How do Stinger Suits Work?

In Australia we use Stinger Suits for 2 main reasons, we want protection from the nasty stingers (jelly fish) that thrive in our tropical waters and from the searing sun and uv rays that cause skin cancer. As a Family Business based in Queensland Australia, we see and hear of the effects of the suns harmful rays often. We are passionate about protecting Aussies, and folks from all over the world against this dangerous, but avoidable skin damage.

Fortunately the same technology in our garments that works against uv radiation, also works against the stingers, another issue we at Stingray Australia know all to well about living in the warmer climate!

To stop stingers we need to provide a barrier between the sting and the skin, and due to the size of the stingers (very small) the barrier needs to not have any large gaps. The Italian fabrics that Stingray uses has an extremely tight weave which not only blocks the stingers but it also blocks in excess of 98% of the harmful UV rays. In fact in some laboratory testing the darker coloured fabrics actually blocked 99.8% of the UV rays.

Are all Stinger Suits the same ?

The simple answer is no. Not all stinger suits are made from the best materials. The cheaper suits will often be made from Lycra/Spandex, which unfortunately has a fundamental flaw. Lycra deteriates and breaks down in chlorine and uv light, or in other words in the sea or outside in the sun ! Have you ever had a swimsuit/rashie that has lost its elasticity? If you have then that has been the Lycra breaking down, and this not only has the effect of making the garment a worse fit, it actually stops its effectiveness. Once the Lycra breaks down the weave of the fabric (or the gaps between the threads) loosens and potentially allows the stingers and sunlight through.

The better brands have known about this for some time and use a more expensive fabric called PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) mixed with polyester. This material is completely resistant to chlorine and the UV rays. Whilst this may make the suits a little more expensive to purchase up front, the cost is recovered because you can purchase fewer over your lifetime.

Will I look great in a stinger suit?

We think our stinger suits look great and the material does definitely help to pull in and hide some of the lumps and bumps.

Even the great Lionel Richie loves them. Check out his instagram post!

We have had a number of customers reach out to us to thank us for allowing them to get back outside. They were suffering from scars, burns, birthmarks, varicose veins or other skin conditions and the full coverage of the suit has given them the confidence to return to some of their favourite activities.

What can I use my Stinger Suit for?

Whilst most people purchase stinger suits to go snorkeling there are a great number of activities where you will benefit from their comfort and sun protection: Swimming, Kayaking/Canoeing, Surfing, Wind Surfing to name a few.