Wetsuit & Drysuit

  • Wetsuit feature – What is the screen printing?

    The screen printing is often for printing LOGO, some patterns. This printing is based on printing firm / mold. The principle is like that using the ink to spray to get letter / image. Therefore, as the limitation of firm / mold,


    1) The size of the item to print should not so big and so small.


    2) The color should be printed one by one.


    Wetsuit feature – What is the screen printing?cid=16


    Wetsuit feature – What is the screen printing?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature – What is the zipless wetsuit?

    There is a new style wetsuit that is with zipless in recent years, it is a good idea for wetsuit industry. It is worked out from front chest zip style by canceling the zip and increasing the entry.  The benefits: One is to save the cost to make the wetsuit, another is to increase the wetsuit warm for our body. But it would be not so good to keep warm by adjusting after using the wetsuit for a certain time.


    Wetsuit feature – What is the zipless wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature – What is the leg pocket?

    The leg pocket is a practical technical diving pocket with small pockets and zippers to put some tools when diving. This pocket is not often for wetsuit. but it is often for semi-drysuit or drysuit. This is because the drysuit is often for special underwater works or some professional scuba divers with long time. the pocket can increase the work efficiency. 


    Wetsuit feature – What is the leg pocket?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature – What is the crotch zipper?

    The crotch zipper is usually not use for common wetsuit or semi-drysuit. it is a zip with two zipper slider between front and back of crotch or just front of crotch. The aim is for being easy when we need WC immediately. Therefore, this function is often for scuba diving from Military and some special underwater works.


    Wetsuit feature – What is the crotch zipper?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - How is the silicone tape?

    The Silicone tapes are often for the cuffs and leg openings of high-end surfing wetsuits to reduce the water entering from outside as this is made by smooth skin silicone, then they can keep body be warmer. They are often made by several narrow tapes around relevant places to avoid affecting the stretch of wetsuits


    Wetsuit feature - How is the silicone tape?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What is the front arm catch?

    The front arm catch is an extra function to improve water flow, then it can assist to save arm power when swimming. This is new concept for triathlon wetsuit. The thickness of material to make it should be very shin, such as BRS from Yamamoto. And now more and more people would like this function. 


    Wetsuit feature - What is the front arm catch?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What is the chest pad?

    The chest pad is an extra pad on the chest made by foam. It is often for spearfishing wetsuit to protect chest when using the gun to fish under the sea. Sometimes it is also for some surfing wetsuits to increase the friction and protect chest when surfers’ chest touch surfboard or other hard surfaces if need. 


    Wetsuit feature - What is the chest pad?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature -Should I hang or fold wetsuit to store?

    Yes, the wetsuit can be stored by hanging or folding. However, pls make sure to fold it by the waistline. and not put anything on top of them if stored in a storage unit. If you have a EPE foam rod put the line made by folding, it would be better. If using a hanger, pls avoid using thin metal ones that will imprint on the fabric, and if possible, the wider wooden hang would be better to protect the wetsuit.


    Wetsuit feature -Should I hang or fold wetsuit to store?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature -What is life time of a wetsuit?

    In general, a wetsuit can last for many years if you take care of it, including wearing with being careful, washing with the right way, storing in the suitable place, and so on. However, if you use it frequently, you may need to replace it every few years. A high-end wetsuit from a quality wetsuit manufacturer should last for longer time, it maybe can be from 4 years to 10 years or more, but it depends on how often you use.


    Wetsuit feature -What is life time of a wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Why is the chest zip the better for surfing wetsuit?

    Surfing wetsuit is usually with chest zip today, it is just because chest zip provides a better fit and more insulation.

    In this wetsuit design, the zip runs horizontally along the chest to connect the collar that goes over your head with the lower panel of the wetsuit. The shorter zip improves the flexibility of the surf suit as well.

    The chest zip wetsuits are less prone to flushing, it means water rush in the suit, especially when duck diving under waves. This makes chest zip wetsuits warmer when surfing for a long time.

    But makes it a bit harder to get in and take it off.


    Wetsuit feature - Why is the chest zip the better for surfing wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Why the function of drain hole for surfing wetsuit is necessar

    Surfing wetsuit is usually made of high-end neoprene material with chest zip for performing excellently when surfing. But the chest zip style is often let some water be in the chest area of wetsuit, then it would affect surfing, so wetsuit manufactures usually design some small holes for draining the water not only chest but also back.


    Wetsuit feature - Why the function of drain hole for surfing wetsuit is necessary?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - How to use Yamamoto material for triathlon wetsuit?

