How to Fold a Wetsuit Correctly

15 mins read

Last Updated on July 27, 2023

Folding a wetsuit correctly is essential to maintain its longevity and performance. To begin, lay the wetsuit flat on a clean surface, ensuring there are no wrinkles or creases. Fold the arms across the chest, then fold the bottom half up towards the top, making sure the zipper is on the outside. Next, fold the sides towards the center, creating a compact rectangle. Finally, roll the wetsuit tightly from the bottom up, removing any excess air. Storing the wetsuit in this manner will prevent damage and creasing, ensuring it is ready for your next aquatic adventure.

Properly folding a wetsuit is a crucial step in maintaining its durability and extending its lifespan. Many people underestimate the importance of correctly folding a wetsuit, but it can make a significant difference in how long the wetsuit lasts. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of folding a wetsuit correctly. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that your wetsuit remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Step 1: Rinse and dry the wetsuit thoroughly

  • Rinse the wetsuit with fresh water to remove any salt or sand
  • Hang the wetsuit up to dry in a well-ventilated area
  • Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the fabric

Step 2: Lay the wetsuit flat on a clean surface

  • Find a clean, flat surface to work on
  • Make sure there are no sharp objects that could tear the wetsuit
  • Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric

Step 3: Fold the wetsuit in half lengthwise

  • Take one side of the wetsuit and fold it over to meet the other side
  • Make sure the edges line up evenly
  • Smooth out any wrinkles as you fold

Step 4: Fold the arms across the chest area

  • Take one arm of the wetsuit and fold it across the chest area
  • Repeat with the other arm
  • Make sure the arms are folded neatly and securely

Step 5: Fold the legs up towards the chest area

  • Take one leg of the wetsuit and fold it up towards the chest area
  • Repeat with the other leg
  • Make sure the legs are folded neatly and securely

Step 6: Fold the wetsuit in half again

  • Take the bottom of the wetsuit and fold it up towards the top
  • Make sure the edges line up evenly
  • Smooth out any wrinkles as you fold

Step 7: Store the folded wetsuit in a cool, dry place

  • Find a cool, dry place to store the folded wetsuit
  • Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
  • Consider using a wetsuit hanger or storage bag to

    Tips for maintaining the wetsuit’s longevity

    Properly maintaining your wetsuit is essential for ensuring its longevity and extending its lifespan. Here are some tips to help you keep your wetsuit in top condition:

    1. Rinse after each use: After every session in the water, make sure to rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water. This will help remove any salt, sand, or other debris that may have accumulated on the suit.

    2. Dry properly: It is crucial to dry your wetsuit thoroughly before storing it. Hang it up in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid using a dryer or any other heat source, as this can damage the neoprene material.

    3. Avoid folding or creasing: When not in use, avoid folding or creasing your wetsuit unnecessarily. This can cause permanent creases and weaken the material over time.

    4. Store in a cool, dry place: Find a cool, dry place to store your wetsuit when you’re not using it. Avoid storing it in a hot car or a damp area, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.

    5. Use a wetsuit hanger: Invest in a wetsuit hanger to properly hang your wetsuit. This will help maintain its shape and prevent unnecessary stretching or damage.

    By following these tips, you can ensure that your wetsuit remains in excellent condition for years to come, allowing you to enjoy your water activities to the fullest.

    Step 3: Fold the wetsuit in half lengthwise

    Once you have rinsed and dried your wetsuit, it’s time to start folding. Lay the wetsuit flat on a clean surface, making sure there are no wrinkles or creases. Take one side of the wetsuit and fold it over to meet the other side, creating a straight line down the middle.

    It’s important to fold the wetsuit in half lengthwise to ensure that it fits neatly into storage and doesn’t take up too much space. This also helps to prevent any unnecessary stretching or damage to the material.

    When folding, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the wetsuit. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds as you go along to maintain the integrity of the fabric.

    By folding the wetsuit in half lengthwise, you are creating a compact and organized shape that is easy to store and transport. This step is crucial in maintaining the wetsuit’s shape and preventing any unnecessary wear and tear.

    Step 4: Fold the arms across the chest area

    Once you have folded the wetsuit in half lengthwise, it’s time to fold the arms across the chest area. This step helps to keep the wetsuit compact and prevents any creases or wrinkles from forming.

    • Start by taking one arm and folding it across the chest, towards the opposite shoulder.
    • Repeat the same process with the other arm, folding it across the chest towards the opposite shoulder.
    • Make sure that the arms are neatly folded and lie flat against the wetsuit.

    This step is crucial in maintaining the shape and structure of the wetsuit. By folding the arms across the chest area, you are ensuring that the wetsuit remains in its proper form and is ready for storage.

    Remember to handle the wetsuit with care during this step to avoid any unnecessary stretching or damage to the material.

