Whether you are a “ronin novice” trying surfing for the first time or an experienced player who often goes to deep-sea fishing and hunting, a suitable wetsuit is an “invisible shield” for water activities. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s a professional piece of equipment that balances insulation, protection and athletic performance. But in the face of a variety of one-piece wet suits, split wet suits, and various incomprehensible “3mm thickness” and “seamless gluing”, many people will worry: how to choose not to step on the pit? This guide will go from the basics to the advanced to help you clearly feel the doorway of wet clothes.
1. Understand first: the type and structure of wet clothing determine the basic suitability
The first step in choosing a wetsuit is to finalize the appropriate type and structure according to your own sports scene and environment. The core role of wet clothes of different designs is very different, and it is easy to buy the wrong one if you blindly follow the trend.
1. By style: one-piece or split? Decide on a plan based on the scene
I have come into contact with many novices, and the first time I bought wet clothes, I was entangled in one-piece and split. In fact, the key depends on what kind of environment you use it in –
- One-piece wetsuit: This is the most mainstream style, the advantage is that it has good sealing, can minimize seawater infiltration, and the insulation effect is full. It is suitable for scenarios with low water temperatures, such as surf spots in the north and deep-sea diving. I have brought the procurement needs of a polar scientific expedition team before, and they all chose thickened one-piece models, just because of its thermal insulation stability.
- Split wetsuit: Composed of a top and pants, it is highly flexible, easy to put on and take off, and can be combined and matched according to the temperature. For example, when playing paddleboard SUP in spring and autumn, it is very suitable to wear a short-sleeved wet jacket top + trousers. However, the disadvantage is that the waist is prone to water ingress, and the heat retention is slightly worse than that of one-piece shots, making it more suitable for warm waters or leisure scenes.
- Short-sleeved shorts wet suit: proper “summer exclusive”, suitable for open water swimming with a water temperature above 25 °C, children’s beach protection, the main function is to prevent ultraviolet rays and shark skin friction, do not consider heat preservation, focus on breathability.
- Hooded wet clothing: For scenarios where the head is prone to hypothermia, such as deep-sea fishing and hunting, rescue operations, it can wrap the neck and head to prevent cold water from pouring in through the neckline. However, it is not recommended when surfing, which can affect the flexibility of turning the head.
2. Core structure: zipper and craftsmanship, hidden performance code
Many people choose wet clothes only for appearance, but ignore the “detail killers” such as zippers and craftsmanship, in fact, they directly determine the service life and experience of wet clothes.
Structural components | Feature analysis | Applicable people |
|---|---|---|
Front zipper | Easy to put on and take off, you can do it yourself, and the zipper is sealed with a waterproof rubber strip | Novices, solo travel players |
Back zipper | Better sealing, reducing water ingress points, but requires someone else’s help to pull it together | Professional athletes, users of low-temperature environments |
Seamless gluing | There are no pinholes in the seams, waterproof and insulation, and abrasion resistance | high-end needs such as diving and polar scientific research |
Blind seam process | The stitches are hidden on the inside of the fabric, reducing seawater penetration and reducing friction | Users who exercise for a long time and have high comfort requirements |
3. Fabric and thickness: Temperature is the only criterion
The core fabric of the wet suit is super elastic neoprene, which can achieve high elasticity, stretch and wear resistance. The thickness directly corresponds to the water temperature, which is an iron law, if you can’t remember it, save the following table:
Wet clothing thickness | Applicable water temperature | Recommended scenarios | Fabric details |
|---|---|---|---|
1-2mm | 22-28℃ | Surfing in summer, swimming in open water | Thin and breathable, partially coated with wear-resistant layer |
3-5mm | 15-22℃ | Spring and autumn surfing, diving, paddleboarding SUP | Super elastic neoprene lined with fleece for enhanced insulation |
6-7mm | Below 15°C | Polar scientific expeditions, winter diving | Multi-layer composite fabric with reinforcement in key areas |
Here is a real case: Last year, a customer went diving in Iceland and refused to listen to the advice to buy a 3mm wetsuit, but after less than 20 minutes in the water, he was shivering from the cold, and finally had to end the trip early. Later, I changed to a 7mm style with a fleece liner to successfully complete the diving plan.
