Why a Good Wetsuit is So Crucial - Traditional Neoprene vs Yulex
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Time to read 5 min
A Women’s Wetsuit Review
Embarking on your wave surfing journey can feel (both figuratively and literally) like diving into the deep grand ocean full of possibilities. To help you navigate this new way of life, we're here to guide you through some fundamentals. First of all, a good wetsuit, or swimwear if you belong to the ones among us lucky enough to enjoy the warmer waters and simultaneously tan. After all, whether a wetsuit, a sprinsuit or bikini, they are meant to last and STAY ON. Surf to forget, be in the ocean, fully present as with WALLIEN there is no need to worry about equipment - made to feel as a second skin.
Why you can trust us:
At WALLIEN, we’ve spent over 5 years designing and testing premium activewear and wetsuits for women who lead in and around water.
We’ve supported and equipped all sorts of water-loving women — first-timers to pros—helping them feel strong, confident, and ready for any wave.
We stay on the pulse of innovation , studying the latest in materials, sustainability, and performance science to make sure our advice (and our wetsuits) meet the highest standards.
Table of Content
Introduction: More Than Just a Suit
At WALLIEN, we believe a wetsuit is more than just a layer of protection - it’s a second skin for fearless, ocean-loving women.
Whether you're surfing, diving, or paddleboarding, the right wetsuit doesn’t just keep you warm - it fuels your confidence, lets your body move with ease while crucially keeping you connected to the elements at play. It allows for becoming one with the ocean.
We all wish for a perfect world, a world with no climate change and oceans without litter and waste. Yet, all small steps count. Small steps by many start a movement. This is the movement we aim for at WALLIEN.
The Problem with Traditional Neoprene as Industry Standard
For decades, neoprene has been the go-to material for wetsuits. It’s stretchy, insulating, and performs well in the water. But there’s a hidden cost beneath that sleek black surface - and it’s not something we can ignore.
Traditional neoprene is made from petroleum or limestone , both of which involve heavy industrial processing and significant environmental impact . From toxic chemical byproducts to non-renewable resource use, neoprene production leaves behind a sizeable carbon footprint. And once it's made, neoprene is not biodegradable - lingering in landfills for generations.
Yet even though an industry-standard, standards are there to evolve with the stream of time. For conscious water woman, this raises a serious issue: how to protect our beloved ocean while wearing gear harming it?
At WALLIEN, we don’t believe performance and planet care should be at odds. That's why we're rethinking what wetsuits can be - starting with what they’re made of. Because the gear you wear should reflect not only your style, but most importantly, your values.
Why a Good Wetsuit is So Crucial
At WALLIEN, we seek to redefine water wear through an unparalleled, unmatched commitment to both the quality of our products and the very impact of the same products concerning sustainability. Every piece we craft is a testament to our devotion to our planet’s most precious resource - the ocean. Every piece as a step toward preserving our Earth. Making waves that matter starts with cleaner oceans.
A Good Wetsuit is So Crucial - on more factors than just one.
| Traditional Neoprene | Yulex Natural Rubber | |
| Material Source | Petroleum- or limestonebased | Sustainable sourced natural rubbern (Hevea trees) |
| Environmental Impact | High: energy-intensive, non-renewable, polluting | Low: renewable, reduced CO₂ emissions by up to 80% |
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Biodegradability |
Non-biodegradable |
Partially biodegradable (rubber base is natural) |
| Allergens and Feel on Skin |
Chemical additives can cause skin irritation, rubbery and/or stiff feel |
Hypoallergenic as no petroleum-based chemicals, much softer and breathable feel |
| Performance |
Excellent stretch and insulation |
Comparable stretch, warmth, and durability |
The What's and How's of Yulex: Eco-Friendly Wetsuit Tech
If you're a surfer, diver, or eco-conscious water adventurer, you've likely heard of Yulex already. But what exactly is it? And more importantly - what does it matter?
Let’s dive into the what’s and how’s of Yulex , the game-changing material revolutionising the wetsuit industry.
- Yulex is a natural rubber material made from the sap of the guayule plant - a renewable, sustainable crop grown without the need for deforestation.
100% plant-based
Non-toxic and non-petroleum-based
Certified Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)
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Unlike the traditional neoprene, which is derived from oil, Yulex is eco-friendly from the root up .
Harvesting guayule : A resilient desert shrub grown in semi-arid regions
Latex extraction : Sap is carefully harvested, preserving the plant
Purification : Proteins and impurities are removed
Blending & foaming : The purified rubber is foamed and layered for wetsuit fabrication
- The result? A soft, flexible, and durable rubber material that mimics the performance of neoprene—without harming our Earth.
Our recommended "Feels as a Second Skin" Products
Wallien’s wetsuits use premium Yulex material in stylish, high-performance designs made for women who surf with purpose.
Smooth fit with body-contouring seams
Quick-drying thermal lining
Sleek, minimalist aesthetics
Built for long sessions and lasting wear
Why Yulex Beats Traditional Neoprene
The facts. Here’s how Yulex outshines its petrochemical counterpart:
65% fewer carbon emissions
Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
Biodegradable over time
Renewable sourcing
Comfortably warm and flexible
Bold truth: Yulex isn’t just better for the planet - it’s better for your skin. After all, it feels like a second skin without harming the first.
"I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it's almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time."
What if you could not only surf in style but simultaneously protect the planet. Yulex proves itself as much more than a material - a movement towards sustainable surfing, one without compromise.
When shopping it all seems so easy, so straightforward. And yet, remind yourself to stand still once in a while, to reassess your initial, almost instant choices, as one choice can make all the difference. As we've discovered through this blog, traditional neoprene is petroleum-based, energy-intensive taking over a mere hundred years to decompose. Whereas, Yulex wetsuits reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% through the usage of natural rubber from FSC®-certified forests and bonded through non-toxic, water-based adhesives. The result is the same, the pathway to the product and aftermath of the consequences however prove starkly different. Yulex presents a suit better for your skin, your surf and the sea.
More and more women are making the switch - not just for comfort and performance - because surfing with purpose feels better. At WALLIEN, we believe sustainability should never mean sacrifice. With Yulex, you get style, warmth, and values - all in one suit.
The Author: Jessy van Wijk
A competitive wave surfer, multiple-time runner-up at the Dutch Championships and full-time student with saltwater in her veins. Between study sessions and surf sessions, she brings her firsthand experience to WALLIEN - sharing stories celebrating the power of women in the lineup while raising eco-awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yulex really natural?
Most certainly! Unlike petroleum-based neoprene, Yulex comes from a natural rubber tree alternative meaning its both certified organic and sustainable.
Does Yulex perform like neoprene?
Without a doubt. If you ask us, it not only matches the stretch, durability, and insulation of premium neoprene, but exceeds it through its non-toxicity and renewability.
How long does a Yulex wetsuit last?
With proper care, just as long as a high-quality neoprene suit - sometimes even longer due to fewer chemical breakdowns.
