User comfort, safety steer R&D efforts in diving suits

Makers are adopting thicker materials and better stitching to improve insulation and watertightness. Knee protectors and other add-ons are also on trend.

TOP TRENDS

Greater wearer comfort: In upscale designs, many diving suit suppliers in China are adopting 7mm or thicker neoprene with fleece lining for warmth. Styles with blind-stitched, glued and taped seams are also growing in number.
Additional safety features: Makers are releasing more models with reinforcement patches, anti-skid prints, molded rubber pads, and protective details for the knees and elbows. Some wetsuits are fitted with reflective tapes as well.
Aesthetic options: Blue and black are the mainstream colors, but brighter shades such as yellow, pink and purple are gaining ground. Diving suits featuring a combination of hues or novelty patterns are also increasing.
Price forecast: Suppliers are expecting product quotes to climb less than 5 percent in the next few months since raw material and labor costs are relatively steady.
Export projection: Banking on the economic recovery of the US and the EU, manufacturers anticipate export revenue will rise 5 to 10 percent in 2012.

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PRODUCT GALLERY

Aquaspro Sports & Leisure Co. Ltd
Model: B01
Description: 3.5mm-thick neoprene;blind-stitched; adjustable YKK zipper; sizes XS to XL

Changsha Heaplake Enterprises Co. Ltd
Model: WS-2139
Description: 3 or 5mm-thick neoprene laminated with nylon jersey; #10 YKK zipper back closure