Wetsuit Stitching: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Matt Hapgood

Wetsuits are a crucial piece of equipment for any water sports enthusiast. They provide insulation and protection from cold water, wind, and UV rays. The stitching of a wetsuit is an essential factor that determines its durability, flexibility, and warmth. There are different types of wetsuit stitching, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Flatlock stitching is the most common type of wetsuit stitching. It is a simple, flat stitch that is visible on both sides of the wetsuit. Flatlock stitching is ideal for warm water and summer conditions as it allows water to seep through the seams. However, it is not suitable for cold water as it does not provide adequate insulation.

Blind stitch or GBS (glued and blind stitched) is a type of stitching that is commonly used in cold water wetsuits. It involves stitching the neoprene panels together and then gluing them to prevent water from seeping through the seams. Blind stitch wetsuits are more expensive than flatlock wetsuits, but they provide better insulation and are more durable. In the next section, we will explore the different types of wetsuit stitching in more detail.

Overview of Wetsuit Stitching

Wetsuits are essential gear for surfers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts. They keep the body warm and protected from the cold water, wind, and UV rays. The stitching used in wetsuit construction plays a crucial role in its performance, durability, and comfort. In this section, we will provide an overview of wetsuit stitching and its importance in wetsuit design.

Importance of Stitching in Wetsuit Design

Stitching is the process of joining two or more pieces of neoprene or other materials together using thread. The quality and type of stitching used in wetsuit construction can affect its flexibility, water resistance, and durability. The stitching must be strong enough to withstand the stress and strain of water sports activities, yet flexible enough to allow the wetsuit to move with the body.

The most common types of stitching used in wetsuits are flatlock, blindstitch, and glued and blindstitched (GBS). Flatlock stitching is the most basic type of stitching, where the edges of the neoprene are overlapped and sewn together with a flat stitch. This type of stitching is suitable for wetsuits used in warm water or for activities that don’t require a high level of water resistance.

Blindstitching, also known as double-needle stitching, is a more advanced type of stitching that creates a watertight seal. The neoprene edges are folded over and sewn together with a curved needle, which pierces through the neoprene without going all the way through. This type of stitching is ideal for wetsuits used in cold water or for activities that require a high level of water resistance.

GBS is a combination of glued and blindstitched seams that provides the best of both worlds. The neoprene edges are glued together and then sewn with a blindstitch, creating a strong and watertight seal. This type of stitching is commonly used in high-end wetsuits and is suitable for cold water or extreme water sports activities.

Common Stitching Terms

Here are some common stitching terms used in wetsuit construction:

• Seam: The line where two or more pieces of neoprene are joined together.
• Stitch: The thread that holds the neoprene pieces together.
• Seam tape: A strip of tape that is applied over the seam to reinforce it and prevent water from seeping through.
• Flatlock stitch: A basic type of stitching where the neoprene edges are overlapped and sewn together with a flat stitch.
• Blindstitch: A type of stitching that creates a watertight seal by folding the neoprene edges over and sewing them together with a curved needle.
• Glue: A type of adhesive used to bond the neoprene pieces together before stitching.
• GBS: Glued and blindstitched seams that provide a strong and watertight seal.

Types of Wetsuit Stitching

Wetsuits are essential for water sports enthusiasts who want to stay warm and comfortable while in the water. The stitching of a wetsuit plays a critical role in its overall performance and durability. There are three primary types of wetsuit stitching: Flatlock Stitch, Blind Stitch, and Overlock Stitch.

Flatlock Stitch

The Flatlock Stitch is the most common type of wetsuit stitching. This stitching technique is visible on the outside of the wetsuit. It is created by overlapping two pieces of neoprene and stitching them together with a flat seam. The flat seam allows water to penetrate the wetsuit, making it less suitable for colder water temperatures. Flatlock stitching is typically used on wetsuits designed for warmer water sports such as surfing or wakeboarding.

Blind Stitch

The Blind Stitch is a popular type of wetsuit stitching for colder water sports such as diving or triathlon. This stitching technique is created by folding the neoprene and stitching it together from the inside, leaving only a small needle hole on the outside. The Blind Stitch is highly effective at preventing water from entering the wetsuit. However, it can be less flexible than other stitching techniques, making it less suitable for sports that require a wide range of motion.

Overlock Stitch

The Overlock Stitch is a type of wetsuit stitching that is commonly used on the edges of a wetsuit. This stitching technique is created by overlapping the neoprene and stitching it together with an overlock seam. The Overlock Stitch is highly effective at preventing fraying and improving the overall durability of the wetsuit. However, it is not typically used for the main seams of a wetsuit, as it is less effective at preventing water from entering the wetsuit.

In conclusion, the type of wetsuit stitching used can greatly impact the performance and durability of a wetsuit. Each type of stitching has its advantages and disadvantages, making it important to choose the right stitching technique based on the specific needs of the water sport and water temperature.

Stitching Techniques and Water Resistance

Wetsuits are designed to keep the wearer warm and dry while in the water. One of the most important factors in achieving this goal is the stitching technique used in the construction of the wetsuit. There are several stitching techniques used in wetsuits, each with its own level of water resistance.

Sealed Seams

Sealed seams are the most common type of stitching used in wetsuits. This technique involves stitching the two pieces of neoprene together and then sealing the seam with a liquid sealant. This creates a watertight seal that prevents water from entering the wetsuit.

Taped Seams

Taped seams are another popular stitching technique used in wetsuits. This technique involves stitching the two pieces of neoprene together and then applying a tape over the seam. The tape is then heat-sealed to create a watertight seal that prevents water from entering the wetsuit.

Liquid Sealing

Liquid sealing is a newer stitching technique used in wetsuits. This technique involves applying a liquid sealant to the seam after the two pieces of neoprene have been stitched together. The sealant is then heat-sealed to create a watertight seal that prevents water from entering the wetsuit.

Overall, the stitching technique used in a wetsuit is an important factor in determining its level of water resistance. Sealed seams, taped seams, and liquid sealing are all effective techniques for creating a watertight seal in a wetsuit.

Choosing the Right Stitching for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the right stitching for your wetsuit, there are a few factors to consider. The stitching type can affect the durability, flexibility, and overall performance of the wetsuit.

Here are some common stitching types and their characteristics:

• Flatlock Stitching: This type of stitching is commonly used in wetsuits for warmer water temperatures. It is a simple, flat stitch that is not as strong as other stitching types but allows for more flexibility.
• Blind Stitching: This type of stitching is commonly used in wetsuits for colder water temperatures. It is a stronger stitch that is more durable than flatlock stitching but can be less flexible.
• Overlock Stitching: This type of stitching is a combination of flatlock and blind stitching. It provides a strong and durable seam while still allowing for flexibility.
• Liquid Seam: This type of stitching is a liquid sealant that is applied to the seams of the wetsuit. It provides a waterproof seal and is commonly used in wetsuits for extremely cold water temperatures.

When choosing the right stitching for your needs, consider the water temperature, the intended use of the wetsuit, and your personal preferences for flexibility and durability. It is important to choose a stitching type that will provide the necessary performance and comfort for your specific needs.