Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that was first developed in the 1930s by DuPont. It is made by polymerizing chloroprene, a compound that is derived from petroleum. Neoprene has become a popular material for wetsuits and other water sports apparel because it is flexible, durable, and resistant to water, heat, and chemicals.
Does neoprene stretch?
Yes, neoprene does stretch. The degree to which it stretches, however, depends on the quality of the neoprene and its thickness. Higher quality neoprene tends to stretch more than lower quality neoprene, and thicker neoprene tends to stretch less than thinner neoprene.
Neoprene is made up of thousands of tiny bubbles that are filled with gas. When the neoprene is stretched, these bubbles compress, which allows the material to stretch. When the tension is released, the bubbles expand again, causing the neoprene to return to its original shape.
What is a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is a type of protective garment that is worn by water sports enthusiasts to help keep the body warm and provide buoyancy. Wetsuits are typically made from neoprene, which is covered with a layer of nylon or other synthetic material.
Wetsuits are available in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 1 mm to 7 mm or more. The thickness of the wetsuit is usually indicated by a number, such as 3/2 or 5/4/3. The first number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area, while the second number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the arms and legs.