Rebound Resilience Properties of Neoprene

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that provides insulation, flexibility and waterproofing to many items used in sports and daily life. It is the main component in aquatic sports clothing like wetsuits and waders, in appliance parts like hoses and gaskets and in electronics accessories like flexible covers for laptops and e-readers. Developed in the 1930s at DuPont, Neoprene is more durable than natural rubber; it remains flexible even in low temperatures that can stiffen natural rubber.

  1. Neoprene for Sports Clothing

    • Neoprene insulates and waterproofs a garment without adding significant weight or bulk. It also resists most food, oil and grease stains and has low flammability. For sports clothing like wetsuits or fishing waders, neoprene fabric can be 2 mm to 7 mm thick. Check manufacturer and sports guidelines for the strength and thickness designed for your activity and for the weather and water temperature conditions at your activity's location. A thicker layer means more insulation, more fabric resiliency and more buoyancy. A thinner layer means the garment is more vulnerable to tears or rips.

    Rebound Resiliency of Wetsuits

    • To provide both warmth and mobility, a wetsuit is usually thicker in the torso and thinner in the arms and legs. The thickness is measured in the two-number format trunk/limbs. For example, a 2/1 mm wetsuit is 2 mm thick in the torso and 1 mm thick in the arms and legs. Since a wetsuit is meant to fit snugly, take care when getting into and out of it. The Neoprene fabric can withstand some pulling and tugging, but you can rip it if you pull too hard. You can also puncture the material if you scratch it roughly with equipment or your fingernail.

    Resilience and Vulnerability of Neoprene Clothing

    • Mildew can damage Neoprene clothing. Dry the wet clothing by hanging it up or putting it in the dryer on the air or lowest heat setting. Neoprene clothing can resist high weather temperatures, but not the direct heat of a dryer. Harsh cleaning chemicals can damage Neoprene. Do not dry clean or use bleach or fabric softener. Many regular laundry detergents can degrade Neoprene's waterproof properties. Use only detergents designed for waterproof clothing. Some skincare products can damage Neoprene. Do not put sunscreen or insect repellant on Neoprene clothing. Check manufacturer care guides for specific instructions on cleaning and storage.

    Resilience and Vulnerability of Neoprene Gear

    • Although gear like laptop covers may be thicker than Neoprene clothing, they still need careful handling to avoid holes, rips or scratches. As with Neoprene clothing, avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on this type of gear and check manufacture care guides for cleaning and storage instructions.