Sustainable Plant Based Wetsuits: Eco-Friendly Buyer's Guide and Analysis
- biodegradable
- Plant Based
- Plastic Free
- Natural Rubber
Is Natural Rubber Better Than Neoprene?
Standard neoprene is a petroleum plastic. Natural rubber, tapped from the hevea tree, is the plant-based alternative, the closest a wetsuit gets to a natural clothing material against your skin.
Natural Rubber Wetsuit Brands We Have Tested
Below is our tested list of natural rubber wetsuit brands. We read what each suit is really made of, because plenty of eco wetsuits are still part-neoprene under the branding. See the full tested data on our natural fibre clothing brands hub.
Is neoprene biodegradable or eco-friendly?
Neoprene is not biodegradable and not eco-friendly, because neoprene is a petroleum or limestone based synthetic rubber. Neoprene is energy intensive to make and neoprene never composts, so a neoprene wetsuit ends its life as landfill. Neoprene is the standard wetsuit material, which is why a natural wetsuit is the exception worth seeking out.
What is natural rubber or Yulex?
Natural rubber, sold in wetsuits as Yulex, is rubber tapped from the hevea tree instead of drilled from oil. Yulex natural rubber gives the same stretch and warmth as neoprene with a far lower carbon footprint. Yulex is not fully compostable, but Yulex is plant based and renewable, so a Yulex wetsuit is the lower-plastic choice.
Are there plastic-free wetsuits?
Fully plastic-free wetsuits are almost impossible, because a wetsuit needs a waterproof stretch layer and linings. The best wetsuits swap petroleum neoprene for Yulex natural rubber and use recycled linings to cut plastic. A wetsuit is judged on how much natural rubber it uses, not on being completely plastic free, which is realistic for gear worn in cold water.
Which wetsuit brands use natural rubber?
The wetsuit brands using natural rubber include Finisterre, which builds its whole wetsuit range on Yulex natural rubber traced to named plantations. Patagonia also makes Yulex wetsuits in place of neoprene. Every wetsuit brand on the list above is judged on its real rubber source, so the natural claim is verified rather than assumed.
What You Put On Your Body Is a Sacred Act
Clothing is intimate. It lives against our skin and moves with us through the world. Yet fast fashion has made it a source of harm, flooding the planet with pollution, toxic chemicals, and synthetic fibres that dishonour both people and Earth. Choose to dress with intention. Explore brands crafted with natural fibres, fair wages, and reverence for the body and the planet.
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-12% Off Exclusive Discount On Sustainable Swimwear
Freedom Ecowear have given us a discount of -12% off to share with our website visitors. Use the link to claim your discount.
Ethics You Can Trust
Every verified listing on our platform has undergone an in-person inspection. We personally capture high-definition photos and videos to ensure complete transparency and accuracy for your peace of mind.