Patagonia’s products are expensive but equally, they are well regarded for their high quality products and rock solid warranties, repairs and customer service. Patagonia is a brand that really stands behind its products. The Patagonia Womens Wetsuits range is no different.
Patagonia’s wetsuits are leading the way in terms of sustainable materials and production. They are made of (primarily) Yulex natural rubber – which we will discuss in more detail further in this post – and as such, Patagonia are manufacturing wetsuits with as little impact as possible.
Patagonia’s Wetsuits have not typically been praised for their flexibility (when compared to typical petroleum-based neoprene suits from mainstream brands), but it is clear from customer feedback that this has improved substantially over time and the latest iterations of the wetsuits have come leaps and bounds in that department.
This post will look at the materials and technology in the Patagonia womens wetsuit range is using as well as the difference between each series from the R1 Lite to R4 series of wetsuits and customer feedback for each.
1. What are Patagonia Wetsuits Made of and how does it differ from traditional neoprene?
When Patagonia started making wetsuits in 2005 they wanted to building high-performance wetsuits that had the least impact as they had noted neoprene as the traditional wetsuit material, was the most damaging component of wetsuit manufacturing.
Neoprene is a petroleum-based product which has been utilised in wetsuits since the 1950’s and when Patagonia entered the wetsuit market, there was no viable alternative material available.
Initially, Patagonia utilised a limestone derived neoprene (like others wetsuit brands Matuse and Vissla) with innovations such as internal wool lining however they realised that due to the amount of energy required to produce it, plus mining and transportation that there wasn’t much difference between limestone and petroleum derived neoprene.
Within a few years Patagonia partnered with a company called Yulex to produce a plant based and renewable product to replace neoprene in their wetsuits. The rubber in Patagonia Wetsuits is now sourced from sustainable sources certified by the Rainforest Alliance – which involves the sourcing of raw latex from havea trees which is then refined by Yulex to remove impurities and produce a stronger material which performs on par with traditional neoprene with the benefit of circa 80% less CO2 production.
Yulex vs Neoprene
What are the key difference between Yulex and Neoprene and why are more wetsuit brands such as Seea following in Patagonia’s footsteps?
- Firstly, Patagonia has made Yulex Technology available to other brands
- As already noted, Yulex is a sustainable and natural material and consumers these days are demanding more of wetsuit and surf brands
- Neoprene has been the key material of wetsuits and has remained more or less unchhanged since the 1950’s
- Petroleum and limestone are non renewable resources so as the basis for neoprene are not sustainable
- Furthermore, the manufacturing of neoprene from these resources is an energy intensive chemical refining process which creates more waste
- Yulex as an alternative material for wetsuits is renewable and is refined using a water based purification process.
2. Patagonia Womens Wetsuits – R1 Lite Range
Water Temp Range: 65°–75° F/18°–23° C
Thickness: 2mm
Variations:
Women’s R1 LiteLong-Sleeved Spring Jane
Women’s R1 Lite Spring Jane
Women’s R1 Lite Front-Zip Long-Sleeved Spring Cut
Women’s R1 Lite Spring Juanita
Women’s R1 Lite Spring Long Jane
Women’s R1 Lite Spring Long-Sleeved Top
Women’s R1 Lite Vest
Women’s R1 Lite Spring Jane Shorts
The R1 Lite Series is Patagonia’s lightest wetsuit range designed for warmer water temps and spring suits.
Features:
- Torso/thighs: 3mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex inverted microgrid.
- Arms/legs: 2.5mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with high-stretch 100% recycled polyester jersey
- Stretchy 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% chlorine-free synthetic rubber by polymer content; natural rubber is FSC® certified by the Rainforest Alliance
- Torso/thighs have solution-dyed 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex thermal microgrid lining that dries fast and offers excellent warmth and flex
- Stretchy, solution-dyed linings; interior arms/legs: 100% recycled polyester, exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex. Solvent-free AquaA™ glue
- 100% externally seam-sealed to shut out water and add durability; all seams are triple-glued and taped with comfortable, low-profile interior seam tape
- Floating front-zip for faster and easier entry, with replaceable, corrosion-proof Salmi® zipper and internal gasket for better seal; easy-access key loop inside
- Supratex kneepads and cuffs are durable, flexible and hold snug to the body without binding or restricting movement
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex
- Natural rubber is from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
User Reviews – Patagonia Women’s R1® Lite Yulex® L/S Spring Jane Wetsuit
“Great design light spring wetsuit. However, short entry (front) zipper makes it very difficult to get on, take off . Took me 20 minutes to get out of. Love to see this redesigned with a long zipper. Also, like to see larger sizes (size 10 is largest). Big thank you to Patagonia for exchanging the spring Jane ( per above), with the long sleeve Yulex wetsuit jacket. Zipper runs full length ( chin to hips). Love the jacket for cool water swim in surf, pool.“
“Great fit, just enough coverage in the rear. I like to tan my legs but keep my shoulders covered and my chest warm. Perfect for late spring to late summer in Southern Cali. I also love the flowered pattern.”
