What is Neoprene and How's It Used?

Q: How Long Does Neoprene Take to Dry?

Do not put your neoprene clothing in the dryer. Rather, hang it up to air dry, preferably in direct sunlight. It will take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours for it to completely dry.

Is scuba diving on your bucket list? If so, you should get familiar with neoprene! This material is used to make wetsuits as well as a bunch of other things you use every day, from dumbbells to phone cases.

Dive in and learn all there is to know about neoprene, including its history, uses, and just how to get it nice and clean!

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene (polychloroprene) is a synthetic rubber that is resistant to water, oil, and heat, making it a good insulator. It's commonly used to make wetsuits, but you can also get this fabric at your local craft store to make DIY phone cases, mouse pads, and even winter coats!

Who Invented Neoprene?

Wallace Carothers, a chemist at Harvard University, invented neoprene in 1931. He worked with the DuPont Company with the goal of finding a solution to the rubber shortage that occurred after World War I.

The material was originally marketed under the name "duprene" and was used to make telephone wire, insulation, gaskets, and hoses in car engines.

By World War II, it was renamed "neoprene" and was solely manufactured for use by the military. Everyday consumers weren't able to buy it at stores until after the war was over!

What is Neoprene Used For?

Neoprene is primarily used to make wetsuits, but it's also found in winter clothing like gloves, boots, and jackets. The material also has a ton of industrial uses, from fan belts in cars to the audio cones in Bluetooth speakers.

Here's a full list of everything that is made with neoprene:

Wetsuits
Gloves
Fishing & rain boots
Coats
Lunch bags
KOOZIES^®
Hand weights
Phone & laptop cases
Mouse pads
Speaker cones
Face masks
Leg & arm braces
Seat covers
Fan belts & hoses
Gaskets

Wetsuits

Go jet skiing, scuba diving, or surfboarding in a neoprene wetsuit. It will fit snugly on your body, making it easy to hit the waves without any wardrobe malfunctions!

Gloves

Neoprene is used in both work gloves and surgical gloves. Since the material is extra stretchy, you can easily wiggle around your fingers without feeling constricted.

Fishing & Rain Boots

Splash around in puddles or ponds by wearing neoprene boots! This gear is great if you plan on going fishing, or taking a hike during a rainy day.

Coats

If it's an extra chilly day, you should bundle up in a neoprene jacket. These warm, water-resistant coats are a favorite for those who work on boats or ships.

Lunch Bags

Do you bring a lunch to work every day? Consider packing it in a neoprene lunch bag! It will keep your cold food nice and chilly, without any worry about it getting damp while it sits in the fridge.

KOOZIES^®

Soda and beer will drip on a hot summer's day. Keep your hands dry by storing these drinks in neoprene KOOZIES^®. They're great for tailgates and backyard barbeques!

Hand Weights

It's strength training day! Grab neoprene hand weights or kettlebells and start doing those reps. Exercise equipment made from this material is easy to hold and doesn't get slippery as you sweat.

Phone & Laptop Cases

Protect your laptop or cell phone by storing it in a neoprene case. Your devices will be shielded on rainy or snowy days. Plus, these cases make it possible for you to bring your electronics to the beach.

Mouse Pads

Yikes! You just accidentally knocked over your morning coffee at your desk. Good thing you have a neoprene mouse pad! It's water-resistant and hands down the easiest type of mouse pad to clean.

Speaker Cones

Watch your favorite action movie in surround sound, or listen to that up-tempo playlist. Neoprene cones are part of the reason why speakers are able to produce sound.

Face Masks

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for reusable face masks. Neoprene is a great material to use for this PPE since it blocks droplets that may carry the virus.

Leg & Arm Braces

Runner's knee can happen if you frequently go on jogs, or do a lot of heavy lifting. Your elbow and ankle might also feel pain from overuse. Compress your joints by putting on neoprene braces or sleeves.

Seat Covers

Hit the open road with neoprene covers on the driver and passenger seats. These covers protect your interior from any sun damage or mildew. Since they're easy to clean, you should also use them if you frequently ride around with dogs.

Fan Belts & Hoses

Your car's engine will be quiet as a mouse if it's fitted with neoprene fan belts and hoses. The material is strong, so you don't have to worry about it unexpectedly breaking while you drive. Neoprene can also be found at the bottom of your car windows, allowing you to roll them up and down with ease.

Gaskets

Plumbing, construction, and many other manual labor workers need to use neoprene gaskets. These seals are also handy in the medical field as well as in aviation, aerospace, and electronics.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Neoprene?

As far as synthetic materials go, you're going to get a lot of bang for your buck with neoprene. This material is well-suited for winter or water sports, and also happens to be long-lasting and insanely strong. Of course, there are some downsides to neoprene as well.

The chart below lists the pros and cons of neoprene:

Neoprene Pros:

Resistant to water, heat, and oil
Good insulator
Warm
Stretchy
Durable and strong
Easy to use for crafts
UV-resistant
Buoyant
Provides protective cushioning
Doesn't degrade or tear over time

Neoprene Cons:

Not eco-friendly
Not breathable
Hot and can make you sweat
Often expensive
Difficult to wash
Can become smelly over time
May cause itchiness or an allergic reaction

Neoprene may not be as common as materials like cotton or polyester, but it still shouldn't be overlooked! There are a ton of perks in using this material for your next project.

