HOW A WETSUIT WORKS
A snug fitting wetsuit keeps a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. Your natural body heat, insulated by the material (neoprene) of the suit, warms this thin layer of water. The closer the fit of the suit to your own body shape the warmer the suit will be.

SUMMER SUITS AND SHORTIE SUITS
Many people think a Shortie with short arms and legs is a summer suit and a suit with long arms and legs isn't ! However it all depends on water temperature. In the UK, as a guide, a Shorty suit is for short periods in the water on warmer summer days. they are ideally suited to taking off and putting back on several times a day, perfect for younger children. Shorties are nearly always 3/2mm and if any thinner virtually useless in the UK.

Summer suits in the UK are 3/2mm usually long legged and sleeves but sometimes have short or detachable sleeves. If you go for the short sleeve option then you will be colder on cooler less sunny days even with the detachable sleeves on whist in the water. Summer suits have either Flatlocked or sealed seams. Sealed seam suits are usually glued & blind stitched ( sometimes called cup stitching). The more expensive better quality suits are also liquid taped for added strength and longevity. Flatlocked seams are very strong but will let water through. 

WINTER WETSUITS & STEAMERS
A Steamer is a suit with sealed seams, usually achieved by cup or blind stitching. This stops the majority of cold water from entering the suit once your body has initially heated it up. Ladies Winter wetsuits are steamers with a 5mm body and legs for warmth and 3mm arms for manoeuvrability. These are usually described as 5mm or 5/3mm or 5/4/3mm.
Winter suits should really be described as Three or Four Season Suits, as they are essential in the UK and northern Europe from September through Winter to May.

WHAT IS TITANIUM
Titanium is a metal similar to Aluminium and Magnesium. It works by reflecting body heat in the same way as tin foil and survival blankets. A nice fitting, well made suit is more important than having it made out of titanium. Most of the major manufacturers including Alder are stopping the use of Titanium.

WETSUIT CARE
Your wetsuit should last for many years if some simple guidelines are followed - 

• Rinse well in fresh water after every use 
• Do not leave for lengthy periods in direct sunlight 
• Turn the right way out when dry 
• Store flat and un-creased or on wide shouldered plastic coat hanger.  
• Don't leave tightly packed, especially if sandy and wet 
• Don't put in the washing machine or tumble dryer 
• Don't iron. 
• Don't wash with detergent or bleach. 
• Use a mild solution of Miltons or a specific wetsuit shampoo or hair conditioner to remove excessive smells. But only occasionally. 
• Super stretch suits are best kept flat and folded behind the knees and then in half. Only use a hanger for short periods of time and use as wide a hanger as possible.

Mesh or Single lined
Mesh is the term for neoprene without the usual external nylon coating. It is very flexible and thus more comfortable than double lined neoprene and also warmer in strong winds.
Mesh should only be used in carefully chosen areas of the suit as it is more prone to damage from sharp objects. 

Super Stretch
Also known as "X" Stretch Neoprene. Developed for excellent stretch and memory. Hard wearing stretch nylon on the outside with softer super stretch nylon on the inside provides excellent comfort and fit. 

Liquid Taping
Also known as S or Super Seal. A type of rubber applied to the inside seams in liquid form to achieve a 100% watertight seal and add to the overall strength of the seam. Liquid Taping is 'the' best thing to happen in wetsuit design in recent years and if you're paying £140 or more for a suit and it doesn't have Liquid Taping , you're being ripped off! 

Double Lined
A double lined suit is quite simply a suit that has a lining on the inside and a similar covering on the outside of the suit.

Spanflex
Spanflex adjustable collar is super stretch neoprene lined with Lycra to give a snug and comfortable rash-free fit

Flatlock
Flatlock stitching is a strongly stitched seam that leaves a flat seam on the inside of the suit as well as the outside.

Blind Stitching
Blind or cup stitching is stitching that does not go through the suit to the other side and so does not let water through. This is what makes a steamer warmer than a summer suit as well as the thicker neoprene. It also makes it more expensive as the seams are glued by hand before the stitching. If the suit is then liquid taped you get extra strength and water tightness on the seams, well worth the extra cash.

Batwing zip flap
This stops any water from entering the suit through the zip and means the water has to come up and over the collar to enter the suit. So it keeps you much warmer in the winter months.

WOMEN'S SUMMER SUITS

Alder Impact 3mm Shorty

Sola Evo 3/2mm

Evo 3mm Shorty

Sola Evo Steamer

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Alder Stealth Steamer

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