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wetsuit terms
What does it all mean?

3/2 — Depending on the individual design, a 3/2 suit generally has three millimetres of neoprene on the torso (where warmth is paramount) and two millimetres elsewhere (for more flexibility).

Glued and blindstitched — edges are glued together then stitched; stitching pierces only the inside layer of the neoprene so the join is nearly watertight.

Flatlock — summer suits are often flatlocked. Two overlapping edges of material are stitched together and the finished seam lies flat inside and outside.

Overlock — none of the suits in our guide use overlock stitching; it’s the most basic form for budget suits. It leaves seams on the inside which is less watertight and less comfortable.

Liquid seal seams — a trail of latex-based glue put onto seams to create a waterproof and flexible seal. Stitching creates holes, so sealing is a good idea.

Critically taped — tape glued to maximum stress seams like shoulders to keep them extra-strong. A suit can also be fully taped.

Smooth skin/glide skin — slippy, thin neoprene generally used on neck seals. Doesn’t rub and goes on and off easily. Often used on barrier/back seals as well.

Simulated Mesh Skin, DuraSkin and similar — outer covering on chest and back panels to repel water, prevent wind-chill and increase durability.

X-Flex, Super-stretch, Elastomax — different names for the stretchiest, most expensive neoprene, lighter and with lower water retention, but not as durable.

Barrier system, batwing — systems of flaps inside the back which arrange to give you the least amount of drip and flush possible. A good idea.

3/4 zip — the most common form of zip which does up the back.

Chest zip — a panel pulls over your head from your back and you zip it up across the chest. A more flexible construction which leaves your back and shoulders free to move.

Thermospan/Firewall/Core/Polypro panels — fancy names for a lovely layer of insulating material which draws water away from the body. Usually on chest and maybe back panels where your vital organs need the protection.

Wrist and ankle seals — liquid seam sealant is often put around the inside of wrists and ankles so that they will seal tight onto the smooth neoprene of your gloves and boots.

Hydrophobic — literally, water phobic. Repels water.

Single lined — single lined neoprene has only one layer of fabric, double has one on each side. Single is more flexible and increasing in popularity, double is more durable and warmer.

Titanium — metal used in the lining of some suits, said to reflect warmth back to the wearer.