Matuse Wetsuits Review: Matuse Philo 1mm Wetsuit Top

Key Features:

Geoprene: 

Matuse Wetsuits utilise  a limestone based material called geoprene which they report has many advantages over more typically used neoprene wetsuit material (petroleum based). The advantages are due to geoprene being 98% water impermeable and thus they are:

• Lighter
• Warmer 
• More durable
• Sustainable

Hidden Chamber: Geoprene with built-in air chambers; stores radiant heat from body and improves the suits ability to slow down heat loss to the outside environment. 

Hydrasilk: Silky smooth, hydrophobic ( i.e. rejects H2O ) material that’s your windbreaker in the water. Makes you feel all buttery inside.

Flat Stitch Seams: A durable yet flexible SCS tape that provides extra seam durability that is soft and comfortable to your skin. 

Short tie connection: To stop the wetsuit top from riding up (I have never once used this function in years – it does ride up especially after being worked over by a wave but never annoyingly so that I felt I needed to use the connection).

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How Warm is It?

Matuse defines the top suitable for water temps of 21-24C (70-75C).

I surf on the Gold Coast, Australia where the coldest the water gets all year is about 20-21 degrees so the Matuse Philo has been my go to for most of my surfing in all but the coldest few months. 

This thing definitely takes the edge off a morning chill and the good thing is even when it warms up it’s not overly hot like a slightly thicker top of 1.5-2mm could be. 

I’ve also used this over a short john as a spring suit alternative and that works really well. 

For only 1mm I find the Philo punches above it’s weight for warmth. 

Comfort / Flexibility and sizing?

Like the Matuse Wetsuits which are designed to fit really snug so are their Wetsuit tops. 

With only 1mm of rubber, perhaps the best thing about the Philo is how light and non noticeable it is despite its warmth factor. I’ve found it to be non restrictive in terms of flexibility and paddling. It’s soft but also quite stretchy in comparison to my Matuse Tumo 2mm fullsuit. 

I am 75 kg and 174 cm tall with broad shoulders – I have the size L in the Philo and it is a fairly tight fit. Based on the Matuse size chart I should be a smaller size but am glad I picked an L. 

Below is the Matuse size chart: PLEASE NOTE, MATUSE SUITS FIT ‘TRUE TO SIZE’. IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGH-END OF A SIZE THEY RECOMMEND SIZING UP.

MEN’S TOPS MATUSE SIZE CHART

Size:	Ft	LBs	CM	KGs
XS	5’3″ – 5’6″	120-135	160-168	54-61
S	5’5″ – 5’7″	135-145	165-170	61-66
M	5’8″ – 5’10″	150-165	173-178	68-75
L	5’10″ – 6’1″	170-190	178-185	77-86
XL	5’11″ – 6’2″	190-215	180-188	86-98
XXL	6′ – 6’3″	205-230	183-191	93-104

What do you think of its construction quality?

Matuse Wetsuits are known for their quality and the Philo 1mm wetsuit top is no exception. Expect the same soft feel of their wetsuits in this top. It is high quality and sleek, with minimalist design.

How has the Matuse Philo held up over time?

Having the luxury of surfing somewhere that doesn’t really get cold by most surfers’ standards, I’ve used the Matuse Philo more than any other fullsuit or equivalent over the last 6 years. It still holds up extremely well after all that time so I think that says enough..

Note: I had this stored in a bag hence why it is so wrinkly in the photos.

There are a few stitches that are fraying in a few areas but overall it is still in 100% functional condition after several years of pretty consistent use. 

Your thoughts on the price and value of the Matuse Philo?

Considering how long and consistently I’ve used this wetsuit top, the fact that it is still in fully useable condition speaks volumes for its quality and value. 

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Hope you enjoyed our Matuse Wetsuit Review. Do you have a Matuse suit yourself? We’d love to hear your feedback.

Get Foamie will be reviewing more surf wetsuits so stay tuned!