can a suit be stretched somehow?

[Karletto]

hi

a suit from my teenage years has become quite small; its neoprene/ 4mm; what will happen if i put it in washing machine -> +100°C; other ideas?

[RoyN]

The suit will be in ruins if you put it in the washer.

[shari75202]

Actually that is not true. I've been washing my wetsuit (3mm) in the washer using a "hand wash" cycle for years now. It's still in great shape!!

[Rileybri]

Is this a trick like being asked to get the bacon stretcher you first day working in a restaurant?

[thesmoothdome]

Wet suits cannot be stretched and maintain their insulation qualities. Neoprene is made up of tiny closed cell air pockets. If you stretch the material, you tear the cells, resulting in a loss of thermal insulation. Since you're now 28 and the suit was from your teen years, I'm assuming it's over 9 years old. If that's the case, it's definately past its life expectancy and time for a new suit.

[buddhasummer]

I agree with thesmoothdome its time to get a new suit, 9 years plus is kinda old for a wetsuit and if youve "grown" then its a sign from God, get a new one.

[Karletto]

Originally Posted by thesmoothdome

it's definately past its life expectancy

iam not dumping the suit the suit is in perfect condition except the zipper slider; in the water the suit has the same characteristics like in the first year

[oddbod]

Neoprene is actually supposed to shrink over time (no we are not all getting fatter ), try to find a manufacturer/repairer who can put some panels in the sides and repair your zip, works well ( I did get fatter ).

[DivingCRNA]

My suit stretches when I eat less......

[Damselfish]

Originally Posted by Karletto

iam not dumping the suit the suit is in perfect condition except the zipper slider; in the water the suit has the same characteristics like in the first year

If it's too small for you it doesn't matter what condition it's in.