Lycra wetsuits

Types of Lycra Wetsuits

Wetsuits come in many styles. Each wetsuit is made for different kinds of water activity. The thickness of the wetsuit and its cut affect how warm it keeps the user. They also affect the range of motions available.

Full Body Wetsuits

A full wetsuit covers the arms and legs completely. These are good for cold water because they cover the whole body. They keep the most warmth in. Full suits are used for surfing, diving, and swimming in chilly seas. The thick neoprene of the full suit protects the body and traps heat in.

Spring Suits

Spring suits are short in the arms and legs. They are good to wear when the weather is warm but the water is still cool. The wetsuit only partly covers the body but still keeps the user warm. Spring suits are used for surfing in spring and fall. They allow more movement than full suits.

Shorty Suits

Shorty suits are similar to spring suits but usually have shorter legs and sleeves. They are good for warm water activities. The shorter length provides more freedom to move. Most suits are worn for surfing, swimming, or other water sports in warm climates.

Wetsuit Tops

Wetsuit shorts and tops provide warmth for the core. Many wetsuit tops are made of thick neoprene to keep heat in. The tops can be worn alone in warm weather or under a full suit for extra insulation in cold water.

Boots and Gloves

Boots, gloves, and hoods are also available. These provide warmth for the extremities when fully immersed. Wearing boots, gloves, and hoods allows a diver or swimmer to remain comfortable even in very cold water for longer periods of time.

Designs of Lycra Wetsuits

Wetsuits now come in many designs and styles. They are made for different water temps and activity types. However, they are made with a variety of materials.

Neoprene

Most traditional wetsuits are made from neoprene foam sandwiched between thin layers of rubber. This creates a suit that traps a layer of water next to the skin. The neoprene insulates against the cold.

Lycra

Lycra is used for thinner, warmer suits. These are good for tropical diving or swimming. The stretchy material provides less insulation but great mobility.

Thermal lined

Full suits often have thermal lining inside. These soft fabrics wick moisture away and dry quickly. They improve warmth in cold water.

Sealed wetsuits

Sealed wetsuits glue and blind stitched the seams together tightly. This keeps more water out and traps heat in. They are preferred for surfing and diving.

Zipper locations

Jackets with zippers down the middle of the chest and neck allow easier suit entry. Back zip models are older but still popular.

Sleeve lengths

Full suits completely cover arms and legs. Spring suits end at elbows and knees for more movement.

Keywords that Define the Function of Lycra Wetsuits

Like other apparel, wetsuits come with certain keywords that define their function. These keywords highlight the features key to the watersports purposes of wetsuits.

Insulation

Insulation is the primary function of a wetsuit. Most wetsuits keep the body warm in cold water. They do this by trapping a thin layer of water heated by the body. Wetsuits made of thicker neoprene provide more insulation than thinner wetsuits.

Hydrodynamics

Wetsuits improve swimming efficiency by reducing drag in the water. They allow swimmers and divers to move more easily through the ocean. The materials used in wetsuits are smooth. This improves speed and endurance when doing water activities.

Buoyancy

Neoprene wetsuits increase buoyancy. They help users stay afloat with less effort. The buoyancy is especially welcome when doing deep-sea diving. Wetsuits are good at keeping the user's body near the water's surface.

Protection

Wetsuits protect against cuts, scrapes, and stings. The thick materials block sharp coral and jellyfish. This allows more comfort and safety for swimmers, surfers, and divers.

Thermal pane

The thermal pane in wetsuits protects users from extreme temperature changes. Surfers and divers swim in various temperatures. The wetsuit allows them to be protected from the outside temperature.

Flexibility

Modern wetsuit materials provide a good amount of flexibility. This allows users total freedom of movement. They do not hinder the user's movements when swimming, diving, or surfing. This is unlike older neoprene suits that were bulky and restrictive.

Longevity

Wetsuits are designed to be durable and withstand harsh marine environments. They protect the wearer's skin from saltwater, sun exposure, and abrasive surfaces. Wetsuits are good, especially for users who spend long hours in the water.

How to Choose Lycra Wetsuits

When choosing wetsuits, there are some things buyers should consider. These factors will help ensure buyers get suitable lycra wetsuits for their customers.

Material composition

Buyers should remember that flexible, strong, and durable materials make good wetsuits. The composition of the wetsuit determines its primary function. Neoprene traps water to insulate the body from cold water. The thickness of the neoprene wetsuit layers also affects its ability to retain heat.

Water temperature

Consider the typical water temperatures for customers. For warmer waters, less thermal protection is needed. A wetsuit with less coverage will be better. Wetsuits designed for colder waters retain more heat. They are made with thicker materials that protect against hypothermia.

Duration

Wetsuits for snorkeling in tropical waters do not have to be insulated. They can be made of thin, stretchy lycra for mobility. Wetsuits for diving or surfing in cooler waters should have thicker neoprene.

Activities

Buyers should consider what activities customers intend to do in the wetsuits. Suits that have seams glued and stitched through are best for scuba diving. They allow for flexibility and withstand long-term water exposure. They are comfortable for deep-sea divers.

Surfing wetsuits have sealed seams that prevent water from entering the suit. They allow surfers to have more warmth and insulation. Swimming suits are designed to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics. They allow swimmers to easily cut through the water.

Fit and sizing

Wetsuits must fit snugly to prevent water from flushing in and removing body heat. A good seal at the wrists and ankles keeps water out. The wetsuit should be tight but not overly restrictive. Too much compression can limit mobility. Take customers' measurements into account to select the correct size.

Entry style

Consider the entry style customers will prefer. Wetsuits come in varieties with front zippers, back zippers, and no zippers. Zippered wetsuits are easier to put on and take off. This is good for users changing at the beach. No-zipper wetsuits have seals glued and blind-stitched together. They provide better insulation but are harder to put on.

Q&A

Q. What are wetsuits made for?

A: Wetsuits are made for swimming, diving, and surfing. They offer thermal insulation, buoyancy, and protection. Wetsuits allow users to stay in the water longer while maintaining body heat.

Q. What are the features of a good wetsuit?

A: A good wetsuit should be flexible. It should also be durable, fitting, and buoyant. Features like reinforced stitching, sealed seams, and fortified zippers should also be included.

Q. How should a wetsuit fit?

A: A wetsuit should fit snugly with no large gaps. It should feel tight but allow enough movement. It should also stretch without excessive force. The wetsuit should be easy to put on but hard to take off.

Q. Can customers get a wetsuit in different styles?

A: Yes, there are many styles of wetsuits available. There are short wetsuits for warm waters. There are also full suits that cover the entire body. Spring suits are available too. They are short in length. Also available are wetsuit tops and bottoms. They can be worn together or separately.

Q. Are there special wetsuits for kids?

A: Yes, there are kids' wetsuits. They are designed to provide the same thermal protection as adult ones. Kids' wetsuits have fun designs and colors.