Editing Wetsuit (section)

===Return of single-backed neoprene===
As wetsuits continued to evolve, their use was explored in other sports such as open-water swimming and [[triathlons]]. Although double-backed neoprene is strong, the cloth surface is relatively rough and creates a large amount of [[Fluid resistance|drag]] in the water, slowing down the swimmer. A single-backed suit has a [[hydrodynamics|smoother exterior surface which causes less drag]].{{cn|date=October 2021}} With the advances of elastic Lycra backings and blindstitching, single-backed neoprene suits could be made that outperformed the early versions from the 1970s. Other developments in single-backed wetsuits include the suits designed for [[free-diving]] and [[spearfishing]]. Single lined neoprene is more flexible than double lined. To achieve flexibility and low bulk for a given warmth of suit, they are unlined inside, and the slightly porous raw surface of the neoprene adheres closely to the skin and reduces flushing of the suit. The lined outer surface may be printed with [[camouflage]] patterns for spearfishing and is more resistant to damage while in use.{{cn|date=October 2021}}

Some triathlon wetsuits go further, and use rubber-molding and texturing methods to roughen up the surface of the suit on the forearms, to increase drag and help pull the swimmer forwards through the water. Extremely thin 1&nbsp;mm neoprene is also often used in the under-arm area, to decrease stretch resistance and reduce strain on the swimmer when they extend their arms out over their head.

Wetsuits used for [[caving]] are often single-backed with a textured surface known as "sharkskin" which is a thin layer where the neoprene is less expanded. This makes it more [[Wear#Abrasive wear|abrasion]] resistant for squeezing between rocks and doesn't get torn in the way that fabric does.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}

Another reason to eliminate the external textile backing is to reduce water retention which can increase [[evaporative cooling]] and [[wind chill]] in suits used mainly out of the water.{{cn|date=October 2021}}