    Triathlon wetsuit is usually made from high end neoprene material, such as Yamamoto limestone neoprene, as this wetsuit is required high end quality, even for each panel of wetsuit. So high end triathlon wetsuit would usually use the different stretch materials as the picture show. This will maximize the performance of wetsuit to assist athletes to have perfect score.


    Wetsuit feature - How to use Yamamoto material for triathlon wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - How is titanium used in wetsuit manufacturing?

    Manufacturers of high-end wetsuits often use titanium to help strengthen neoprene linings and help retain heat. This makes the overall set a stronger and more durable product than other sets. Titanium suits are generally thinner, stronger and lighter than pure neoprene suits.


    Wetsuit feature - How is titanium used in wetsuit manufacturing?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Sealed arm and leg cuffs

    As a high-end Wetsuit, preventing the entry of water should be devoted much. Sealed arm and leg cuffs are another important way to achieve this. Because nobody likes a flush when they enjoy diving life, there is a risk of water entering the arm and leg cuffs. This is why these areas need to be sealed.


    Wetsuit feature - Sealed arm and leg cuffs

  • Wetsuit feature - How to make printing of wetsuit?

    There are two ways the wetsuit manufacturers usually use for printing wetsuits:
     
    1. The customer provides the vector format file (such as *.dwg, *.dxf, *.pdf, *.ai, *.cdr. …) to be printed, and then the wetsuit manufacturer uses the file to print according to the size requested. This is the most efficient way.
     
    2. The customer does not have the printed vector format file, but provides the font or picture that they need to print to the wetsuit manufacturer, and then the wetsuit manufacturer assists to design the printed documents by the communication with the customer meanwhile. This is also possible, but a detailed discussion will take longer.


    But for the printing, some wetsuit manufacturers will ask their customers for keeping the manufacturer own LOGO in the wetsuit to increase the wetsuit manufacturers’ publicity.


    Wetsuit feature - How to make printing of wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What will affect MOQ (minimum order quantity) of wetsuit?

    Laminated Fabric Color: The most common colors are black and gray. For the rest of the colors, if there is no stock in the market and must be dyed, then the MOQ will be more than black and gray.

    Wetsuit Style: For example, for a similar style, the MOQ for the short will exceed the MOQ for the full set, because the MOQ for the materials is similar.

    Neoprene: There are different grades of neoprene, such as limestone neoprene, CR, SCR, SBR, …etc. They come from different material manufacturers, such as Japan-YAMAMOTO, Korea-JAKO, Taiwan-Nam Liong, therefore MOQ for different.

    Neoprene Thickness: For example, a 3/2mm wetsuit includes two types of neoprene and the MOQ will exceed the 3mm wetsuit as each thickness of neoprene will require a separate MOQ


    Wetsuit feature - What will affect MOQ (minimum order quantity) of wetsuit?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What will influence costs of producing a wetsuit?

    1. Materials: Such as neoprene, laminated fabric, zipper, etc. Materials with different elastic or durable properties can vary widely in price. In addition, the origin or brand of the material also contributes to different costs of wetsuit.

    2. Wetsuit Color: The most common colors are black and gray. The remaining colors may need to be dyed according to the customer's order, so there will be additional costs and minimum order quantity requirements.

    3. Cutting Panels: The more cuts, the more neoprene panels need to be stitched, which will result in more labor costs.

    4. Technology: For the different processes of the stitching, the cost is different. For example, glue blind stitching requires longer man-hours than flat locks.

    5. Quantity: Due to economies of scale, high-volume orders will cost less than small-volume orders.

    6. Production Time: If the request is urgent and the production time needs to be shortened, it means additional overtime and shipping costs (such as changing material from sea to air shipment).

    Wetsuit feature - What will influence costs of producing a wetsuit?cid=16

    Wetsuit feature - What will influence costs of producing a wetsuit?cid=16


  • Wetsuit feature - What will influence warmth of wetsuits?

    Thickness: The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it is. A 5/4/3mm wetsuit is much warmer than a 3/2mm wetsuit.

    Entry System: Unzippered and chest zippered entryways are generally warmer than back zippers because they are less prone to flushing. However, if you end up with a well-fitting back zip suit, flushing may not be an issue at all.

    Seams: The key here is the water resistance of the wetsuit. That's why seams need to be well done, but some seams are better than others. Generally speaking, for waterproofing, tape seams or fluid seams will be better than GBS, and GBS will be better than flat locks. After the seams start to crack and let water in, it will start to get cold.

    Neoprene Types: Certain types of neoprene are more wind-resistant, especially smooth-skinned neoprene, which greatly increases warmth by reducing wind chill. Air-insulated neoprene is warmer due to the added insulation, but also more expensive.

