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How long do wetsuits last?
Neoprene tends to lose some of it’s flexibility as it ages, so athletes who use a wetsuit just a few times a year will probably find that their wetsuit never wears out, but after 5 to 10 years, it won’t feel as good as it did when it was new. If you are lucky enough to swim in a wetsuit a lot, you can expect to get between 250 and 300 swims in a wetsuit before the neoprene slowly starts to degrade. Consistent exposure to Chlorine, Salt Water, and Sunlight will all shorten the life of neoprene.
How to care for your wetsuit.
Although wetsuits are mostly maintenance free, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your wetsuit. If using the wetsuit in salt water, rinse the wetsuit with fresh water and drip dry on a wide hanger (plastic or wood). Do not leave your wetsuit drying in the sun as the sun will age the material. Do not leave your wetsuit in the car on hot days as this may cause your seams to weaken. Excessive use in chlorine (afterward...rinse with fresh water) may also age the neoprene.
Neoprene will naturally stiffen and even shrink as it gets older.The best thing to do for your wetsuit is to try to ensure that this process happens as slowly as possible and to mitigate the aging of your suit so that it will last as long as possible while still functioning. Here are a few tips to that end:
- Keep the suit out of direct sunlight (except when being worn, of course)
- NEVER put a wetsuit in a dryer and avoid exposing it to excessive heat
- Rinse your suit out well after each use
- Keep your suit clean
- Avoid purchasing a suit that is too small
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