The common misconception perpetuated by the surfing industry is that a wetsuit needs a fleece lining to keep you warm. In fact, we've even seen fleece, originally intended for winter wetsuits, being used in 3/2mm mid-season wetsuits.
However, at SEN NO SEN we do not use fleece (or sometimes called "Plush", "Fleece", thermal lining...) and yet our suits have a solid reputation in terms of warmth.
At first glance, it's a question that comes up often: why not put fleece in winter suits?
- We invest in the best neoprene.
Wetsuits are made of a layer of neoprene lined with fabric on both sides (also called closed-cell neoprene). The thickness of a wetsuit is the combined thickness of both materials. Using a fleece lining in a wetsuit means there is less neoprene.
Our neoprene is cut to the exact thickness, which means that a 3mm SEN NO SEN has 3mm of neoprene.
2. We hate plastic.
Fleece linings are derived from polypropylene, yes, plastic, which is cheaper to produce than neoprene. Therefore, replacing some of the neoprene with fleece reduces costs, decreases warmth, and increases the environmental impact of a wetsuit.
3. Fleece is a bad idea.
As we have just seen, the fleece therefore replaces part of the neoprene, which ultimately reduces the warmth (provided that good neoprene is used, of course).
It absorbs more water, makes the suit heavier when wet and takes longer to dry.
But why do so many brands use it? Quite simply because it reassures the customer. After years of intensive marketing by brands, almost all surfers now think that fleece is a good idea in a wetsuit.
At SEN NO SEN, we've had a brand new lining for a few months now that's ultra-stretchy, soft to the touch, and 99% waterproof, making our wetsuits incredibly lightweight, flexible, warm, and comfortable. This lining is made of the thinnest nylon fabric possible. The warmth comes from the layer of neoprene sandwiched within this lining.
The best feedback has come from our customers who have sent us very positive reviews on this winter's combinations, which reinforces our idea of not following the industry standard but offering the best possible combinations .
If you pay attention, we are not the only brand that does not put fleece in the suits.
7TILL8 , recently voted best wetsuit in the STAB magazine wetsuit test.
MATUSE , the Californian brand, or MOON, the Joel Tudor brand made in Japan. The Japanese brands AXXE , BIARMS...
Form your own opinion ; with us, you can return your suit if you are not satisfied.
If you have any questions about our suits, materials, manufacturing process or anything else, please feel free to write to us.
