As the name suggests, a shorty wetsuit is cropped at the legs and can have long or short sleeves. If you are a diver, a shorty will be a good choice for warm water. As for the surface watersports, such as surfing or standup paddleboarding, a springsuit will be a perfect solution for when it gets breezier in transitional seasons. It will both provide UV protection and keep off windchill, without overheating you. Furthermore, apart from using the shorty as a standalone piece of divewear, you can layer it over a fullsuit for cold water activities. Shorty is also one of the most comfortable wetsuit styles for kids. It is easy to put on and take off. It also won’t restrict the child’s movement, allowing them to enjoy the aquatic world to the fullest.
How Should a Shorty Wetsuit Fit?
A springsuit should have a snug fit and feel almost like a second skin. When the shorty wetsuit is too loose, it will allow a lot of water to flush through, which will make you cold. On the contrary, if the springsuit fits too tight, it may restrict movements and impair blood circulation.
When choosing a shorty wetsuit, pay attention to its cut as it can also affect the springsuit’s performance. Short sleeve shorty wetsuits provide more freedom for movement in the elbows area. Long sleeve shorty wetsuits will protect the arms from the sun rays and/or cold water.
Also, consider shorty’s zipper placement. A springsuit can come with a back zipper, a vertical front zipper, or a horizontal chest zipper. Long back and front zippers make the suit easier to put on and take off. Chest zip shorty wetsuits offer more freedom in the back area and will be perfect for more active sports. If you want to use the shorty primarily to layer it on top of your fullsuit, go for the one with a full-length diagonal zipper. It makes the donning and doffing process more effortless.
When to Wear a Shorty Wetsuit?
A shorty wetsuit can be used for almost any aquatic activity. That being said, when making your choice you should consider the springsuit thickness. Divers can wear a thin 1-3mm shorty in warm water. For surface watersports, such shorty can last you well into the fall and should provide enough warmth even in colder temperate waters. Anything over 3-5mm is most often used for layering a shorty wetsuit over a fullsuit to create a double layer around the torso. So if you are choosing a shorty wetsuit for cold water diving, go for 5-7mm neoprene.
As for the zipper placement, springsuits for diving, most often come with a back or long vertical front zipper. A chest zip shorty wetsuit will be perfect for surfing. If you are a fan of paddleboarding and kayaking, a short sleeve springsuit will provide more freedom while paddling. A shorty wetsuit will also be great for snorkeling and open-water swimming as it gives just enough warmth in slightly colder weather. Choose a long-sleeve springsuit for the first activity and a short-sleeve suit for the second one.
Which Shorty Wetsuit to Choose?
Dip ‘N Dive has a variety of shorty wetsuits from different brands. Henderson and NeoSport provide thick long-sleeve shorties for layering. TYR and Cressi have springsuits for kids made of thin neoprene. ScubaPro, Seac, Henderson, and Cressi have short-sleeve shorty wetsuits with front or back zippers for both men and women. Find your best wetsuit shorty that will meet all your needs.