GUIDE:
Wetsuit Seams
Wetsuit Seams
Here at Wake2o, we are passionate about providing water sport enthusiasts with the highest performing, top quality wetsuits to keep you in the water for longer. In this blog we cover everything there is to know about wetsuit seams. So, prepare to dive deep into the world of wetsuit technology, ensuring that your next surf session is nothing short of seamless perfection. So grab your board, wax up, and let's embark on this journey together as we uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface of your wetsuit.
Flatlock sEAMS
Flatlock seams are much more cost effective and you will see them used on the lower budget summer wetsuits. Unlike glued seams, flatlock seams aren't waterproof as the sewing machine penetrates all the way through the neoprene layers. This means that they allow water in and don't provide protection against cold water coming into your suit. For this reason, you won't find this style of stitching in winter suits.
Glued and Blind Stitched
The construction of a glued and blind stitched seam (GBS) starts off with gluing the neoprene panels that will be on the inside of the wetsuit together. Next, the seams are blind stitched together. The blind stitching is where the stitching doesn't fully penetrate the neoprene, but only goes part way through.
GBS seams are often used on winter wetsuits as thanks to the blind stitching, the risk of water leaking in is minimal.
Blind stitching is a sewing technique that can be done with either a single thread or a double thread. Single thread blind stitching uses less thread and punctures the neoprene less, but the seam may be less secure and more prone to running if not finished correctly. Double thread blind stitching, on the other hand, punctures the neoprene more but provides a stronger, more secure seam.
Liquid Tapes Seams
Liquid taped seams are a way of reinforcing glued and blind stitched seams with a liquid rubber seal on the outside. This style of seams helps to add extra protection to preventing water entering your wetsuit. It is more durable and long lasting compared to GBS.
Taped Seams
Taped seams are where an added strip of neoprene is applied over the seams on the inside of a wetsuit. This, like liquid taped, provides extra barrier to prevent water entering you suit, it also reinforces your seams giving you extra durability. Taped seams also help to prevent rubbing which some styles of seasm can cause, proviing you with a warm and comfy wetsuit.
Critical Seam Reinforcement
We all know wetsuits go through wear and tear especially when being taken off or put on. A way in which brands ensure that their wetsuits can cope with these stresses is by adding reinforcements patches to those high stress areas. Doing this helps with the longevity of your wetsuit. Typically they add a patch of nylon on areas where a high stretch panel meets ae panel with little stretch to even out the playing field.
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