“Perfect suit to get you out in the water. Warm enough for spring/summer Pacific Ocean. Definitely use the size chart! The size number will not match your usual size but the chart is spot on with the size you need for your measurements. Awesome wetsuit!”
“Love this spring suit. Comfortable, good fit, and stylish”
User Reviews – Patagonia Women’s R1® Lite Yulex® Long Jane Wetsuit
“Love it! Super warm and cozy.”
“Perfect for paddling (prone). No chafe, comfortable neck line, stretchy and well-stitched. My one critique is that the chest is too loose, so I can’t swim in it (fills up like a bubble).”
“Great fit, easy to get on and off, and does the job I needed!”
“This suit works well to keep me warm, but I would prefer more flexibility on the legs. Sadly, I can’t use this everyday as I get a rash on my armpits from rubbing against the material while paddling. The rash is not from a seam, just the way the suit is cut. Also got a lot of small pimples on my legs after surfing. Might be the combination of dirty water and the suit rubbing against skin.”
“This light weight wetsuit has been perfect for swimming in Washington during the spring and fall. I bought this suit to be able to continue swimming as our temperature dips in the shoulder season and I’ve been very pleased with the performance. It’s flexible, has a great fit, and has held up well. I have only owned it for a few months but it’s gotten a lot of wear. I look forward to surfing in the tropics, and California when it’s cooler.”
User Reviews – Patagonia Women’s R1® Lite Yulex® Front-Zip L/S Spring Suit
“Once I get it on, I love it. It is a bit of a twister getting the suit on and off.”
“Very stoked on my spring suit. Great customer service helped me get the perfect size for me. Quality is great, the pattern in fun, and it doesn’t ride up my cheeks or make me chafe. Getting out of a front zip wetsuit is always rough but the stretchy Yulex makes it way easier than most. (The trick is to free you left elbow first by pulling the sleeve down with your right hand. OR bring a friend to the beach and have them help lol). The only thing I can complain about is that the arms a bit long, but I’m a thick 5ft 7in and needed a bigger size so that brought the length up too. 10 out of 10. DEF recommend. Thanks!”
“Having had chance to wear it a few times now, I am not entirely satisfied with how it fits. Material and workmanship is great though. I get a fair amount of water coming into the suit from both ends – upper body and legs. I think I know the reason now, because I noticed the outer head flap (where you pull over the head and then zip it up) on the side of it does not sit flush to my shoulder. It is rather loose, I can put my hands easily into it. Water also gets into the hips area easily, the “leg” length in reality is shorter than what is shown on the model(s). My height and body measurements correspond exactly to size 2, but somehow in general it is not as tight a fit as it should be, bearing in mind suits do loosen up in the water. Weirdly I do not have issue with the arms like the other reviews, I do have narrow shoulders and maybe skinnier arms than average. I contacted the retailer (did not buy from retailer direct) and was offered satisfactory resolution.”
3. Patagonia Womens Wetsuits – R1 Full Range
Water Temp Range: 60°–65° F/16°–18° C
Thickness: 3/2.5 mm
Variations:
Women’s R1® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Suit
Women’s R1 Back Zip Full Suit
Features:
- Torso/thighs: 3.5mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex inverted microgrid.
- Arms/legs: 3mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with high-stretch 100% recycled polyester jersey.
- Exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex.
- Natural rubber is from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
User Reviews of Patagonia Womens Wetsuits – Full suit
“The wetsuit is great, warm, and well made. I’ve worn it in 58-64 degree water and ‘been warm enough each time. It runs a bit small- I wear a 2 in normal clothes but am a 6 in this wetsuit. For reference I am 52 and 115lbs.“
4. Patagonia Wetsuits – R2
Water Temp Range: 55°–60° F/13°–16° C
Thickness: 3.5 / 3 mm
Variations:
Women’s R2® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Suit
Features:
- Torso/thighs: 3.5mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex inverted microgrid.
- Arms/legs: 3mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with high-stretch 100% recycled polyester jersey.
- Exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex.
- Natural rubber is from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
User Reviews:
“I maintain my own moorings, plus help others find theirs when they’re lost. The flexibility of the rubber is amazing. I love the tight fit around the ankles and wrists. My little boy had to help me in, but that’s ok, I know I’m going to stay warm!“
“This wetsuit keeps me so warm while surfing; I could stay in the ocean for hours. Overall, awesome wetsuit but the neck is super tight. I’m hoping it will loosen up a bit over time.”
