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.

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 re-entering the suit once your body has initially heated it up. 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 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 
• Store flat and un-creased or on wide shouldered 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 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.

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