    Step 5: Fold the legs up towards the chest area

    Once you have folded the arms across the chest area, it’s time to fold the legs up towards the chest area. This step helps to further compact the wetsuit and make it easier to store.

    • Start by grabbing the bottom of the wetsuit legs.
    • Gently fold the legs up towards the chest area, making sure to keep the folds neat and even.
    • Continue folding until the legs are fully folded and resting on top of the chest area.

    This step is important because it helps to prevent any unnecessary stretching or creasing of the wetsuit material. By folding the legs up towards the chest area, you are ensuring that the wetsuit maintains its shape and integrity.

    Remember to take your time and be gentle when folding the legs. Avoid any sharp or jerky movements that could damage the wetsuit.

    Once you have completed this step, you are ready to move on to the next step.

    Step 6: Fold the wetsuit in half again

    Once you have folded the wetsuit in half lengthwise and folded the arms across the chest area, it’s time to fold it in half again. This step helps to further compact the wetsuit and make it easier to store.

    To fold the wetsuit in half again, start by holding the top of the wetsuit with one hand and the bottom with the other hand. Gently bring the top and bottom together, folding the wetsuit in half vertically.

    Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles or creases as you fold to ensure a neat and tidy fold. This will help prevent any unnecessary stress on the wetsuit fabric and seams.

    By folding the wetsuit in half again, you are creating a compact and manageable size that can easily fit into a storage bag or drawer. This step is crucial in properly storing the wetsuit and protecting it from damage.

    Once you have completed this step, you are ready to move on to the final step of storing the folded wetsuit in a cool, dry place.

    Step 7: Store the folded wetsuit in a cool, dry place

    Once you have properly folded your wetsuit, it is important to store it in the right conditions to maintain its quality and longevity. A cool and dry place is ideal for storing your wetsuit, as excessive heat and humidity can damage the material.

    Find a storage area that is away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid hanging your wetsuit, as this can cause stretching and distortion of the fabric. Instead, lay it flat or place it in a well-ventilated area.

    It is also recommended to store your wetsuit away from any sharp objects or rough surfaces that could potentially puncture or tear the material. Keeping it in a dedicated wetsuit bag or hanging it on a padded hanger can provide additional protection.

    By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your wetsuit remains in optimal condition and lasts for many seasons to come.

    Tips for maintaining the wetsuit’s longevity

    Properly folding a wetsuit is just one step in ensuring its longevity. Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your wetsuit and extend its lifespan:

    1. Rinse after each use

    After each use, make sure to rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water. This will help remove any salt, sand, or other debris that may have accumulated during your water activities.

    2. Dry properly

    Before folding your wetsuit, it is crucial to dry it completely. Hang it up in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid using a dryer or any other heat source, as this can damage the neoprene material.

    3. Avoid folding when wet

    Never fold your wetsuit when it is still wet. Folding a wet wetsuit can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause unpleasant odors and damage the fabric.

    4. Use a wetsuit hanger

    Invest in a wetsuit hanger to properly store your wetsuit. This will help maintain its shape and prevent unnecessary creasing.

    By following these tips and properly folding your wetsuit, you can ensure its durability and extend its lifespan. Taking care of your wetsuit will not only save you money in the long run but also enhance your overall water sports experience.

    Ensuring the Longevity of Your Wetsuit

    Properly folding a wetsuit is a crucial step in maintaining its durability and extending its lifespan. By following the correct folding technique, you can ensure that your wetsuit remains in top condition for years to come.

    One important tip to remember is to rinse and dry your wetsuit thoroughly before folding it. This helps to remove any salt or sand particles that may have accumulated during use, preventing damage to the fabric.

    Once your wetsuit is clean and dry, lay it flat on a clean surface. Start by folding it in half lengthwise, making sure the arms are neatly tucked in. Then, fold the arms across the chest area and fold the legs up towards the chest area.

    After folding the wetsuit, fold it in half again to create a compact and manageable size. Finally, store the folded wetsuit in a cool, dry place to prevent any moisture or mold from affecting its quality.

    By following these steps and taking proper care of your wetsuit, you can enjoy its benefits for a longer period of time. Remember, a well-folded wetsuit is a happy wetsuit!

    Learn how to fold a wetsuit correctly to ensure durability and extend its lifespan. Follow these simple steps now!

    About The Author

    Orochi Konya is a student of the web. He has been dabbling in it since he was young, and has become an expert in his own right. He loves all things digital, from making websites to programming to social media. In his spare time, Orochi enjoys indulging in his other passion: music. He loves listening to all kinds of music and often spends hours creating playlists on Spotify. He also enjoys drawing manga and watching anime in his free time. Orochi is a friendly pop-culture guru who is always happy to chat about the latest trends in both Japan and the U.S.