Press release:
Santa Cruz, CA — O’Neill is once again at the forefront of UV rashguard technology. The all-new O’Neill FUSE SEAM construction will join a long list of O’Neill’s industry firsts including TechnoButter Neoprene and the patented Z.E.N. zip wetsuit entry.
This new Stitchless Seam Technology is similar to the bonding technology, which has been used on seam construction in outerwear. O’Neill has been working on the development of the same type of bonding technique for stretch fabric seams. O’Neill is proud to be the first to bring this technology to the UV rashguard market.
The design team in O’Neill’s R&D facility, “AREA 52”, have been pushing the limits of UV rashguards since the beginning with the neon blitz of wearable sun protection pioneered in the 80’s. Through extensive testing they found, that due to the high stretch and even higher stress put on the seams of O’Neill’s performance fit rashguards, the seams must stretch as far as the fabrics stretch. The seams must also be strong enough to withstand the pressure of heavy water intent on ripping the shirt off your back. More importantly, the purpose of a rashguard is to prevent rash and nothing does that better than a flat seam which conforms to your body.
O’Neill’s FUSE SEAM construction uses ultrasonic welding to bond two overlapping panels of stretch fabric. The result is a seam, which requires no stitch and lies completely flat against your skin. The seam stretches along with the panels of the rashguard and returns back to its original position when released.
FUSE SEAM will be introduced into O’Neill’s “Always Summer” collection in a performance fit UV rashguard in spring of 2015. Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
Known primarily for the invention of the surfing wetsuit, Jack O’Neill’s original vision was to create products that allow you to surf longer. Whether it is a wetsuit for bone-chilling water, or sun protection garments that protect your skin from harmful UV rays, O’Neill continues to provide innovative products that protect you from the planet’s harshest conditions. “Being the first major surf and lifestyle brand to receive the respected Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation demonstrates O’Neill’s dedication to sun safety”, stated Pat O’Neill, CEO and President of O’Neill Wetsuits.
About O’Neill
O’Neill, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O’Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the first neoprene surfing wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.
While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack’s initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O’Neill’s core values—innovation in style and technology—have seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action sports lifestyle. From the first line of surfing wetsuits and surf leash, to the world’s first stitchless boardshorts, and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O’Neill’s progressive spirit will always drive the company forward. For more information, please visit https://www.oneill.com/wetsuits.
