It is easy to get confused about the various types of wetsuits for sale. Advances in manufacturing processes and materials are in some way to blame, as are the new uses that wetsuits are being used for. Occasionally ‘new’ wetsuits are only produced as part of the marketing campaign of the manufacturer. Selecting the right wetsuit is however simpler when we have a better understanding of the styles of wetsuit that are available.

Popular Wetsuit Styles

Shorty Wetsuits or Spring suits – cover the torso and the upper parts of your arms and legs, although they also come with long sleeves for the arms or legs.

Long Johns – like a fullsuit with uncovered arms. The terms Farmer John and Farmer Jane are also used.

Full suit wetsuits – these have long sleeves for the limbs so give good insulation in colder conditions.

Wetsuit Vest – pretty straightforward – useful for added body insulation.

Wetsuit Jacket – gives additional insulation for the upper body and arms. Available in both short sleeved and long sleeved version.

The Thickness Of The Wetsuit

It is easy to work out that how thick the wetsuit is will affect how warm it is. There is in some ways a balance that has to be found between being warm enough and having the flexibility to enjoy using the wetsuit. Since wetsuit design and components have advanced it has become simpler to buy wetsuits that give us warmth and flexibility.

5/3 is also a common wetsuit thickness – this indicates that the body material is 5 millimeters while the arms and legs are protected with 3mm material.

Wetsuit Stitching

It is not necessarily obvious but today’s wetsuits incorporate complex technologies. The type of seams used in the wetsuit will have a critical role to play in determining how warm we will be. The kinds of stitching that you will often see are -

Overlocked Stitching

This is fairly old technology and is more likely to be seen on a cheaper, warm water wetsuit. Overlocked stitching wetsuits have ridged seams which are not great, in both comfort and insulation. Overlocked seams are however pretty durable and will last for quite some time.

Flatlocking Stitching

This sort of stitching does not result in the problematic ridges that overlocked seams can produce. Not to be ideal for colder water use as some water will seep through the seams and reduce your insulation.

Seams With Blindstitched Stitching

This is carried out with curved needles that do not puncture the entire material. Glue is combined with the stitches to make the seam stronger which produces a watertight seam. Eventually the seam’s watertightness will reduce. Further maintenance is therefore essential to maximize the insulation of the wetsuit.

The Blindstitched & Taped Seam

Taping, in addition to blindstitching increases the amount of insulation in the wetsuit. Fabric, neoprene or liquid tapes may be used to strengthen the seam.

I hope that this brief summary has been useful. Check out affordable wetsuits for sale now. If you would like to grab a bargain wetsuit then see our cheap wetsuits.