Our thermal insulated wetsuits are glue and blind stitched which will be found on high end wetsuits. GBS is when the neoprene panels are glued together to create a seal. The next step is the blind stitching which doesn’t actually penetrate fully through the neoprene and instead is an extra layer of strength to the glued seams to prevent any water entering the wetsuit.
Flatlock stitching is the alternative way to bring the wetsuit together and is found mainly on rash guards and warm water wetsuits.
The stitching goes through both panels of the neoprene when assembling for a strong seal but water does pass through. This is okay on a short sleeve or summer wetsuit but for a cold water wetsuit GBS is the only way to prevent water from entering the wetsuit.