    Internal Lining: It has a big effect on insulation, but most of the insulation effect is thought to be drying out when you put on a suit. Fleece and certain other liners do add warmth, while some others don't necessarily add true warmth.

    Size: One of the worst things about surfing is flushing. If your wetsuit fits, the tide will be at its lowest. A loose-fitting wetsuit can let in water around the ankles, wrists, and neck, which can easily make people feel cold and force them to end their workouts early.


    Wetsuit feature - What will influence warmth of wetsuits?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What will affect durability of wetsuits?

    Thickness: It plays a small role in the durability of the wetsuit. Thicker suits, with more material, are less prone to tearing in neoprene. But it's really small. Unless you cut it with fins or scrape your wetsuit onto the barnacles, it will take years to break through your neoprene, and most other parts of the wetsuit will fail long before that.
     
    2. Entry System: They won't play an important role. However, we've seen suits get roughed up with the Velcro used in most back zip entry wetsuits. This can be avoided if you take care not to let the Velcro touch the neoprene. Another thing to consider is the quality of the zipper used (if have). Broken zippers are the worst because you have to send the suit in for warranty and wait for it to come back.
     
    3. Seam: There are a lot of seam options out there, and most wetsuits use several types of seams. The rule is that the more material used, the stronger the seam. However, there are some exceptions in high-end suits that use fluid seam welding without any stitching.
     
    4. Neoprene: The more elastic the neoprene, the less durable it is. Special strength materials are usually made by increasing the density of the rubber through special compression, so the tensile performance of the material are reduced. One more thing to note is that smooth skin neoprene can easily tear when pulled, especially with your fingernails.
     
    5. Internal Lining: It does not affect the durability of the wetsuit.
     
    6. Size: If the wetsuit is too tight, you will wear it quickly. You can technically wear a smaller size wetsuit, but its seams will break quickly due to the extra pressure.     

    Wetsuit feature - What will affect durability of wetsuits?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - What will influence flexibility of wetsuits?

    1. Thickness: It has a great effect on the flexibility of the wetsuit. If the same neoprene is used, the thicker the wetsuit, the less flexible it is. So if you're used to wearing 3/2mm, and then you go where you need 5/4/3mm, you'll feel more resistance to your movement.

    2. Entry System: It's probably not a big deal now when wetsuits are getting more stretchy, and it's hard to tell, but we can all agree that zippers don't stretch. This is why a zipperless wetsuit will be the most flexible. Chest zippers will come second on this list because they are shorter and placed in areas that don't require stretching much, but the back zips are longer and hinder flexibility more.

    3. Seam Construction: The seams used on the wetsuit greatly affect the flexibility of the wetsuit. Generally, the more material used to strengthen the seam, the less flexible it is. Sometimes you will see stitching on the outside of the wetsuit and tape on the inside, flexibility in these areas is hindered. In high-end suit manufacturers will use elastic materials to compensate for this.

    4. Neoprene Type: Wetsuit neoprene has a variety of elastic level. The best way to know which is the most elastic is to feel it for yourself, or ask someone with experience. To be sure, generally, the more elastic a wetsuit is, the more expensive it will be.

    5. Internal Lining: In general, the inner lining will hinder flexibility at least slightly. That's why, in most cases, you won't see heavy duty pads on your arms or legs that require flexibility.

    6. Wetsuit size: It can play an important role in the perceived flexibility of the wetsuit. If your wetsuit doesn't fit, your range of motion is reduced. For example, if the suit has a short torso or tight chest, it can restrict your arm movement.

    Wetsuit feature - What will influence flexibility of wetsuits?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Three typical types for wetsuit collar hem

    There are three typical types of wetsuit collar hem.

    No Hem: Retains the original cut of the neoprene material, as there is no hem, it is easy to wear, but the neckline will be easy to be tear out.

    Serged Hem: only for thickness less than 3mm. Fold and sew the edge of a piece of cloth to keep the fabric from unraveling. it will avoid the tearing on the neckline, but as it has two layers, the thickness will also be double, then it will make a little uncomfortable.

    Taped Hem: Use extra thin piece of cloth to cover the original edge and sew to keep the fabric from unraveling, It is the smoothest and most comfortable way to neckline.

    Durability and comfortable: Taped Hem > Serged Hem > No Hem

    Cost: No Hem > Serged Hem > Taped Hem


    Wetsuit feature - Three typical types for wetsuit collar hem

  • Wetsuit feature - How paneling affects fit of wetsuits?

