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Men's Quiksilver wetsuit

Maker Quiksilver International

Date1990s

Object number00033068

NameWetsuit

MediumNylon, neoprene, elastane (spandex or Lycra), rubber, velcro

DimensionsOverall: 1450 x 460 x 7 mm, 1.14 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Quicksilver International

Terms

DescriptionThis Quiksilver GS320 wetsuit is constructed out of black and blue nylon covered neoprene panels, with chest and knee grip inserts. The text 'Quiksilver' with the logo features on the chest, and down the left leg and left arm. The logo is also printed on the cuff of the right arm, the right knee and on the back. The garment has a zip at the back, which is covered by a strip of velcro at the neck. HistoryWetsuits are used by surfers and divers for thermal insulation, as well as for protection against sun exposure, jelly fish, coral and other marine hazards. Different forms of open and closed neoprene are used in warm-water and cold-water suits, and they come in a variety of styles to accommodate the differing needs of the wearer. Wetsuits were developed in the 1950s, and were first made out of foam rubber neoprene that did not have any form of backing material. In order to stabilise the suits and stop them from easily tearing apart, a layer of nylon was applied to the inside of the neoprene. The more colourful suits of the 1970s were a result of the introduction of double-backed neoprene, where neoprene was set in between two protective outer layers. The external layer meant that designers were now able to incorporate decorative colours, logos and patterns into the suits.SignificanceMade in Thailand, this wetsuit is representative of textile technologies used in the manufacture of surf wear.