Are you newly getting into diving or surfing and are looking for a wetsuit to buy? If you are, you likely know by now that these articles of clothing don\u2019t come cheap. Therefore, you\u2019re probably asking yourself, how long does a wetsuit last?<\/p>\n
The typical wetsuit should last between five and ten years<\/a>. The exact lifespan of a wetsuit depends on its quality and the type of sport that it\u2019s going to be used for. Another critical factor in determining the longevity of a wetsuit<\/a> is whether it\u2019s being taken care of correctly.<\/p>\n Read on to learn more about the factors that affect how long your wetsuit will last. We\u2019ve also included some useful guidelines for how you should care for your suit and what you should avoid doing.<\/p>\n When investing in a wetsuit, expect it to last anywhere from five to ten years.<\/p>\n We understand that this is quite a wide range. Where exactly the degree of your wetsuit\u2019s longevity lies in that range depends on many factors.<\/p>\n The questions you should keep in mind when trying to prolong the lifespan of your wetsuit<\/a> are as follows:<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s see how each of these factors affects your wetsuit\u2019s longevity:<\/p>\n The quality of your wetsuit is the most important indicator of how long it\u2019ll last.<\/p>\n High-end wetsuits are usually quite pricey. This high cost is why many forgo these more expensive options in favor of more affordable ones.<\/p>\n Even though you may save a significant chunk of money when you decide to go for a cheap wetsuit, this decision will come back to haunt you in the long run.<\/p>\n Cheaper wetsuits are unlikely to last very long. In turn, you\u2019ll be forced to buy another one as a replacement. Therefore, it\u2019s better to pay more initially and have a wetsuit that\u2019ll be there for you for years to come.<\/p>\n Here are the key components to inspect when gauging the quality of a wetsuit before buying<\/a> it:<\/p>\n There are a variety of sports that people use wetsuits for. Not all of these sports expose a wetsuit to the same level of wear and tear.<\/p>\n If your primary activity is surfing, having a high-quality wetsuit is paramount. This requirement is because surfing involves plenty of exposure to saltwater and abrasion against the sand.<\/p>\n Both these elements take a significant toll on the neoprene<\/a> in your wetsuit over time. If you\u2019re using a cheap wetsuit, its low-quality neoprene won\u2019t withstand this and will tear quite quickly.<\/p>\n The same is true for divers, too. In fact, there are specific wetsuits that are designed for diving because it\u2019s an activity that exposes you to lower temperatures.<\/p>\n Companies manufacture diving wetsuits with thicker neoprene. This choice of material insulates you from the cold water and helps you withstand constant exposure to saltwater and sand.<\/p>\n On the other hand, sports that don\u2019t put you in direct contact with the water won\u2019t have as much of an effect on your wetsuit\u2019s<\/a> lifespan.<\/p>\n Kayaking is a prime example of such a sport.<\/p>\n Knowing how to take proper care of your wetsuit<\/a> is essential if you want it to last longer.<\/p>\n Here are the practices we recommend to achieve greater wetsuit longevity:<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re done swimming or surfing in the salty ocean water, you should give your wetsuit a good rinse.<\/p>\n This step is necessary because leaving any saltwater residue on your wetsuit breaks down<\/a> the neoprene and deteriorates the adhesive that\u2019s keeping your wetsuit intact. Avoid this by rinsing your clothes with fresh water immediately after your swim.<\/p>\n You should note that it\u2019s better to use cold water when rinsing as well. The reason for this is that excessively hot water isn\u2019t the best for your wetsuit\u2019s structural integrity.<\/p>\n Right off the bat, let\u2019s make it clear that it isn\u2019t necessary to wash your wetsuit every single time you use it. This is especially true if you already rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s a good idea to wash your suit from time to time to keep it smelling fresh and looking clean.<\/p>\n Always hand wash your wetsuit as well. Putting it in the washing machine is a surefire way of completely ruining it.<\/p>\n That said, here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n Simply fill your bathtub with cold water and mix in some shampoo. Soak the wetsuit in there for a while without scrubbing it, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n Make sure not to use a shampoo that\u2019s too strong because it may damage the neoprene in your suit.<\/p>\n Related articles: After a good rinse or wash, it\u2019s essential to dry your wetsuit the right way.<\/p>\n Never dry your wetsuit using heat. That\u2019s because doing so damages the suit\u2019s core materials. This means that throwing your wetsuit in the dryer or leaving it out in the sun is simply not an option.<\/p>\n As such, find a shaded spot with a pleasant breeze to hang your wetsuit to dry The best way to hang your wetsuit is flat by the waist on a large hanger. Avoid putting it up by the arms as this will cause the wet materials to overstretch.<\/p>\n The way you store your wetsuit is also a critical factor in determining how long it\u2019ll last.<\/p>\n The ideal spot for wetsuit storage is one that\u2019s dark, cool, and dry. Be mindful of how you hang your wetsuit as well. That’s because hanging it from the same spot every time can lead to permanent creasing in that area of the suit.<\/p>\n Therefore, you should change the wetsuit’s position in your closet every time.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s face it. Wetsuits are pretty annoying to put on due to their super-tight fit. In turn, we don\u2019t blame you for trying to find solutions to make slipping into your wetsuit an easier task.<\/p>\n However, there are certain things that you should never do.<\/p>\n They include:<\/p>\n Remember:<\/p>\n Never use soap, conditioner, or shampoo as a lubricant when putting on your wetsuit. Sure, these substances make it much easier to slip your arms and legs in; however, these cleaning products severely weaken your wetsuit\u2019s neoprene.<\/p>\n This makes the suit more susceptible to damage in the long run, though.<\/p>\n Further, using these substances as lubricants has its downsides on the environmental front. The soap residue left on your suit will ultimately seep into the ocean water, which doesn\u2019t bode well<\/a> for the fish living in it.<\/p>\n Oil-based lubricants are another substance that you should steer clear of when it comes to your wetsuit.<\/p>\n They make putting on your wetsuit a breeze, but they also reduce the flexibility of the neoprene in your suit. Ultimately, a less stretchy wetsuit is a less durable one.<\/p>\n You didn\u2019t think we\u2019d leave you hanging, did you?<\/p>\n Here are some useful tips on how to easily put on your wetsuit without the risk of causing damage to it:<\/p>\n Turning your wetsuit inside out is a useful trick that makes it way easier to slip into.<\/p>\n With your suit inside-out, slide your feet through the opening one after the other and proceed to pull the sleeve up. Once you\u2019ve done this, repeat for your arms and midsection.<\/p>\nWhat Is the Typical Lifespan of a Wetsuit?<\/h2>\n
Factors that affect a wetsuit\u2019s lifespan<\/h3>\n
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Quality<\/h4>\n
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Type of Sport<\/h4>\n
How to Properly Care for Your Wetsuit<\/h2>\n
Rinsing after use<\/h3>\n
Wash or don\u2019t wash?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Can I Wash My Wetsuit in the Washing Machine?<\/a>
\nCan You Put a Wetsuit in the Dryer?<\/a>
\nHow to Clean a Wetsuit with Vinegar (A Step-by-Step Guide)<\/a><\/p>\nDrying your wetsuit<\/h3>\n
Storing your wetsuit<\/h3>\n
Things to Avoid to Prolong Your Wetsuit\u2019s Lifespan<\/h2>\n
Using soap or conditioner as a lubricant<\/h3>\n
Using oil-based lubricants<\/h3>\n
Safe Methods to Make it Easier to Put on Wetsuits<\/h2>\n
1. Turning the wetsuit inside out<\/h3>\n
2. Wearing a dive skin<\/h3>\n