How to Store Your Wetsuit Off-Season to Prevent Cracking & Fading

You've just finished your last surf or dive of the season. Your wetsuit served you well, keeping you warm and flexible in the water.

Now, the temptation is to rinse it off, roll it into a ball, and toss it in a dark corner of your garage until next year.

This is the single fastest way to destroy your expensive wetsuit.

Improper off-season storage is the number one cause of premature wetsuit death. It leads to deep, permanent creases, cracked and brittle neoprene, and faded colors. When you pull it out next season, it will be stiff, uncomfortable, and may have lost its insulating power.

But don't worry. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your wetsuit survives the off-season and is in perfect, ready-to-go condition for your first session back.

As a manufacturer that engineers these high-performance garments, we want to share our insider's guide to proper wetsuit storage. Follow this checklist to protect your investment.

The Ultimate Off-Season Wetsuit Storage Checklist

✅ Step 1: Clean It Thoroughly (Inside and Out)

This is the most critical step. Salt, sand, sunscreen, and body oils will degrade the neoprene and seams over time if left to sit.

• Freshwater Rinse: Immediately after your last session, give your suit a thorough rinse with cool, fresh water. Do not use hot water, as it can damage the neoprene.

• Use a Wetsuit Shampoo: Fill a large tub with cool water and a capful of a specialized wetsuit shampoo. These cleaners are formulated to be gentle on the neoprene while removing salt and organic residue. Avoid standard detergents or soaps, which can be too harsh.

• Hand Wash, Don't Machine Wash: Gently hand wash the suit, turning it inside out to clean the interior as well. Pay attention to the seams and zippers.

• Rinse Again: Drain the soapy water and rinse the suit thoroughly with cool, fresh water until all the shampoo is gone.

✅ Step 2: Dry It Completely (But Never in the Sun)

Storing a damp wetsuit is a recipe for mildew and a permanent, funky smell. The suit must be 100% dry before storage, but how you dry it is crucial.

• The Enemy: Direct Sunlight. Never, ever hang your wetsuit to dry in direct sunlight. The sun's UV rays are the primary cause of neoprene cracking and color fading. It will literally cook your wetsuit.

• The Right Way: Hang it in the Shade.

  1. Find a well-ventilated, shady spot (like a covered patio, a garage, or a bathroom with a fan).

  2. Use a wide-shouldered wetsuit hanger. A standard thin wire hanger will create a permanent crease in the shoulders of your suit.

  3. Hang the suit folded over at the waist, not by the shoulders. This prevents the weight of the wet suit from stretching out the shoulder area.

  4. Dry the inside first, then turn it right-side out to dry the exterior. This can take 24-48 hours. Be patient.

✅ Step 3: Store It Properly (Think "Hang," Not "Fold")

Once your suit is completely dry, it's time to store it for the long term.

• The Enemy: Folding and Creasing. Folding your wetsuit or stuffing it in a drawer will create deep, permanent creases in the neoprene foam. These creases are weak points that will eventually crack and fail.

• The Best Method: The Wide Hanger. The best way to store a wetsuit is on the same wide-shouldered wetsuit hanger you used for drying, hung in a cool, dry, and dark closet. Hang it folded over at the waist to avoid shoulder stress.

• The Second-Best Method: Rolling. If you don't have the space to hang it, you can loosely roll the wetsuit, starting from the legs. This is better than folding, but hanging is always preferred.

The Factory Advantage: Why a Quality Wetsuit is Easier to Care For

The quality of the neoprene itself plays a huge role in how well it withstands the test of time.

At Neoprene Custom, we engineer our wetsuits with the most durable materials available.

• We use 100% CR (Chloroprene Rubber), which is naturally more resistant to UV, ozone, and degradation than cheaper SBR blends.

• We use fade-resistant, dope-dyed fabrics that hold their color for much longer.

While proper care is essential for any wetsuit, starting with a high-quality, well-made suit gives you a massive head start in longevity. When you're ready for your next suit, consider a brand that invests in these premium materials. For any questions, you can always reach our experts at kevin@neoprenecustom.com.

Ready to put your wetsuit away for the season?

→ Follow these simple steps to ensure it's in perfect condition for your next adventure!