures in the water may be significantly lower than those temperatures on the land, being in the water for a prolonged period of time can pose health threats to the individual. Wetsuits eliminate this threat by incorporating insulation features within its design and a waterproof capability to protect the individual from the potential illnesses caused by cold water. Modern wetsuits are especially innovative and are lightweight and stretchy enough for the individual wearing it to be comfortable.

Wetsuits material

The main material in wetsuits is neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material made in the lab. It is stretchy and waterproof material perfect for fashioning wetsuits. This material is then stitched together in the form of the wetsuit in order to cover the body. From shorties, long arms and legs and many more, wetsuits integrate neoprene as the main material. The variations with wetsuits are generally found in the thickness. There are different thicknesses found in wetsuits and they range from 2mm to 6mm. This difference in thickness determines the level of insulation offered by that particular wetsuit. The thicker of wetsuit, the more insulation from the suit.

Other materials are integrated with the wetsuit to ensure enough stretching room for comfort and still to maintain the strong and waterproof exterior. Flexibility is partly the product of neoprene and also other material such as spandex which is sometimes integrated into wetsuits. The outer layer of the wetsuit is often times coated with a material that helps in reducing resistance and allows a smoother swim.

Different parts of the wetsuit are made separately and later sealed or stitched together to make the entire wetsuit.

Style and Function

Wetsuits come in various styles and cuts to suit the many various needs and preferences. Full body wetsuits on the thicker end of the spectrum are designed for colder weather conditions. This style is a useful utility when it comes to ensuring full body protection from the cold water and weather conditions. Thicker wetsuits are limited in flexibility due to the many layers designed for insulation. Shorter wetsuits are designed for milder weather conditions that do not require much of protection for the body. Generally, the shape of the wetsuit is a key determinant of how the wetsuit will function. The shape determines how the wetsuit will flex and float and whether water can seep in. A tighter fit is better in keeping water out and keeping it from interfering with the insulation and circulation of body heat within the body. However, it should not be excessively tight to the point where you can barely move your limbs. Rather, it should be snug enough to keep water out and loose enough to allow you to move.

A wetsuit functions to keep water out of the body as you engage in your water based activities. It works by allowing water to seep in through the outer layers of the suit and form an insulating layer. Layers are made out materials that warm up with water by using body temperature. This is an ingenious function with simplistic yet innovative technology. Keeping warm is perhaps the biggest function of wetsuits. Recent technology has allowed wetsuits to come in variety of designs including designs with detachable arms and legs. The function of the suit is enhanced further by the stitching and gluing techniques utilized in the assembly process. When the two techniques are combined, they create a considerably more durable and better functioning wetsuit in terms of flexibility.

To keep the wetsuit functioning at optimal insulation and flexible capabilities, proper care and maintenance are important to observe.