2. Look at performance: These “superpowers” are the core value of wet suits
If type and structure are the “skeleton” of a wet suit, then performance is its “muscle”. A good wet suit can always help you avoid risks and improve your experience at critical moments.
1. Basic guarantee: heat preservation, sun protection, and protection are all indispensable
In water activities, the body’s heat loss rate is 25 times faster than on land, so insulation and cold protection are the core functions of wet clothing. Its principle is not to “heat up”, but to lock a thin layer of water between the body and clothes through the fabric, and use body heat to heat this layer of water to form an “insulation layer”. This is why wet clothes should be fitted – too loose will allow cold water to pour in and destroy the insulation; If it is too tight, it will compress the blood vessels and affect blood circulation.
In addition to heat retention, UV resistance is also important. The UPF value of high-quality wetsuits can reach 50+, which lasts longer than sunscreen, especially for surfing and triathletes who are active on the sea for a long time. A triathlete I know has a sunburn problem after every competition and has never had sunburn problems after changing into wet clothes with high sun protection.
The protective performance is reflected in the details: the waterproof sealed neckline prevents cold water from pouring in; The knee anti-slip print makes the knees more stable when surfing and is not easy to slip; Anti-shark skin friction reduces skin irritation from seawater, and these designs make exercise safer.
2. Advanced requirements: elasticity, buoyancy, lightweight, improve sports performance
For professional players, the performance of wetsuits directly affects the performance of the game. The highly elastic stretch fabric can make physical activity unrestricted, and the movements such as paddling and turning are smoother; Decompression buoyancy can reduce the burden on the body in the water and save physical strength, especially suitable for long-term triathlon competitions.
The lightweight design reduces water resistance and makes exercise more efficient. The professional surfers I have come into contact with emphasize that a good wet suit feels like a “second skin” when worn on the body, which is both comfortable and does not affect the performance.
3. Choose the right size and fit: The fit is more important than the brand
Many people spend a lot of money to buy brand-name wet clothes, but they are idle because the size is not suitable, which is a pity. The size and fit of wet clothes affect the user experience more than the brand.
1. Size misunderstanding: Don’t buy according to your usual dressing size
The size standard of wet clothes is different from that of everyday clothing, international brands mostly use European sizes, while domestic brands are more suitable for Asian tailoring. When shopping, be sure to look at the brand’s size chart, focusing on shoulder width, bust, waist and hip circumference, preferably on the spot.
There are a few simple movements you can do when trying on: raise your hand, bend over, squat, and if you feel that the fabric is so tight that you can’t breathe, or if you have wrinkles during movement, it means that the size is not right. Previously, a customer bought a European size wet suit according to his usual habit of wearing size M, but it looked like tights, and he couldn’t exercise at all, so he had to return it in the end.
2. Fit selection: according to gender and needs, refuse “one-size-fits-all”
Nowadays, wet suit versions are becoming more and more subdivided, men’s and women’s versions are the basis, women’s versions will fit the chest and waist curves better, and men’s versions focus on shoulder and arm space. The youth growth code takes into account the child’s growth rate and is designed to be looser, making it easier for children to wear it for a longer time.
For special groups, there are also special versions: the special belly circumference space for pregnant women can give enough support and space to the abdomen; The belly-friendly version with a large and small belly makes it comfortable for chubby users. According to the purpose, the tight competitive version is suitable for competition, and the loose casual version is suitable for daily play, just choose according to your needs.
If you have a special figure, such as being too tall, too fat, or have special needs, customized measurement is the best choice, although the price is slightly higher, but it can ensure a perfect fit.
4. Brand and price: Different budgets can choose a good wet suit
The price of wet clothes ranges from a few hundred to several thousand, and different budgets correspond to different brands and positioning, so you don’t have to blindly pursue high prices, what suits you is the best.
