• International Journal of Costume and Fashion
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.45-64
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• 2018

This study assessed scuba divers' wetsuit selection criteria based on the gender, age and scuba diving commitment level along with identifying currently owned and preferred wetsuit types. Lamb and Kallal's Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic Consumer Needs (FEA) Model was the conceptual framework used for this study. Scuba diving has seen consistent growth, worldwide, it is necessary to investigate with wetsuit needs of this consumer group. A survey of 302 active scuba divers participated in the study. Total participants included 202 male and 100 female scuba divers. Divers stated fit was the most highly rated criteria with don/doff being most problematic. Female and older divers regarded functional performance criterion greatly(p<.05). Highly committed divers regarded the functional quality (p<.01) and aesthetic/expressive features (p<.05) of the wetsuit as important and owned more wetsuits(p<.01). Gender saw differences in required sizes ranges(p<.001) and style preferences(p<.05). Results suggest gender, age, and commitment levels all impact the wetsuit selection criteria of scuba divers.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.163-174
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• 2018

Consumer and property evaluation of wetsuit materials were conducted to obtain useful data for developing competitive products that meet consumer expectations and improving industrial competitiveness. Data were collected through online surveys of 213 domestic consumers who have experienced wearing wetsuit among marine leisure activities. Five types of commercial wet suit materials by brand and four types of commercial wet suit materials with the same quality by thickness were collected. Then, their physical properties, salt water resistance and thermal insulation rate were evaluated and compared. As a result, the most commonly used wetsuit material is 3 to 5 mm thick, and the basic jersey material is bonded on both sides. As a processing for imparting functionality, processing for improving warmth and reducing surface resistance are most frequently used. Consumers often feel uncomfortable when wearing a wetsuit, such as wearing comfort, weight, ease of movement, stretchability, and clothing pressure, which are different from those of casual wear. Also, mechanical strength and warmth were considered to be the most important criteria for selection of wetsuit material for purchase or rental. The mechanical properties of brand A and B were better than those of brand C, D, and E. Resilience and thermal shrinkage were better in brand C, D, and E. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the physical properties due to the difference in thickness of the material at the same quality. Also, it was found that the thicker the material, the more stable it is in the heat. Brand A and B had superior salt water resistance than brand C, D, and E. In the thermal insulation test, brand A and B showed better insulation characteristics than brand C, D, and E, but the types of bonded fabric and surface finishing of materials were thought to have affected. In comparison of the thickness, the thicker the materials, the better the salt resistance and the thermal insulation.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.99-108
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• 2021

The present study examines the overall manufacturing status of local wetsuit makers, problems in the manufacturing process, and future research tasks. The study revealed that most manufacturers use neoprene fabric of varying thickness, depending on the body part. Normally, 3 mm-thick fabric is utilized for high-activity body parts and 5 mm-thick fabric is used for high-activity areas requiring thermal insulation. In terms of the manufacturing method, the tools and manufacturing processes used by companies were found to be similar. However, because of the nature of wetsuits requiring a more complicated manufacturing method than that of general clothing, there were some differences in the manufacturing method processes from company to company, such as bonding and ease treatments. According to wetsuit manufacturers, they make incisions in consideration of the body's curvature and the overall shape and design of the wetsuit when developing patterns. For example, most answered that they preform the wrist and ankle parts, where the body's curvature is obvious. On the question regarding the "difficult manufacturing process", the most frequent response was the "bonding" process. Most manufacturers were found to focus on designs that can improve mobility and clothing fit, and commonly experienced low-order quantity as an operational difficulty. As for the question on the wetsuit-related technology needed in the future, the "development of various designs" was the most frequent answer, followed by the "development of lightweight and diverse materials".

