The men's Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex 2mm Long Sleeve Chest Zip Spring Wetsuit is an eco-friendly wetsuit choice made with Yulex harvested from sustainably grown rubber trees. Functional, simple and made to last, the seams are glued and blindstitched with spot taping in high-stress areas. Use this suit in warmers waters when the temperature drops or as an added level of sun protection.
Patagonia reformulated the Yulex material in their spring suits, making them lighter, stretchier and more comfortable. Made of 85% natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content that replaces a petroleum-based material with a plant-based one, they offer the same performance attributes as conventional stretch neoprene while reducing CO2 emissions by up to ~80% in the manufacturing process. Derived from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council certified by the Rainforest Alliance, natural rubber has been blended with chlorine-free synthetic rubber to increase ozone- and UV-resistance and this meets very rigorous standards for strength and durability. Offering full-arm warmth, comfort and sun protection for long sessions in warmer water, the redesigned, neoprene-free R1 Lite Yulex Front-Zip Long-Sleeved Spring Suit is 2mm throughout, lined with stretchy and fast-drying 100% recycled polyester; the face fabric is an 88% recycled polyester/12% spandex blend. The face fabric and lining are now solution dyed—using 86% less water than conventional dyeing—and are laminated with water-based AquaA glue that’s free from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The floating front-zip entry provides excellent flexibility through the chest and shoulders and has a corrosion-proof Salmi zipper that is fully repairable to extend the suit’s lifespan. For additional strength, seams are triple glued and blindstitched and are internally spot taped at high-stress areas. Easy-access key loop included. Made in a Fair Trade Certified facility. Suggested water temperatures: 65–75° F/18–23° C.