How Neoprene is Made

You use things made from neoprene all the time, but probably haven't given much thought to how it's made. It's a pretty fascinating process!

Neoprene is made in the following steps:

Step 1

The process starts with either a liquid or powdered form of polychloroprene.

Step 2

The polychloroprene is mixed with dyes and other ingredients to create a doughy mixture.

Step 3

The mixture is put into a giant cooking oven and sliced down into smaller slices, kind of like a loaf of bread!

Step 4

Patterns might be die cut into the material, depending on what is being made.

Step 5

The neoprene is sewn together in the form of wetsuits, phone cases, jackets, and other products.

Are you curious about how wetsuits are made? Check out this video!

Can Neoprene Be Washed?

Good news! It's pretty easy to clean neoprene garments by hand. Simply let them soak in a mixture of cold water and baking soda or baby shampoo. Rinse it down, and don't scrub as this could cause damage to your clothing.

Are you on a time crunch? Check the care tag to see if your neoprene items can go in the washer instead. If you do choose to go this route, turn your clothing inside out and make sure all zippers are unzipped. Do not use detergent, hot water, or the spin cycle.

How Do You Get the Smell Out of Neoprene?

After a long day in the waves, your neoprene wetsuit can start to smell like a dead fish! Get rid of any gross odors by rinsing it with cool water and then soaking in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Hang it up to air dry outside when you're done.

How Long Does Neoprene Take to Dry?

Do not put your neoprene clothing in the dryer. Rather, hang it up to air dry, preferably in direct sunlight. It will take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours for it to completely dry.

How Long Can You Wear Neoprene?

Do you have a neoprene wetsuit, jacket, or face mask that you love to wear? If it's well-made, you can expect it to last anywhere form 4 years to 10 years. Take care of it, keep it clean, and you won't have to buy a replacement any time soon!

Stats for Success

300,000 tons of neoprene are made every year.

A study found that wearing a neoprene weight loss suit can help you burn up to 13% more calories during a workout.

The market size for neoprene is projected to be worth $2.28 billion by 2025.

The Bottom Line

Move over, rubber! Neoprene may just be better when it comes to stretchy, water-resistant materials. It's great for not only those who love the water, but also anyone who wants comfortable clothing and high-quality equipment. So in other words, everyone!

Alyssa Mertes

amertes@qualitylogoproducts.com

866-312-5646 x 277

Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.

References

Pulidindi, K., Pandey, H. Global Market Insights. (2019 February). Neoprene Market Size By Product. Retrieved from, https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/neoprene-market

Carrington, M. (2016, April 12). Top Facts About Neoprene. Retrieved from, https://kuttingweight.com/blogs/news/115909637-top-facts-about-neoprene-you-didnt-know

Cal Trend. What is Neoprene? Retrieved from, https://www.caltrend.com/what-is-neoprene/

Chemical Safety Facts. Neoprene (Polychloroprene). Retrieved from, https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/neoprene/

Contrado. (2020, January 29). What is Neoprene? From Scuba Diving to Avant-Garde. Retrieved from, https://www.contrado.com/blog/what-is-neoprene/

Hodakel, B. (2021, January 13). What is Neoprene Fabric: Properties, How Its Made and Where. Retrieved from, https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/neoprene-fabric

American Chemistry Council. (2004 November). Neoprene: The First Synthetic Rubber. Retrieved from, https://www.americanchemistry.com/

Britannica. Neoprene. Retrieved from, https://www.britannica.com/science/neoprene

Aqua Zealots. What is Neoprene? How is it Made? Retrieved from, https://aquazealots.com/what-is-neoprene-how-is-it-made/

Seventh Wave. Neoprene: A Brief History. Retrieved from, https://www.seventhwave.co.nz/wetsuits101/Neoprene+Info/Neoprene+a+brief+history.html

Allen, K. (2017, April 24). How is Neoprene Made? Retrieved from, https://sciencing.com/nylons-properties-uses-8627049.html

Nei, W. (2016, October 1). How to Care & Wash Your Neoprene Items. Retrieved from, https://peepb.com/blogs/peepintofashion/how-to-care-wash-your-neoprene-items

Stewart, J. (2019, October 21). How to Wash Neoprene. Retrieved from, https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-wash-neoprene

Aqua Zelots. How to Wash a Wetsuit in the Washing Machine? Retrieved from, https://aquazealots.com/how-to-wash-a-wetsuit-in-a-washing-machine/

Haro, A. (2019, May 7). An Incredibly Simple Guide to Properly Washing Your Stinky Wetsuit. Retrieved from, https://www.theinertia.com/surf/wetsuit-washing-guide-with-vinegar-and-essential-oils/

Complete Tri. (2017, August 21). How Long Should a Wetsuit Last? Retrieved from, https://completetri.com/how-long-should-a-wetsuit-last/

Other Lessons in This Course

What is Neoprene? The History & Uses of This Material