The Inside Scoop on Wetsuit Linings

When hunting for the best wetsuit possible, internal wetsuit linings are a crucial component of your decision. So far, our wetsuit guide has covered seam construction, entry systems, and and sizing, but we think linings are important enough to deserve their own article.

The difference between a high and low-end suit is often a fancy looking wetsuit lining. While they look pretty sweet, they offer far more than aesthetic value. Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit’s neoprene panels, allowing your body heat to warm the layer of water thereby keeping you nice and toasty. Some high-end suits offer fleece-like lining throughout the entirety of the suit, while other mid-range entry-level suits only offer lined panels in specific areas like the chest and back for added comfort and warmth.

Most internal linings offer added insulation, warmth, and comfort. That said, thick linings can also limit flexibility and add weight to your suit. When looking for a new wetsuit, it’s important to consider whether you’re looking for an ultra-flexible high performance suit, or one that provides uncompromising warmth in colder waters. Many competition wetsuits do not contain thicker linings as they’re designed to be light, flexible, and responsive.

Let’s take a look at a few different types of wetsuit linings below:

Rip Curl E6 Flash Lining

Rip Curl’s quick dry lining is as flexible as their traditional double lined neoprene, providing unrestricted stretch, and warmth without sacrificing mobility. Suits like the Ripcurl Flashbomb offer their patented flash lining throughout the entire wetsuit. The flash lining is made of synthetic fuzzy material that not only makes the suit feel like a cozy sweater but also boasts an insanely quick dry-time. If you’re someone who surfs multiple sessions a day and aren’t a huge fan of wiggling into a wet wetsuit, the Flashbomb is a great option for you.

Ripcurl also offers an even warmer suit, thought to be their warmest Flashbomb to date, called the Heatseeker. The Heatseeker uses cutting edge neoprene technology called Flex Energy that is heat generative when stretched. The heatseeker utilizes and traps the body heat you conduct while moving, stretching, and paddling to provide you with added warmth. This suit is also decked out with liquid mesh back paneling and a thermo shield to help protect against wind chill, add durability, and allow for solar heat absorption. If you’re a committed cold water surfer interested in a quick drying suit, this is the one for you.

O’Neill Technobutter 3

O’Neill Technobutter 3 wetsuits are thought to be some of the stretchiest wetsuits on the market. Unlike other types of wetsuit materials these suits do not use neoprene panels or fabric internal linings but instead use a three-layered neoprene throughout the entirety of the wetsuits. Technobutter is not your average type of neoprene. The first layer is the TB3X Interior Jersey which is a pre-stretched neoprene that retains its form and hugs the body while offering maximum flexibility. The second layer is an Envy Foam Rubber Core that offers extreme lightness, warmth, and uses microscopic air-cell rubber to increase insulation and decrease mass. The third layer is the TB3 Exterior Jersey which is constructed with hydrophobic yarns designed to shed water and provide extreme stretch offering durability and allowing for speedy dry times.

Patagonia Yulex

At the forefront of sustainable wetsuit development and production, Patagonia suits are neoprene-free, and instead feature patented Yulex® natural rubber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®, spandex inverted microgrid thermal lining, and chlorine-free synthetic rubber. Earlier models of these suits were initially met with complaints of decreased flexibility and freedom of movement, but have since been tweaked to offer maximum mobility and minimal environmental impact. Patagonia uses their own wetsuit sizing and wetsuit thickness system so its best to try one on in-person if you’ve never owned one before. Their wetsuits are also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn and come with a lifetime warranty. If you’re an eco-warrior interested in sustainable wetsuit technology and have a large budget, this is the suit for you.

Billabong Graphene

So, you can either watch an incredibly goofy video of Griffin Colapinto waxing poetic about Billabong’s Graphene wetsuits, or read the more coherent synopsis here. Essentially, Billabong took graphene, a Nobel Prize-winning material used in all sorts of industries, and infused it with the nylon yarns of their wetsuit liner. As per the results of an independent lab study, graphene has proven to heat up faster and retain heat for longer than traditional thermal linings, even after you’ve stopped moving. Suits like the Billabong Furnace Ultra feature their patented Furnace Graphene that they claim is 50% lighter than traditional fabric liners and 200x stronger than steel. The suit also features eco-conscious foam made from upcycled car tires that offers light-weight wind chill protection. For a suit that offers maximum warmth, stretch, and a lessened environmental impact, check out Billabong’s Graphene line.

Quicksilver Cypher

Generally, it’s not in your best interest to wear layers under your wetsuit as additional fabric will prevent your body from warming the thin layer of water between you and the suit. However, Quicksilver’s Cypher Hooded Heat Vest is the exception to that rule. The Cypher Heat Vest is a battery-powered 7.5 ounce polypropylene vest featuring and 2mm heating pads that uses infrared energy and vibration pulses to keep you warm. This vest is designed to be worn under your wetsuit and worn in colder waters. If you’re someone who surfs in frigid water temperatures or stays in the water for many hours on end, this is a solid option to consider.

Now that you know the ins and outs of wetsuits, you’re one step closer to discovering the suit of your dreams! Not ready to grab a wetsuit just yet? Check out our article on wetsuit seams and stitches or head on over to our wetsuit guide!