5 Signs Your Wetsuit is About to Break Down | What to Do Before Buying a New One

A wetsuit doesn't just suddenly go bad one day.
Before that happens, there are always small warning signs.
From the perspective of a factory that handles over 1,000 garments a year, we have compiled five points that indicate when a garment is "nearly dangerous" or "should be repaired soon."

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1. Ribbing on the neck, wrists, and ankles is rippling/torn

The ribbed areas around the neck, wrists, and ankles are the most stressed when putting on and taking off the garment.
If this area becomes wavy and wrinkled, or if small cracks start to appear, it's a sign that you should be careful.

• Water gets in easily and the insulation performance drops dramatically.
• If left unattended, the cracks will continue to widen.

At this stage, you can still extend the life of the item by replacing the fabric or repairing it with tape.
The most cost-effective way is to consult us when you feel a bit concerned.

2. Thinning areas on the knees and buttocks

When taking off or paddling, your knees and buttocks are constantly rubbing against the board.
You won't notice it when it's new, but over time the jersey on the surface will become fuzzy and the sponge underneath will become thinner .

Check if you are experiencing the following:

• The surface is shiny
• When pressed, it feels thinner and flimsy than other areas.
• A small hole is already starting to form

If you replace the knee pads and fabric at this point,
This will prevent the worst case scenario of "I suddenly realize it's full of holes and have to buy a new one."

3. The zipper is slow to move/stops midway

Once a zipper breaks, it takes time and money to repair it.
If you notice something strange recently, such as the door getting stuck when closing or stopping mid-close , it's best to take action early to be safe.

• Cases where sand or salt is just stuck
• Cases where metal fatigue has begun in the slider

If the damage is minor, cleaning and maintenance may be sufficient.
If you continue to use it as is, it may stop opening/closing completely .
Before that happens, it's a good idea to have a professional do something like replacing the slider.

4. I'm starting to feel a cool, chilly sensation when wearing it.

Even though the water temperature and rubber thickness are the same,
If you feel like your air conditioner has been really cold lately, it is likely that there is some invisible deterioration or pinhole somewhere.

for example:

• The stitching thread has broken, leaving a small gap
• The sealing tape is starting to lift
• Fine cracks are beginning to appear on the surface of the rubber fabric.

Water slowly seeps in through these tiny gaps.
By checking the entire car and repairing only the necessary areas, you can get your wetsuit back in shape so that it can still withstand the winter.

5. I feel stressed every time I wear it (it's too tight/loose/it's difficult to move in)

If your body shape changes or the wetsuit stretches unevenly,
You may experience discomfort such as "it's difficult to move," "my shoulders feel pulled," or "water tends to accumulate."

If you continue to use it while enduring this condition,

• It is difficult to paddle and can easily cause shoulder and back pain.
• This puts excessive strain on the fabric, causing tearing of the seams and fabric.

By adjusting the size of each panel by "pushing out" or "packing in,"
You can save money compared to buying new clothes and get back a fit that suits your current body type.

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If you notice any early signs, it is recommended to consult a doctor before the condition worsens.

It is much more cost-effective to repair your wetsuit before it breaks than to have to repair it after it breaks .
If it's just a small crack in the rib or a scraped knee, this can be fixed much more quickly and cheaply than buying a new pair.

"Is this still good?" "Should I buy a new one?"
Such a general question is fine, so please send us photos of any warning signs that concern you.

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For those who want to consult directly with a wetsuit craftsman

For those who are reading this article and thinking, "Maybe my wetness is starting to get bad..."
Our craftsmen will look at the photos and honestly tell you whether it is better to repair or replace the item .

• Approximate repair costs and delivery time
• What are the warning signs (where to fix it now)?
• Risks of continuing to use

First, please take a full photo of the wetsuit you are currently using plus a close-up of the area you are concerned about and send it to us.

▶ See the wetsuit repair page for details
▶ Send photos via LINE for consultation
▶ Apply through the repair request form