You’ve logged your last open-water mile of the season, hung up your goggles, and you’re already daydreaming about next year’s first triathlon. But before you stash your blueseventy wetsuit in the back of the closet, a little off-season care goes a long way. Proper storage preserves the flexibility of the Yamamoto neoprene, protects the watertight seals, and ensures that when you pull that suit on again, it feels just as dialed as it does right now.
1. Give It a Thorough Clean
Your wetsuit has earned a rinse. After the final swim of the year, submerge it in cool or lukewarm fresh water - never hot, as heat accelerates neoprene breakdown. Add a tiny amount of mild soap or wetsuit-specific cleaner if you like, then gently work the material to release chlorine, salt, lake sediment, and any body oils.
Rinse until the water runs clear. Pay special attention to the underarm and collar areas, where sweat and sunscreen tend to accumulate. A clean suit resists odors and prevents long-term material degradation while it’s in storage.
2. Dry It Completely - Inside and Out
Damp neoprene stored in a dark bin is a recipe for mildew and musky smells. Turn the suit inside out and hang it over a wide, padded hanger or draped across a drying rack indoors. Avoid wire hangers, clotheslines, or clothespins that can leave permanent dents in the neoprene.
Once the inside is dry to the touch, reverse it back to right-side-out and let the exterior dry fully. Never place a blueseventy wetsuit near a radiator, heater, or in direct sunlight - UV and intense heat can stiffen the fibers and void your one-year warranty on materials. Room-temperature air, even if it takes a full day, is the wetsuit’s best friend.
3. Fold It Loosely - Don’t Hang It Long-Term
This is the step that surprises most swimmers. Hanging a wetsuit for a few days is fine, but for months of storage, hanging can slowly stretch the shoulders and create stress points, especially on thinner, race-weight neoprene like our Helix. Gravity isn’t kind to delicate Yamamoto 40-cell material.
Instead, fold the suit loosely. Lay it flat, fold the arms inward over the chest, then fold the legs up once at the waist. Aim for gentle, natural folds rather than sharp creases - a rolled towel inserted at the fold point can help maintain the suit’s shape. If you absolutely must hang, use an extra-wide padded hanger and hang it at the waist, not the shoulders.
4. Pick a Cool, Dark, Low-Stress Spot
Find a place that stays consistently cool and dark: a bedroom closet shelf, a drawer, or a breathable storage bin under the bed. Attics and garages that swing from freezing to sweltering will punish neoprene over time. Avoid storing anything heavy on top of the suit - a stack of books or gear boxes can compress the foam and affect buoyancy distribution.
If you’re using a plastic bin, leave the lid slightly ajar or choose one with ventilation so any residual moisture can escape. Never seal a wetsuit in an airtight bag for months; trapped humidity leads to mold even on suits that felt dry.
5. Do a Quick Pre-Storage Checkup
Before you tuck the suit away, take two minutes to inspect it in good light. Look for:
- Small punctures or fingernail tears (often near the ankle or back of the neck). These are normal and simple to fix with a dab of Aquaseal neoprene cement. A repaired tear now means no surprise water inflow at next season’s first race.
- Zipper function. Make sure the zipper pull moves freely and the coil is clean. A tiny bit of zipper lubricant can prevent corrosion if you swim in salt water often.
- Seam tape or bond integrity. Give seams a gentle tug - any lifting should be repaired promptly. Remember, the warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year from purchase, but wear-and-tear damage like gouges from deck changing or fingernail cuts is easily avoidable with careful handling.
The Takeaway
A blueseventy wetsuit is a swim-specific tool, built to move with your stroke and boost your body position. A little off-season care - a thorough clean, a complete dry, a loose fold, and a dark, cool spot - keeps that Yamamoto neoprene supple and race-ready for seasons to come. Treat the suit well, and it will repay you with priceless confidence the moment you zip up on the beach next year.
Want to make sure your fit is still spot-on after months of storage? Take a test swim before the season officially kicks off - it won’t affect your ability to return or exchange. Dive into the new season worry-free.
Happy swimming!
