Wetsuits

Wetsuit seams are a very important part of your suit. They dictate how waterproof your wetsuit is, how restrictive it is, and the level of comfort it has. The neoprene is cut into separate panels and stitched together, and these seams are sometimes also glued.

Flatlock seams are constructed where the edge of a neoprene panel overlaps another, and the stitching goes all the way through both panels to create a durable seam.
Blind stitched seams are one of the most common for the UK’s cold conditions because they won’t let water into your wetsuit. Both the edges of the neoprene panels are glued, connected together, and glued for a third time.
This is then blind stitched together where the needle does not fully penetrate through the neoprene, preventing water from entering the suit.

3/2mm thick wetsuits are ideal for temperatures ranging from 15 ~ 20°C.
4/3mm thick wetsuits are ideal for temperatures ranging from 12 ~ 15°C.
5/4mm thick wetsuits are ideal for temperatures ranging from 8 ~ 10 °C.

‘True Thickness’ refers to the measurement of the wetsuit foam during construction before any additional layers are added. This means that GUL’s wetsuits tend to be slightly thicker than stated as thermal lining and laminate are added after taking the measurement.

Wetsuit entry systems are how you get into the wetsuit, based on the wetsuit design and the zip it has. The Chest Zip is one of the most common wetsuit entry systems and the back zip is the most traditional wetsuit design with a zip at the back of the suit which runs all the way down to the lower back.