As a product manager for a sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding brand, you know the Long John (or "Farmer John") is the unsung hero of watersports apparel.
It offers the perfect solution for temperate conditions: it keeps the user's core and legs warm while leaving their arms completely free for unrestricted paddling, trimming sails, or swimming.
But is the sleeveless suit in your product line a high-performance tool that enhances the user's experience, or is it a restrictive, uncomfortable afterthought made from cheap materials?
The difference between a great Long John and a poor one lies in the details of its construction: the flexibility of the neoprene, the type of seams, and the ergonomic fit.
As a direct manufacturer that engineers these specific garments, let's break down the anatomy of a superior Long John, so you can provide your customers with a product that is truly built for their sport.
A Long John is a masterpiece of functional design. Its purpose is to solve a specific problem, and its construction should reflect that.
1. The Neoprene Thickness: 2mm or 3mm?
The choice of thickness depends on the intended water temperature and activity.
2mm: This is the ideal choice for summer and temperate conditions. It provides excellent flexibility and just enough insulation to protect against wind chill and cool water, without causing overheating during strenuous activity.
3mm: This is the workhorse for 3-season use in cooler climates. It offers significantly more core warmth, making it perfect for spring and autumn sailing or kayaking, while still providing good flexibility.
2. The Neoprene Foam: Why Flexibility is Non-Negotiable
For a garment that wraps the entire torso, flexibility is paramount for comfort, breathing, and performance.
Premium 100% CR (Chloroprene Rubber): This foam offers the absolute best in flexibility and a soft, supple feel. For a premium Long John that feels like a second skin and allows for maximum torso rotation and deep breathing, CR is the superior choice.
High-Quality SCR Blend: A good SCR blend (with 50%+ CR content) provides an excellent balance of great flexibility and a more competitive price point. It is a massive upgrade in comfort compared to basic SBR.
Budget SBR Foam: We do not recommend 100% SBR for a Long John. Its inherent stiffness restricts movement and can make the suit feel constricting and uncomfortable around the chest and shoulders.
3. Seam Construction: Matching the Seam to the Season
The type of stitching is a critical detail that determines the suit's warmth and comfort.
Flatlock Stitch: This breathable, comfortable seam lies flat against the skin to prevent chafing. It is the perfect choice for warm water / summer Long Johns (typically 2mm) where maximum waterproofing is not needed.
GBS (Glued & Blind-Stitched): This is a waterproof seam, essential for cool water Long Johns (typically 3mm). It prevents cold water from flushing through the seams, keeping the user's core much warmer.
| Application | Recommended Thickness | Recommended Foam | Recommended Seam |
| Summer SUP / Kayaking | 2mm | High-Quality SCR or 100% CR | Flatlock (for comfort & breathability) |
| 3-Season Dinghy Sailing | 3mm | 100% CR (for warmth & durability) | GBS (for waterproof warmth) |
| Surf School Rental Fleet | 3mm | High-Quality SCR (for durability & value) | GBS (for warmth across conditions) |
This is where partnering with a specialist manufacturer like Source Neoprene Custom becomes your competitive advantage.
We don't just sell you a generic Long John. We work with you to engineer a garment specifically for your target user.
We Use the Right Materials for the Job: We can help you choose the perfect combination of foam thickness, foam type (CR vs. SCR), and seam construction to match your performance and price targets.
Full Customization: We can customize the fit with ergonomic paneling, reinforce the knees with durable, abrasion-resistant materials, add a relief zipper, and print your brand's logos with perfect clarity.
Direct-from-Factory Quality Control: As the direct manufacturer, we control every step of the process. We ensure every suit that leaves our facility meets the highest standards for comfort, construction, and performance.
Stop selling a one-size-fits-all solution. Let's work together to build a Long John that your customers will choose for its superior fit, comfort, and performance.
Ready to create a custom Long John that is engineered for your sport?
→ Email Kevin at kevin@neoprenecustom.com to start a technical consultation and discuss your custom design.
→ Visit our website https://source.neoprenecustom.com to learn more about our wetsuit manufacturing capabilities.
Contact: Kevin
Phone: 13417385320
Tel: 0734-87965514
Email: kevin@neoprenecustom.com
Add: Intersection of Zhangjialing Road and Science and Technology Road, Guiyang Industrial Park, Guiyang Town, Qidong County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province./Dongguan Factory(Louvcraft): Building 3, No.363 Dongxing West Road Dongkeng, Dongguan.