Wetsuits are used outdoors. Since 1961, YAMAMOTO has been dedicated to creating high-quality materials with exceptional weather resistance, benefiting both people and the environment.
What are the primary performances required of a wetsuit? First, Warmth to protect your life from cold water, and second, Flexibility to ensure your comfort. The ability of the material to maintain these essential performances over time, even in harsh outdoor environments, is Weather Resistance.
Wetsuits are not single-use, disposable products. Even if a wetsuit is warm and flexible when new, it will inevitably start to deteriorate with use. The key point is that the rate of deterioration varies depending on the quality of material. Please refer to the curves below that illustrate how performance deteriorates over time.
A. High initial performance and long-lasting. YAMAMOTO always aims to
create this blue material.
B. High initial performance but deteriorates rapidly.
C. Lower initial performance but deteriorates more gradually.
Then, how can you choose A? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to know about deterioration from business advertisements or in a fitting room. Also, the rate of deterioration depends on your actual usage environment and how you handle the product. One practical way is to seek advice from experienced individuals around you. They have used various products over the years in similar environments to yours and could provide valuable insights.
All YAMAMOTO materials are designed for outdoor use with high weather-resistance, but improper handling can accelerate deterioration. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your wetsuit:
1.Wetsuits are vulnerable to damage when entry/exit. Avoid pulling or pinching the material with your fingers and handle it as gently as you can. You may put it on or take it off in the water to reduce stress on the material.
2.After use, rinse the suit gently with fresh water and let it dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Chlorine, salt, direct sunlight, and high temperatures can degrade the material.
3.When storing, avoid leaving the wetsuit hanging on thin hangers. Prolonged stretching accelerates deterioration as shown in the video, and it can cause cracking around the shoulder panels. Instead, use thick hangers, or if the shoulders are made of thinner material, gently hang/fold the wetsuit at the waist for storage. When fold, place cushioning materials at folded area to prevent unrepairable creases or dents.
By investing in a durable product and taking proper care of it, you can enjoy your ocean experiences for longer. Even if the product isn't cheap, in the long run, it is a more economical and more environmentally friendly choice compared to frequently replacing cheaper alternatives. Through the creation of long-lasting materials, YAMAMOTO is committed to creating the world where people can enjoy their own “Blue” safely and sustainably.
