As you know, product durability is central to our mission at SenNoSen. However, when it comes to wetsuits , we're facing a formidable opponent... to say the least.
In fact, few things can withstand it, but when we're talking about neoprene, the sun is a real accelerator of the end of a wetsuit's life.
We always say this when selling a wetsuit in our shop: "Never, ever let your wetsuit dry in the sun." Even less so inside out, as this exposes the most fragile part.
It is important to know that the neoprene pieces are assembled, sewn, glued and taped to make the suit watertight.
The inner braid is placed at the junction of the two pieces of Neoprene, then glue is applied by hand with a brush which will fix the braid and a small strip of fabric (often red at SenNoSen) is glued on top to avoid irritation from skin friction.
This method provides both perfect insulation and maintains the neoprene's flexibility during twisting and tensioning in use. Stored away from sunlight, the lining of your wetsuit will last for several years.
But when exposed to sunlight , the glue will harden and cause the assembly to crack, as shown in the photos below:
Below is the inside of a 3.2mm tape that has been in use since 2020 (over 3 years at the time of writing). As you can see, the red tape is like new and has retained its flexibility and elasticity.
I'll spare you the details about the neoprene which will also lose elasticity if exposed to the sun for too long, you understand, the sun is a real wetsuit killer.
A golden rule, therefore: never leave your wetsuit to dry in the sun!
