Do Neoprene Wetsuits Stretch After Prolonged Use?

In short – yes they do. Constant stretching permanently expands the material, not by a lot, but since wetsuit should be snug it is noticeable.  This is the most visible in places where there is lots of stretching – for example shoulders on a wetsuit without a back zip. Besides the stress put on the neoprene the material also ages, especially if it is exposed to the sun. Older neoprene becomes stiffer, less flexible.

stretching-the-wetsuit

Stretching the neoprene.

 

So what does that mean? Should you get a bit smaller suit and then stretch it out? No:)!

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