6. Patagonia Wetsuits – R4 Range
Water Temp Range: 38°–48° F/3°–9° C
Thickness: 5.5 / 4.0 mm
Variations:
Patagonia Women’s R4® Yulex® Front-Zip Hooded Full Wetsuit
Features:
- Torso/thighs: 5.5mm (hood: 3.5mm) 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex inverted microgrid.
- Arms/legs: 4mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, lined with high-stretch 100% recycled polyester jersey.
- Exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex
- Natural rubber is from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
User Reviews:
“Thank you for constantly improving your gear Patagonia! Glad for a chance to provide input and so here goes…. While the material is soft and comfortable and the wetsuit does the job and keeps me warm while surfing in windy New England conditions — I do go out all year round and would have preferred an R5. I am not alone in being a woman who surfs (or dives) in the winter and this begs the question, “Why isn’t Patagonia making an R5 for women?” The other factor that keeps this wetsuit from getting 5-stars is the suit’s narrow shoulders and tight arms. Man, is it hard to peel off after a session!! The first time I wore it I was nearly in tears trying to get out of the suit after leaving the water. It has stretched a little after about a dozen wears, but without a rash guard underneath, I find it super challenging to get out of this suit. Broader shoulders and/or strategically placed pull tabs would make this wetsuit a winner all around! (Pull tabs on the wrists to pull the sleeves over gloves would also be an amazing addition for mittened winter surfers!)“
“I was super stoked to try this suit, as I’m very supportive of Patagonia and how they operate as a company . Much as I wanted the sustainability this suit provides, it just doesn’t fit well on me. I normally wear an O’Neill size 10, which fits perfectly. This size 10 fit well up to the bust (I’m a 38″ DD, American size), but was so tight over the chest it required a fair bit of a valiant effort to pull up. It was then, of course, too tight across the shoulders, as well. The hood was the worst, ‘tho. The neck is tight. Really tight. Aggressively choking you tight. Pulling the hood down, which is how I surf 95% of the time, actually makes it worse. After having my roomie help me escape from the suit I sent it back and tried a size 12. The 12 was too big up to the bust, better over the bust and shoulders, but still hostile to the idea of breathing. I should also mention that when the hood is up, the chin part fits so high and tightly that it pushed my bottom lip up almost under my top lip. I’m not confident I could open my mouth enough to get that big gasp of air that sees one through the occasional a*-handing. That being said, the non-choky parts of the suit were super cozy and definitely felt like they would have been warm enough in PNW waters. If you know already that Patagonia suits fit you well, or you’d just like a highly entertaining fitting session, I actually would recommend giving this suit a go. It just wasn’t for me. Know what doesn’t choke you? A mask. Stay healthy, everyone! :)”
“Bought 3 Patagonia R4 wetsuits for self, husband and daughter. Wow! We all love them. Northern Washington Strait of Juan de Fuca water is no match for this wetsuit. We’ve worn them surfing and SUPing and wow. Comfortable and warm. My daughter and I do need help getting the hood off – it’s really difficult – but it’s getting easier with time. We used the size chart and my 5’8″ 140 lb husband got the small and my daughter and I are both 5’4″ / 5’6″ and 117 lbs and the size 6 is perfect. Yay. We purchased them from a Patagonia dealer in Oregon. Couldn’t be happier!”
7. Patagonia Women’s Wetsuit Size Chart
Women US (lbs, inches):
| Size | Height | Weight | Full Bust | Waist | Low Hips | Neck | Patagonia Size Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5’3″-5’7″ | 100-120 | 33 | 26½ | 35½ | 11½ | 2 (XS) |
| 6 | 5’3½”-5’7½” | 115-125 | 34 | 27½ | 36½ | 12 | 4 |
| 8 | 5’4″-5’8″ | 120-135 | 35 | 28½ | 37½ | 12½ | 6 (S) |
| 10 | 5’4½”-5’8½” | 130-145 | 36½ | 30 | 39 | 13 | 8 |
| 12 | 5’5″-5’9″ | 140-145 | 38 | 31½ | 40½ | 13½ | 10-12 (M) |
| 14 | 5’5½”-5’9½” | 150-65 | 39½ | 33 | 42 | 14 | 14 |
Patagonia Womens Wetsuit sizing aligns with wetsuit industry norms. You’ll likely prefer a wetsuit that’s one size larger than you wear in sportswear or performance apparel, except for sizes 12 and 14.
If you have any feedback and experience with Patagonia Wetsuits please drop a comment below, or submit your own detailed review here – we’d really appreciate it!
Make sure you check out our other wetsuit reviews while you are here. Happy surfing!