SUMMER SUITS AND SHORTY 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 can also be 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. Winter wetsuits are steamers with a 5mm body and legs for warmth and 3mm arms for maneuverability. 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.  Some people use their 5mm suit all year, only using something thinner in "heat wave" years                                           

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 a.s.a.p 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 or single lined or smoothskin is the term for neoprene without the usual external nylon lining. Mesh has a fine "mesh" pattern embossed into it for strength, smoothskin is as it sounds. It is warmer in strong winds.
Mesh is often only used in carefully chosen areas of the suit as it is easy to damage with 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 & Taped Seams
Also known as S or Super Seal. A type of rubber applied to the inside or outside seams in liquid form to achieve a 100% watertight seal and add to the overall strength of the seam. Liquid Taping can 'snap' as the suit is stretched whilst dressing so narrow neoprene tape is being used by some manufactures instead If you're paying £150 or more for a suit that doesn't have any taped seams, you're being ripped off!   
Firewall or Thermal lining
 Firewall  is a light, warm and very comfortable thermal lining, knitted with Tetron Polyester Hollow yarn which contains large volumes of inert air. This air is key to it's high insulating property. Firewall has a low water absorption, wicks moisture away from the body and is quick drying plus it has excellent 4-way stretch. Bamboo is the latest eco friendly thermal lining material.

                        
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.

Sola Nytro 3mm Shorty

A high quality shorty wetsuit at a great price. Colours Black
Price  £30   

  View Size Chart    

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Alder Impact 3mm Shorty

A high quality shorty wetsuit with  stretchy sleeves at a great price.
Price  ONLY £50     
View Size Chart    Product Ref IMP02

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A full length summer suit with stretch sleeve and shoulders. A well built comfortable suit at a great price. Colours Black with Blue or Red
Price     £70 
View Size Chart    Product Ref IMP01

For more Men's Wetsuits go to the Online Shop

MEN'S 5mm & 6mm  SUITS

Alder Stealth

5/4/3mm double lined. 100% sealed seam .  Super stretch neoprene on arms & shoulders.  Unbeatable value for money All Sizes 
Price   £120       
View Size Chart   Product Ref. MSTHS5/3

5/4/3mm front zip steamer.  Super stretch everywhere 100% liquid taped seams. Thermal lining.
Price £240     
View Size Chart   Product Ref. EVO5/3