Wetsuits provide thermal protection for swimmers, divers, and surfers. You might’ve noticed that they mostly come in one color; black.<\/p>\n
So, you’re probably wondering: why are wetsuits black? Are they available in other colors?<\/p>\n
Black is a suitable option for many reasons. Besides looking cool, black can absorb heat and keep you warm. Additionally, it doesn’t show dirt like other colors.<\/p>\n
Do you want to find out more? Today’s article will explain all the reasons behind the color choice of wetsuits.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive into the details right away.<\/p>\n
At first glance, you might think that color isn’t crucial in wetsuits. However, the black color of wetsuits serves multiple beneficial functions.<\/p>\n
Surfers and swimmers spend most of their day under the sun, which means their skin might take a beating on a sunny day. Additionally, prolonged UV exposure can lead to health consequences<\/a> in the long term.<\/p>\n The materials inside the suit can protect swimmers from harmful UV light. Most wetsuits are mainly made from neoprene, which is highly durable.<\/p>\n On top of that, manufacturers add carbon black to provide extra UV resistance. That’s because carbon black is excellent at absorbing UV radiation. As a result, the radiation won’t reach the skin.<\/p>\n The color black doesn’t only absorb harmful radiation, but it can also take in heat. The darker the color of garments, the more warmth they can provide.<\/p>\n More importantly, neoprene is an excellent insulator. As a result, it can keep you warm in the water and provide good heat regulation.<\/p>\n Water can conduct heat faster than air. Additionally, water gets colder the deeper it is<\/a>. However, the combination of neoprene and black color leads to a well-heated suit, which keeps divers warm, even at great depths.<\/p>\n Manufacturers used to treat rubber with carbon black to stabilize it and give it its black color. Recently, they started using polymers and other affordable methods to stabilize the rubber and give it its color.<\/p>\n On top of making the suit<\/a> black, the treatment makes the suit more durable and resistant to the harshest conditions. More importantly, the manufacturing process isn\u2019t costly.<\/p>\n Therefore, the final product is more affordable than colored suits, which require an expensive dying process. That’s why most manufacturers stick with black suits.<\/p>\n Additionally, the demand for colorful suits is low, so it would be risky and expensive for manufacturers to produce them.<\/p>\n Neoprene has a low level of viscoelasticity, which is the ability to stretch without damage.<\/p>\n Naturally, neoprene can withstand harsh conditions. However, it’s prone to water damage, especially when stretched out. That’s why manufacturers treat it with carbon black.<\/p>\n Soot, also known as carbon black, can add an extra layer of durability to neoprene. As a result, the suit can last much longer and withstand the toughest conditions.<\/p>\n The wetsuit’s design can significantly improve your performance in various marine activities.<\/p>\n For starters, the black color keeps your body warm under the water. Nobody can swim or dive well when they\u2019re freezing underwater!<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, the combination of neoprene and carbon black provides elasticity and durability. The comfort of the suit can boost your performance underwater.<\/p>\n2.\u00a0\u00a0 The Darker, the Warmer<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Cost-effectiveness<\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0 High Durability<\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0 Helps You Perform Better<\/h3>\n