Why Are Wetsuits Black?

Black Provides Ultimate UV Protection

Neoprene, the type of rubber your wetsuit is likely made from, starts off as a milky white color. Carbon black is a key ingredient added, turning the rubber black to increase strength. It also provides heightened UV resistance for the same reason as heat absorption.

Why are wetsuits black like seals?

Black is the first color to absorb photons, which is responsible for the UV resistant properties of your wetsuit and aids in the absorption of heat. With the water trapped, you want all the thermal support you can get. Carbon black added to raw neoprene supplies exactly that in terms of both heat and structure.

Do black wetsuits attract sharks?

Since sharks see contrast colors, anything that is very bright against lighter or darker skin can look like a bait fish to a shark. For this reason, he suggests swimmers avoid wearing yellow, white, or even bathing suits with contrasting colors, like black and white.