Mollusk: The Wetsuit Brand That Isn’t A Wetsuit, Who Nearly Won Best Wetsuits

Mollusk is not a wetsuit brand. They’re a surf shop based in San Francisco and Santa Barbara, who also feature an extensive ecommerce biz.

Mollusk’s currency is style and quality, which perhaps explains why, after years of selling exclusively Feral neoprene, they decided to step up and make their own blacked-out wetsuits (with a cute logo hit on the wrist).

In a surprising vote of confidence, Mollusk decided to enter their first-ever suit to the gauntlet of Best Wetsuits. 

It’s a bold strategy Cotton, let’s see how it works out for them…Watch the full test here. 

Suits

Men’s Submission: 4/3 Chest-zip ($250)

Mikey says: I had no idea Mollusk even made suits. When I found out they were submitting one to Best Wetsuits, I figured there was no way they could compete with brands that have been in the game for decades. Somehow, their suit was right on par with a lot of the major labels. If they can just make the cuffs a little less retrictive, we could be talking about a future Best Wetsuits finalist. I didn’t have many other complaints.

Pro: Great value at $250
Con: Very tight around the wrists, ankles, and neck. 

Comfort: 40
Warmth: 43
Total: 83

Women’s Submission: 4/3 Chest-zip ($250)

Cori says: Minimalists rejoice! A sleek, ultra stylie (dare I say ‘sexy’?) wetsuit with virtually zero branding has hit the market, and for well under $300. Crazy, we know. Aptly-named the ‘Warm Wetsuit’ this limestone-based design is just that thanks to much glueing, taping, blind-stitching, yadda yadda, as well as a wonderfully fuzzy inner lining and smoothie material at all entry points for additional warmth. I hesitate to make any real complaint about this suit, as it gives one that superhero-ey/Catwoman feeling when wearing (which should be the true benchmark for all wetsuit design IMO), and because the issue in question is actually something that contributes to its coziness. Alas, I will admit that the wrist and ankle openings of this wetsuit are seriously snug and, at times, difficult to pull on and off. Beyond that, I can find very little to criticize about this beautifully-designed bit of surfing equipment. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

Pro: Makes you feel like Catwoman.
Con: Difficult to get on and off.

Comfort: 45
Warmth: 45
Total: 90 (Finalist — watch the full test here to see if Mollusk wins!)