FAQ

Frequently asked questions
I’m between sizes, what should I choose?
If you sit between sizes on our chart, we recommend choosing the larger size. A suit that’s too tight is harder to get in and out of and will wear out more quickly. A slightly looser suit will mold to your body with wear and may shrink a bit with age. More detail is on our Fit & Sizing page.
What’s the difference between the Smoothskin and Jersey suits?
Both suits share the same overall fit, 4/3mm Japanese limestone rubber, and front-zip entry system. The Smoothskin suit uses smooth and mesh rubber on the outside to help cut windchill and hold warmth close; it runs warmer but is more delicate and needs extra care around fingernails and rough surfaces. The Jersey suit uses a durable neoprene jersey exterior, making it a tough, everyday cold-water suit. Learn more on our Our Wetsuits page.
Where are Basalt wetsuits made?
Every Basalt suit is handcrafted in Japan in a small factory of about fifteen experienced craftspeople. Suits are made one at a time, with panels cut individually, glued, and blind-stitched with care. As your suit moves through the factory it travels with a quality-control card stamped at each stage with the maker’s personal hanko (seal), so nothing leaves the line until it’s right.
How should I care for my suit?
Rinse your suit in cool freshwater after each session and hang it to dry inside-out in the shade. Avoid heat: no hot showers, jacuzzis, washing machines, dryers, or direct sun for long periods. Treat smoothskin panels with extra care around rough surfaces and sharp objects. Full details are on our Care & Repairs page.
What does the 1-year warranty cover?
Every Basalt suit comes with a 1-year manufacturing warranty on construction, which covers issues like seam separation or bonding failures that appear without external damage. Normal wear and tear and user-inflicted damage (fingernail nicks, cuts, overstretching, heat damage, abrasion from rough surfaces) aren’t covered, but many of these issues can still be repaired. We work with a specialist repair shop in California and our factory in Japan to decide the best fix. See Care & Repairs for how to start a claim.
What is the return policy?
Due to the delicate nature of smoothskin rubber, Smoothskin suits are final sale and not eligible for returns. Please use our Fit & Sizing guide and reach out with questions before purchasing a Smoothskin suit. For Jersey suits, please refer to our current policy on the Returns page. Soft goods (tees, hats, totes) are final sale.