    For a panel of neoprene, it is basic element to manufacture a wetsuit. The seams are where the pieces are attached. Paneling can have an impact on the fit and flexibility of a wetsuit. A rule of thumb: Fewer panels mean fewer seams, and fewer seams mean fewer "moving parts" or areas of a suit that can break down. More panels equal to be better fit, the trick is finding the sweet spot. Stretchier and  newer neoprene allow wetsuit manufacturers to produce wetsuits with fewer seams while maintaining a good fit. That's why good wetsuit manufacturers spend a lot of time developing the right seams to maximize flexibility while maintaining a wetsuit's fit.

    Another good trick for manufacturers with panels is to place different types of neoprene in different areas. This makes the wetsuit more technical. For example, a high-end wetsuit for cold water may have a smooth-skinned chest panel made of a special type of neoprene that better absorbs heat from the sun and blocks wind better.


    Wetsuit feature - How paneling affects fit of wetsuits?cid=16


    Wetsuit feature - How paneling affects fit of wetsuits?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Two ways of wetsuits reinforcement pads construction

    As we know, the reinforcement pad is very important of the wetsuit, it can greatly increase the durability for the critical area. there are two ways of wetsuits reinforcement pads construction.


    1. Use the knee pads to glue and sew on the fabric and the neoprene layer under the knee pad, there will be two layers, the total thickness of this area is the thickness of the neoprene and laminated fabric layer + the thickness of the reinforcement pad.
     
    Wetsuit feature - There are two ways of wetsuits reinforcement pads construction
    2. For the area that needs elbow pads, the area will be cut a hole for sewing the reinforcement pads later. The total thickness of this area is only the thickness of the reinforcement pad.

  • Wetsuit feature - How to keep your wetsuit clean and nice?

    Taking good care of your wetsuit will make it more durable. Regular post-dive care will prolong its life and save you money. Take good care of your wetsuit, it will keep you warm in the water longer all year round.
    Here are some tips for maintaining a wetsuit.

    1. Rinse your wetsuit after every dive or surf.

    Rinsing is what you need to do at the end of a day of diving or surfing. Use cold fresh water to remove all seawater, sand and dirt from inside and outside the wetsuit. Make sure to rinse inside and out thoroughly.

    2. Never use hot water to rinse your wetsuit.

    If you rinse the wetsuit in hot water, the wetsuit material will break down. Always use cold or lukewarm water. Do not expose the wetsuit to the sun! Ultraviolet rays can quickly deteriorate wetsuit fabrics. Dry your wetsuit in the shade if possible. Do not leave the wetsuit in the car or in the trunk of the car for an extended period of time. Soft boiled wetsuit? not good.

    3. Dry your wetsuit inside out first.

    Don't let your wetsuit get wet after rinsing. Hang it to dry on a suitable hanger such as SlideHanger™ to reduce fabric stress. Don't use traditional shoulder hangers. Dry the wetsuit inside and out first. In any case, you should always strip your diving suit inside out. Once the inside is dry, turn the wetsuit outside to finish drying. Flat it in storage by laying is ok. Do not hang wetsuits on shoulder hangers. Don't fold your wetsuit - neoprene will wrinkle and won't recover.

    4. Don't wash your wetsuit in the washing machine.

    Do not attempt to wash or dry your wetsuit with a washer and dryer! Do not use bleach, laundry detergents, stain removers, fabric softeners, olive oil, jet fuel, etc. Don't iron your wetsuit either! Use soap made specifically for wetsuits, or a mild liquid soap such as baby shampoo. View available wetsuit care products. Hand-washing your wetsuit!

    5. Surf wax sticks to the wetsuit fabric.

    Surf wax can get on your wetsuit. That's it. There is no efficient way to remove the wetsuit without damaging it. You can try using ice cubes to harden the wax. It may come off easily. However, don't rub the fabric or brush it with your fingers. You will be layering the fabric at the rub. Do not use solvents, alcohol, lighter fluids, wax removers, or any petroleum-based products.

    6. How to keep your wetsuit odor free?

    In most cases, rinsing your wetsuit with fresh water and drying it thoroughly will keep your wetsuit fresh and odor-free. However, if your wetsuit smells, wash your wetsuit with a bucket of fresh lukewarm water (not hot water). Use a special wetsuit soap or some baby shampoo. Gently wash the wetsuit by hand. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent, then dry your wetsuit.


    Wetsuit feature - How to keep your wetsuit clean and nice?cid=16

  • Wetsuit feature - Will internal taping make a wetsuit warmer?

    This is a very common and understandable question. In fact, it should be said NO, the wetsuit stitching is added the internal taping inside is a kind of reinforcement action for our wetsuit. It isn’t for warming. When the glue at the wetsuit seams begins to leak and deteriorate after using for a term time, the inner tape will act as a backup seal, preventing the suit from leaking and keeping you warm.


    Wetsuit feature - Will internal taping make a wetsuit warmer?cid=16

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