Woolprene
A french innovation for improved performance
Since 2018, we have been working with Payen to develop technical swimsuits and tops that perfectly meet your requirements and suit your wavesport activities. Thanks to their innovative fabric, Woolprene, our garments featuring this technology have become essential items in our EXPLORE® range.
An innovation for the Ardèche region
Founded in 1839 by two brothers who were silk merchants, the PAYEN company turned to the production of synthetic and technical yarn fabrics in the late 50s. In 1965, Pierre Payen created Pagastic®, a revolutionary elastic yarn using Lycra® fiber, which established the company as a European leader.
Over the years, the team of engineers has continued to push the boundaries of innovation by developing even more technical materials to perfectly meet the needs of the textile sector. Between 1990 and 2000, Payen integrated all stages of production—from weaving to finishing—becoming the only European manufacturer to control the entire process, from raw polymer to finished fabric.
This research led to the creation of Woolprene.
Today, Payen continues its mission: to create the textile products of tomorrow, which are ever more innovative, technical, and sustainable.
Insulated, breathable, and warm
The merino wool terry inner layer provides excellent thermal properties and high breathability.
Merino wool captures water in its microfibers, creating a layer that warms on the skin to ensure optimal thermal comfort in wet conditions. It keeps you warm during an extended session. In dry conditions, air pockets in the fibers warm up to retain heat.
Merino wool also prevents sweat and unpleasant odors. It can absorb up to 1/3 of its weight in moisture while remaining dry on the surface. Its natural antibacterial properties, due to keratin, limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, unlike synthetic materials.
Ultra light
Woolprène® fabric stands out for its featherweight feel, perfectly meeting the demands of athletes seeking lightness. Compared to our neoprene fabrics (between 200 and 250 gsm), which are thicker and therefore heavier when wet, Woolprène has a density of 130 gsm. Payen fabrics thus offer a weight reduction of around 35%, an advantage that is even more pronounced when the fabrics are wet.
Robust, windproof, and UV-resistant
Woolprene is exceptionally resistant to abrasion and seawater: Martindale resistance tests fail to damage it (NF ISO 12947-2, intact after 500,000 cycles).
The outer layer of polyamide and elastane provides a windproof effect that enhances the thermal protection of the merino wool.
The density of the fabric provides exceptional protection from ultraviolet rays, guaranteed UPF 50+..
Unmatched flexibility
Woolprene is particularly stretchable. Like a second skin, its bi-elasticity allows for great freedom of movement while providing excellent muscle support. During movement, the skin stretches in all directions, placing the same stresses on the fabric. Payen technology perfectly meets these needs without any extra effort, offering exceptional flexibility and optimal muscle support.
Quick dry
Almost dry as soon as you get out of the water, Woolprene offers remarkable drying speed, which is essential for wavesport, thanks to a water-repellent treatment. The feeling of being dry is almost immediate.
Thanks to its unique performance characteristics, Woolprene has become a staple in our coastal wardrobe. No matter what wavesport you practice, performance is not an option.
