Shark-Proof Wetsuit Resists Great White Bites, Study Finds

A shark-proof wetsuit that resists bites from Great Whites has been developed, offering a potential safety boost for surfers, divers and others who venture into the ocean. The study, conducted by researchers at Flinders University and affiliated institutions, tested four new bite-resistant materials designed to protect against large predatory bites while maintaining flexibility for recreational use.

In the trial, four materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster—were evaluated for their ability to reduce injuries from bites by white and tiger sharks, in comparison with standard neoprene. The goal was to determine whether these materials could limit deep lacerations and major trauma that can follow a bite, thereby reducing blood loss and the severity of injuries. The researchers noted small differences among the four options, but all showed a protective effect relative to traditional wetsuits.

The wetsuit materials blend strong, lightweight fibers commonly used in sailing rope with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, a combination described by researchers as delivering both mobility and protection. That balance is important because while traditional chainmail provides protection, it can hinder movement in the water. The new fabric approach aims to offer practical protection for recreational use without sacrificing performance.

In testing, footage captured the material being subjected to a large Great White in a controlled setting, and the fabric survived the encounter largely unscathed, suggesting a potential lifeline for those in shark-infested waters. The tests were not conducted on humans, but researchers emphasized that the results indicate reduced risk of severe bleeding and tissue damage compared with standard neoprene.

"While these suits don't eliminate all risk (for example, internal injuries may still occur), our results indicate that they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives," said Professor Charlie Huveneers, who leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group. "Our findings will allow for informed decisions to be made about the use of bite-resistant wetsuit materials for occupational activities, as well as enabling the public to make appropriate decisions about the suitability of using these products."

The study's authors say the materials could be adopted for a range of activities, from commercial diving to recreational surfing, where bite mitigation is particularly valuable. The team stressed that the gear should be viewed as a harm-reduction measure rather than a guarantee of safety, and they highlighted the need for continued non-lethal shark-management strategies alongside protective gear.

The researchers also noted a broader context: data released last year showed an unnerving rise in fatal shark attacks in 2023 worldwide. Researchers at the University of Florida reported that deaths due to apex predators doubled, with 10 fatalities—up five from the previous year—amid more people spending time in the ocean and improved reporting. The findings underscore that while protective gear can reduce injury, it does not eliminate risk entirely.

The team behind the wetsuit aims to shift shark-bite mitigation away from lethal methods toward non-lethal alternatives, combining protective materials with education and situational awareness. Dr. Tom Clarke, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University, said the study demonstrated that bite-resistant materials incorporated into wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks up to about 3 meters in length, compared with standard neoprene.

These advances come as researchers emphasize that the threat posed by sharks has long inspired both fear and debate about how best to respond. Sharks are among the planet’s oldest and most efficient predators, with a design that has remained relatively constant for hundreds of millions of years. Their teeth, serrated and capable of rapid growth and replacement, contribute to the danger perceived by humans who enter the ocean. Yet experts caution that most shark encounters are brief and do not indicate a broader threat to people, particularly when people follow local safety guidelines.

The new bite-resistant materials are not a substitute for caution. Instead, they represent one element of a broader strategy to reduce harm in the event of a bite, potentially lowering the rate of life-threatening blood loss and enabling quicker medical response. As ocean use expands, researchers say the integration of protective fabrics with behavior-based safety measures could help balance the benefits of coastal recreation with a realistic assessment of residual risk.

Image from the wetsuit testing phase provides a visual reminder of the scale of the testing program and the research team’s focus on practical protection for aquatic activities.