Price band | Represent the brand | Characteristics and applicable groups |
|---|---|---|
Entry-level (300-600 yuan) | Decathlon, domestic black rock | Cost-effective, basic performance up to standard, suitable for novices and casual players |
Mid-to-high-end (800-1500 yuan) | Billabong、Xcel | The fabric is of high quality and advanced craftsmanship, suitable for advanced players who exercise frequently |
Professional level (above 2000 yuan) | O’Neill、Rip Curl | Designed for competition, full performance, suitable for professional athletes, polar scientific research and other high-end needs |
In addition, OEM and tail order clearance are also good choices, these wetsuits often use the same fabric and process as the brand, but the price can be half cheaper. However, pay attention to screening and avoid buying defective products.
5. Accessories and maintenance: tips for extending the life of wet clothes
A good wet suit can be worn for 3-5 years with proper maintenance, and may be scrapped in half a year if it is not well maintained. Learning the right maintenance methods can save you a lot of money.
1. Essential accessories: gadgets play a big role
- Special wet clothes hook/wide-shoulder anti-slip hanger: use a wide-shoulder hanger when hanging wet clothes to avoid shoulder deformation; The hook is convenient for drying at the beach.
- Cold water hand wash liquid: A wash that specializes in cleaning wet clothes, which can remove seawater salt and odor, is milder than ordinary laundry detergent and will not damage the fabric.
- Neoprene repair glue: If there is a small damage to the wet suit, it can be repaired with repair glue to avoid the expansion of the damage.
- Travel breathable mesh bag: Use a mesh bag when storing wet clothes to keep it breathable and prevent bacteria from breeding.
2. Maintenance Steps: Remember these key points
- Cleaning: After each use, rinse with clean water to remove salt and sand; Deep clean once a week with cold water hand wash liquid, and do not wash in hot water or washing machine.
- Drying: Adopt the internal and external reverse drying method, first turn the inside to dry, and then turn the outside to dry after it is half dry, avoid direct sunlight and prevent the fabric from aging.
- Maintenance: Zipper is regularly lubricated with zipper wax to prevent jamming; When not worn for a long time, fold it and put it in a dry and ventilated place to avoid heavy pressure; Regularly treat with anti-odor and sterilization spray to remove odors.
6. Procurement perspective: practical suggestions for wet clothing purchase (Yigu’s point of view)
As a senior purchasing agent, I suggest that you don’t fall into “brand superstition” when buying wet clothes. From the perspective of supply chain, many domestic brand foundries are the same as international brands, and the fabrics and processes are fully up to standard, but the price is more affordable, such as the cost performance of domestic black rock. When purchasing, priority should be paid to the core indicators: the thickness corresponds to the water temperature, whether the fabric is super elastic neoprene, and whether there is a seamless gluing process, which is much more important than the logo. In addition, good goods can often be found when the last order is cleared, but check whether the seams and zippers are intact. For enterprise procurement, such as diving clubs and scientific research teams, it is more cost-effective to choose OEM customization, and it can also be printed with exclusive logos, taking into account practicality and branding.
7. FAQ: Solve the problem you are most concerned about
- Q: What should I do if my wet clothes smell after wearing them for a long time? A: Rinse with cold water in time after each use, clean with special washing solution regularly, and ensure ventilation when drying; If the odor is serious, you can soak it in diluted white vinegar for 10 minutes and then wash it, which can effectively remove the odor.
- Q: How to choose children’s wet clothes? A: Give priority to styles with good elasticity and soft fabrics to avoid irritating children’s skin; The size can be slightly larger, reserving room for growth, but not too large, otherwise it will affect the heat preservation; Focus on the tightness of the neckline and cuffs to prevent water ingress.
- Q: Can wetsuits be used for diving and surfing? It can be temporarily used in ordinary leisure scenarios, but it is not recommended in professional scenarios. Diving wetsuits focus more on heat preservation and decompression buoyancy, and the fabric is thicker; Surfing wetsuits focus on flexibility and non-slip, with special reinforcement at the knees, which are more suitable for choosing according to needs.
- Q: Can I continue to use wet clothes with small holes? A: If the hole is small (less than 1cm), it can be continued to be used after repairing it with neoprene repair glue; If the hole is at the seam or larger, it is recommended to replace it, otherwise it will affect the heat retention and protective