Wetsuit Spotlight - Find The Right Wetsuit
If you are a newbie at buying a wetsuit, you might feel lost trying to decide where you should begin. The good news is that wetsuit hunting is anything but hard. All you need to do is be well acquainted with the basics, and you are bound to find the ultimate piece. With so many options and types available in the market, you might find it hard to pick the right wetsuit.
Fear not, as we'll spill the beans on how you can buy yourself the best wetsuit without any hassle. So, let’s dig into the details:
How Do Wetsuits Work?
So how exactly do wetsuits work? They make a thin layer of water between the suit and your body, which gets warmed up by your body temperature and saves you from losing heat when submerged.
Wetsuits are made with a material known as neoprene which consists of tiny air-filled closed cells. The wetsuit thickness is responsible for providing insulation to your body by trapping heat. The thicker your wetsuit’s neoprene is, the warmer it will be. However, a point to keep in mind is that you should first find out the water temperature you will be swimming in.
What Should Be The Wetsuit Fitting?
When picking out a wetsuit, remember to choose one that tightly fits your body, whether it's surfing wetsuits or swimming wetsuits. You should also check its fitting around your torso and throat. If your wetsuit is too tight around these areas, it will make it hard for you to breathe. Make sure you try it and see there are no painful points or pressure anywhere.
The wetsuit should be a good fit so that there is only a very thin layer of water between your suit and body. If it is too loose, a massive amount of water will go through, hindering its ability to keep you warm. The ideal wetsuit should never restrict your movement and allow you to move your arms and body with ease.
Make sure you look at the following checklist when trying on any wetsuit:
When you try one on, stretch out your shoulders by lifting your arms and moving them over your head. This movement should only feel a little restricting. However, if you feel too much pressure when doing this, it means the wetsuit is small for you.
Once you try on your wetsuit, there shouldn't be any extra room in the knees, torso, shoulders, and crotch. A wetsuit that fits you properly should be hard to try on (in its dry form). An excellent tip is to wear socks; they will help your feet slide in with very little hassle.
Once on, you should squat down easily and also be able to move your arms around with ease.
Types Of Stitching In Wetsuits:
There are different types of wetsuit stitching, including;
Flatlock stitching:
This type of wetsuit stitching is used in water that has a temperature of more than 62 degrees.
It causes zero discomfort and lies flat on your body.
A little water may get in.
Glued and Blindstitched:
This sealed seam wetsuit is used in water that has a temperature of 55 degrees or more.
Its stitch panels are specially glued and after that, blind-stitched. This makes it watertight.
This type of seam style lets in very tiny amounts of water.
Sealed and Taped Seams
These wetsuits are glued, blindstitched and then 100% taped. They are used in water that has a temperature of 55 degrees or less.
The stitch in these wetsuits is first glued, and then it is blindstitched. However, it contains interior taping that increases durability and prevents water from getting in.
Don’t Miss These Crucial Things When Looking For A Wetsuit:
With so many wetsuit options available, you may feel overwhelmed when looking for the perfect wetsuit. Simply look for the following four aspects, and you should be good to go.
Buoyancy:
Wetsuits provide swimmers with a lesser drag and much more buoyancy in water. They not only help you float but also give you more lift. Always look for those pieces that are made using top-quality neoprene. Yamamoto neoprene, for instance, is specifically engineered for enjoying the speed and has excellent lightweight qualities.
Thickness:
Always lookout for the wetsuit's thickness as it allows your body to effectively maintain heat and reduces chances of hypothermia. The thicker the wetsuit is, the warmer it will be. When choosing a wetsuit, make sure its neoprene is thinner around your legs and arms while thicker on your core.
Flexibility:
Your wetsuit should allow you to swim flexibly through the water. If you feel any resistance when moving, it will drain your energy and reduce your swimming efficiency. Look for wetsuits that have neoprene panels of varying thickness. This gives the wetsuits much-needed flexibility to allow you to swim hassle-free.
Material:
If you are buying a wetsuit to swim in a swimming pool, remember that the chlorine added to the water can be damaging for a regular wetsuit. The chlorine can increase your wetsuit’s wear and tear and ultimately lower its lifespan. Make sure you opt for a swimming wetsuit that is durable and resistant to chlorine.
How To Choose A Wetsuit?
Who said that buying the perfect wetsuit is hard? All you need to do is have thorough knowledge about the water you will be swimming in, and choose your wetsuit accordingly. By incorporating the tips mentioned above and the information, you are bound to find a wetsuit that suits you perfectly.