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Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabrics feature the warmth of Polartec® thermal fabrics, combined with body-hugging 4-way stretch and a windproof membrane. They are designed to replace neoprene and spandex skins for many water sports by providing far greater comfort and increased warmth per weight.
The 4-way stretch provides a comfortable, non-restrictive fit along with easy donning and doffing. The polyester inner construction provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabrics are also odor- and itch-resistant and non-chafing, have outstanding sun protection (UPF 40).
How does it work?
There are two versions of Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabrics available:
1) The nylon-faced version is equivalent in warmth to 2.5 mm neoprene; it is windproof, water-repellent, and offers great abrasion protection. Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabrics are neutrally buoyant, which reduces the amount of extra weights necessary for diving.  Good breathability makes it ideal for warm-water diving and as an insulating base layer for above-water sports. It also provides warmth and wind protection in action speed sports like cycling and skiing.
2) The skin version is windproof and waterproof, and can be seam-sealed. Its surface sheds water to minimize evaporative heat loss, making the fabric ideal for an outer layer in above-water sports.
Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabrics are ideal for use in protetive suits for above and below water sports such as warm-water diving, paddling, surfing, and jet skiing.  They are also extremely comfortable substitutes for neoprene in accessories for use in cold weather, motion-forward sports such as skiing, cycling and snowmobiling.

Technical Highlights

  • Warmth of 2.5 mm neoprene
  • Blocks 100% of the wind to prevent wind chill
  • Non-restrictive fit allows full range of motion
  • Odor- and itch-resistant for next-to-skin comfort
  • Provides very good sun protection (UPF 40)
  • Neutral buoyancy
  • Machine washable

©2004 Malden Mills Industries, Inc. Malden Mills®, Polartec®, and Aqua Shell® are trademarks registered in the United States and in other jurisdictions for fabrics available only from Malden Mills Industries, Inc.