When it comes time to select swimwear, you need to pay close attention to the material the swimwear is made from. One material you'll see from time to time is neoprene. You'll especially see swim vests, tights, and jackets made from this material. If you're a smart shopper, you'll ask yourself — what is neoprene, and is it a good choice for swimwear? The short answer is "yes, it can be." Here's a closer look at neoprene, its benefits, and when to choose neoprene swimwear.
What is neoprene?
Neoprene is a man-made polymer. A polymer is basically a material with a complex chemical structure that repeats over and over again. While you don't need to fully understand the chemical composition of neoprene, you should understand its implications. Polymers, like neoprene, tend to be strong for their weight, easy to color, and poor at conducting electricity. That sounds like a good swimsuit material, right?
Neoprene was actually the first synthetic rubber ever made, way back in the 1930s. Over the years, it has been used to make everything from weather stripping to mouse pads. More recently, clothing manufacturers have begun blending neoprene with other fabrics, like spandex, to give it more flexibility. Since the resulting material, known as neoprene fabric, is also easy to color, it's a great choice for bright, colorful swimwear.
When should you choose neoprene swimwear?
A swimsuit made with neoprene is tougher than you'd need for the average swim or water aerobics session. Chlorine-resistant ChloroGuard material works perfectly well for these purposes. Of course you can wear neoprene in the pool — some people prefer it because it is thicker and offers more support and warmth.
When you do really want neoprene is if you're heading out in cold or rough conditions, particularly to participate in watersports like kayaking, jet skiing, or SUP. Neoprene swimwear also works well for surfing and bodyboarding in cooler conditions, or for swimming in the ocean.
What are the benefits of neoprene swimwear?
Neoprene is well insulated.
Swimming, paddling, or even jet skiing are not a lot of fun when you're shivering! Our neoprene swimwear is laminated with bamboo carbon fiber, which makes it even warmer and more insulating. The neoprene will provide a barrier between the water and your body, so you don't feel nearly as cold, and the carbon fiber helps further prevent you from losing body heat.
Neoprene is flexible.
Whether you're swimming or paddling, you need to be able to bend in order to use your body properly. Some swimwear materials restrict your movement, but not neoprene fabric. It bends with you, and it feels like a second skin. Our neoprene jackets, vests, tights, and other apparel also comes in a range of sizes. When your swimwear fits just right, it's a lot easier to move in.
Neoprene dries quickly and resists bacterial growth.
Neoprene fabric sheds water well, so even after you take your swimwear off, it won't be that wet and will dry quickly. You can simply hang it up over your shower curtain rail and let it dry on its own. Neoprene does not hold onto bacteria or perpetuate bacterial growth, either, which means your swimwear will stay sanitary and not smelly.
Neoprene swimwear is a really versatile choice, especially for swimmers who like to adventure outdoors. From fitted jackets to gloves, H20 Wear offers a selection of high-quality neoprene swimwear in multiple sizes — and it's all made in the USA.
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