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.127-142
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• 2020

This study compared the domestic and international commercial design patterns and domestic consumer preferences for wetsuit designs to develop a user-centered wetsuit design. An analysis of the domestic and international design elements for 1,802 wetsuits sold online over the past three years showed that the most frequent shapes, dominant colors, and patterns were the same, as consumers tended to buy full suits that were black or had geometric patterns. Dominant colors and assort/accent colors were different from the survey results. Men's wetsuits used fewer colors and patterns than women's suits. Domestic wetsuits used fewer patterns than those sold abroad; in addition, colors were applied differently. A consumer preference survey conducted on 213 male and female consumers in their 20s and their 50s in Korea indicated that 53.5% of respondents were the most affected by the shape when choosing a wetsuit design. The preferred color scheme was two colors, with a vivid tone used as an accent color. The factor analysis results on wetsuit design preference uncovered the six factors: individuality, display, function, acceptance, imitation, and comparison. An independent sample t-test also showed that men perceive individuality, imitations, and comparison factors higher than women.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 1999

A field experiment of the leeway of person-in-water(man with wetsuit) was conducted during October 1997∼ April 1998. The experiment area was northeast side of Cho Do island in Pusan. The college students whose weight ranges 60∼87 kg, height 170∼178 cm were actually drifted for the experiment. The person-in-water wore 5 mm neoprene diving wetsuit to prevent heat loss of the body. The current near the target was measured using a colored vinyl bag. To compare the result a scuba diver equipped with scuba gear and with his BC(buoyancy compensator) fully inflated was drifted alongside. The average leeway speed of man with wetsuit and that of scuba diver were about 0.4 percent and 1.3% of the 10 m wind speed above the water respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.408-418
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• 2015

This study investigates the purchasing and wearing conditions of wetsuits, and analyzes consumer awareness on wetsuit functional factors between domestic and imported brands. This research provides basic information on presenting competitiveness and developing suitable wetsuits for the Korean body shape through an investigation of a size system. An in-depth interview was conducted to consider consumer awareness with 10 persons of different levels of scuba diving experience. The survey variables consist of classified suggestion of inquires for functional factors and size systems. We distributed 80 questionnaires to scuba diving club members; subsequently, a total of 66 usable data sets were coded for statistical analysis through SPSS WIN 18.0. The result shows that respondents preferred imported ready-to-wear brands, whereas national ready-to-wear brands were purchased less often. However, the difference in customer awareness of functional factors between domestic and imported brands was not significant. In evaluating the size system of six brands (including three domestic and three imported brands), wetsuits of domestic brands were better fitted to the Korean body shape than imported brands; however, competitiveness has been hindered by public perception that domestic brands imitate imported brands. The results suggest that domestic brands can strengthen their competitiveness through promoting a lower price and size suited to Koreans while trying to change public perception as imitators of imported brands.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1039-1048
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• 2011

This research develops a basic design structure for scuba diving wetsuits suitable for the shape of Korean men in their 30's as well as enhances the reduction rate for underwater activity. The clothing pressure and fitness tests were performed using four different types of body suits. The usable data of the tests were coded for further statistical analysis that includes one way-ANOVA test and S-N-K Multiple Range Test by using SPSSWIN 17.0. An analysis of the results shows: (1) The results of the clothing pressure test (using a dummy) indicated that the larger the reduction rate, the stronger the clothing pressure gets (with an exception on the knee area). It has great impact on clothing pressure with regards to the different body parts. The different reduction rates should be applied to body parts accordingly. (2) In the case of test subjects, the overall mean values of the clothing pressure were lower than the ones with the dummy (attributable to the cushion function of body skin and muscle as well as the high stretch of the fabric). (3) In evaluating the subjective fit test of four types of body suits, a statistically significant difference was found in the relation between pattern reduction rates and all parts of the body. It was revealed that the reduction rate of 'B' pattern (X: 4%, Y: 3%) was the most suitable pattern and the 'B' pattern scored highest in the motion functional fit test performed by a test subject.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.33-47
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• 2020

As people have gained leisure time and become more interested in sports, various industries catering to these sports, including aquatic and underwater activities are growing. Many people are getting into scuba diving, where people can explore the sea at depths of more than 40-meters. Despite the increasing demand, there are limited studies on the sport. This study aims to provide basic research on materials suitable for developing technical scuba diving suits by analyzing several areas, such as design, material, sewing patterns, etc. The following trends were observed in all wetsuits: closure designs, ergonomic patterns, practical and functional details. Neoprene was the primary material of diving suits, and various functional materials were attached to the outer fabric or lining. The seam technique which minimized water contact and improved durability was sewing. Various techniques were also applied, such as flatlock stitching, GBS, LFS, etc. Subsequent studies shall investigate consumer preference etc. and other aspects, and continue to allow for the research and development of technical diving suits.