Fashion giant Dior in collaboration with Vissla released the world’s most expensive surfing wetsuit in May. The creation is said to capture the “bewitching beauty of the aquatic world through an underwater snapshot.”
The snazzy ensemble can be purchased for a cool $3,300 USD.
If you were to buy one of these wetsuits, what kind of waves would you need to bust it out?
Would you treat it like a tuxedo and only throw it on during the fanciest of events?
Or would you wear it on a 3 foot offshore day at Mission Beach?
On their site, they have some suggestions for us:
“The wetsuit should always be worn when engaging in surf activities that correspond to one’s level of skill and ability. This is not a flotation device. Certain materials, such as the neoprene used in this wetsuit, may cause allergies. If you suffer from allergies, consult your doctor before using this wetsuit.”
After each wear, are you taking it to your dry cleaner? Can you dry clean a wetsuit?
I think we need to try it out. Stevie, what do you think? New video idea?
You’re definitely going to need a changing mat to keep it sparkly.
With Dior and Vissla releasing this beauty we were inspired to find other wetsuits on the market with the highest price tag.
Florence Marine X 4/3mm
John John and Florence Marine X make a surfing wetsuit that costs $800 and I’m sure it’s nice, even supple as they tell us on their site.
“We worked with a small crew in Japan to create a wetsuit from the most quality, supple, long-lasting neoprene available. The majority of wetsuits are made in the same factories using the same materials just given different marketing names. From the start, we knew we wanted to provide a wetsuit crafted from only the best materials – one that skipped any unnecessary bells and whistles, lasted for multiple seasons and stayed out of the landfill.”
All worthy pursuits and a great wetsuit if you’ve got the means. People like expensive things.
Vissla Axxe 3-3 U Zip Full Wetsuit
Vissla, the collaborator with Dior on the wallet rocket at the top, comes in right under JJF’s offer at $749.95.
“Drawing on over 35 years of Japanese craftsmanship from the artisans at Axxe, we’ve collaborated to create a 100% Handmade Japanese wetsuit sporting a signature ‘U-Zip’ entry – a revolutionary chest zip design that is drastically easier to put on and significantly reduces water flushing. The U-Zip Entry combined with buttery soft, 100% Japanese Neoprene creates a 3mm wetsuit that provides unmatched warmth and ultimate flexibility.“
Sounds very similar to JJF’s duds. I wonder if it’s essentially the same wetsuit. What do you think? John charges that extra $50.05 which is surely a 2x world champ tax. Rightfully so, I suppose.
Patagonia R3® Yulex® Front-Zip Hooded Full Suit
Patagonia aka PataGUCCI makes the list with their $559 bid, although they’re slashing prices left and right on their site at the moment.
You’re killing me Larry!
You can cop this one right now for $334.99.
“Our all-new Yulex® wetsuits have exclusive linings for increased stretch. The only Fair Trade Certified™ suits, they’re made with 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content; natural rubber is FSC® certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Best for water 48°–55° F/9°–13° C.”
Fair trade and certified by the Rainforest Alliance. I think it’s also endorsed by Captain Planet. Say no more.
E7 Flashbomb Heatseeker 5/4 Zip Free Hooded Wetsuit
Rip Curl’s Flashbomb slots in right below Patty’s at $549.95. Often referred to as the warmest wetsuit ever made, their dual lining efforts are said to produce more heat than a 3-wick candle from Bed Bath & Beyond.
“Our new E7 Flashbomb HeatSeeker 5/4 Hooded wetsuit is our most technically advanced cold water suit to date, combining all new E7 Flash Lining throughout the wetsuit and our unique Version 2 Flex Energy lining that generates even more heat when stretched. Along with many more superior technical features, the Flashbomb Heat Seeker is our warmest and stretchiest hooded Flashbomb ever.”
Looks like you can wear this wetsuit inside-out, too.
Does that make it two suits for the price of one? Or is it more of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde affair? One side for when you’re feeling like rippin’ and tearin’ some waves apart and the other for when you’re feeling more introspective and scientific.
Reminds me of Kelly’s white wetsuit stage. Many compare it to Picasso’s blue period.
At the end of the day, a surfing wetsuit is about two things: performance and warmth.
At Ho Stevie we’ve never been about the price tag game, although we salute it.
Our goal has always been to offer the highest quality surf gear for the most affordable prices.
Our wetsuit is our shining star in this pursuit.
We use SuperStretch limestone-based neoprene with glued and blind stitched seams which you won’t find anywhere else at our price point.
Here’s a review:
I like to think of our wetsuit in the same way I think about tacos here in San Diego. Just because it costs more, doesn’t mean it tastes better.
In fact, usually quite the opposite.
And the best tacos are those you find on the street.
Are we the street taco of wetsuits? I’m into it.
I don’t know if we are or not, but I do know that we make a great wetsuit at an affordable price.
We’re also coming out with a line of spring suits for the warmer months. That is, if Chanticleer ever decides to sing again and bring back the sun.
If that rooster does decide to crow, you’re going to need a surf hat. And if you’ve got a hat, you might as well grab a rash guard surf shirt.
You know what happens when you give a mouse a cookie.
