Sometimes, we can get away with being in the water without a wetsuit when the weather is hot, but how long can you stay in the sea? For many of us, not long enough! And that’s when a shorty wetsuit is useful!
With a decade’s experience in the online wetsuit industry, we provide our top recommendations, including features to look out for and our best offers in line with your budget! Whether you’re after kids’, men’s shorty wetsuits, or shorty wetsuits for ladies, find out all you need to know below!
CONTENTS
- Why Use a Shorty Wetsuit?
- Features to Look For in a Shorty Wetsuit
- The Best Shorty Wetsuits For Men
- The Best Shorty Wetsuits For Women
- The Best Shorty Wetsuits For Kids
- How a Shorty Wetsuit Should Fit
WHY USE A SHORTY WETSUIT?
Shorty wetsuits are perfect for the UK’s summer season or warmer climates when a swimsuit or a pair of boardies don’t quite cut it! They are usually either 3mm or 2mm thick in neoprene, with some even being around 1mm. They provide just enough neoprene to keep your body warm in the water while not being too thick to stifle you under the hot sun.
A standard winter wetsuit is 5mm thick in the legs and body, so you can imagine the relief these wetsuits can bring in hotter climates! A good shorty wetsuit is super versatile in its uses and can cover a wide range of watersports, including:
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Bodyboarding
- Kitesurfing
- Kayaking
- Jet skiing
- Sailing
- Swimming (may require a specialised shorty wetsuit)
If you’re looking to advance your abilities and extend your sessions in the water, a shorty wetsuit can provide the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility - keeping your core warm while allowing your arms and legs to cool off in the water.
PERFECT FOR BEACH DAYS
If you are looking to spend a family holiday by the beach, a shorty wetsuit is the perfect addition. They are great for dipping in and out of the sea with the family, and they are small in size compared to full-length wetsuits, making them much more manageable and easier to take on and off.
WHY NOT OPT FOR A 3:2 SUMMER WETSUIT?
A 3:2 summer wetsuit is an excellent choice in the summer if you tend to feel the cold. On a sunny day, you might feel warm over a more extended period as your whole body is covered in neoprene.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHORTY WETSUIT
We have many different shorty wetsuits in various styles, designs, and price ranges. But the best shorty wetsuit for you will depend on a couple of things:
- What you will be using it for
- Your budget
These are two factors to take into account when considering your value for money.
If you are using your wetsuit on holiday while spending time on the beach, you might not necessarily require a higher-end and more expensive wetsuit because the benefits might be less noticeable.
If you are using it for more extreme sports, such as surfing, you might be looking for a wetsuit that emphasises flexibility as a key feature in its design.
NEOPRENE
One of the critical price points of a wetsuit is neoprene. The more flexible the neoprene, the better it will fit you, which means you will feel warmer in the ocean. Not only will it fit your body shape more accurately, but it will also be more comfortable. With the flexibility to move more freely, the suit's stretchiness can enhance your session in the water.
SLEEVE LENGTH
Across our range of shorty wetsuits, there are a variety of sleeve lengths. In general, most shorty wetsuits cut off at the elbows and knees.
However, other designs, such as the Mystic Brand 3/2mm Long Arm Back Zip Shorty Wetsuit, feature full-length sleeves. If you feel cold, a long-sleeve shorty wetsuit might be a great choice, especially if you like to have dawny or sunset summer surfs when the air temperature is colder.
SEALING OF SEAMS
Seams in thicker wetsuits, where trapping heat is essential, should be glued and blind-stitched to stop excess water leaking into the wetsuit.
However, because trapping heat isn't a priority in shorty wetsuits, which are supposed to be used in warmer climates, most designs are finished with flat-locked seams. Only in the more performance-based shorty wetsuits will you see advancement on flat-lock seams.
Another thing you will notice as you search our range is the different entry systems below:
BACK ZIP
A back zip is one of the most popular entry systems for a shorty wetsuit. It is a favoured entry system as it is straightforward to get in and out of the suit with a back zip. It is perfect for quickly taking it on and off as you dip in and out of the water on a hot day.
CHEST ZIP
Chest zip shorty wetsuits are perfect for those who require more flexibility in their wetsuits. They are the preferred entry system for those who want to maximise their performance in the water.
Our O’Neill Hammer Chest Zip Shorty wetsuit is a great example of a highly regarded chest zip shorty wetsuit. The combination of high-flex neoprene and a chest zip means you feel unrestricted in the water, all at a fairly affordable price.
The zip on the chest removes any restriction that you may feel with some back zip suits.
FRONT ZIP
Instead of a zip going horizontally across your chest, you may notice some suits come with a front zip placed vertically down the chest. There are a few reasons for this.
Wetsuits, such as the Zone 3 Lava Women's Short Sleeve Distance Aero Trisuit, designed for ease of access during triathlons and other open-water swimming races. They are specially designed to cool down quickly during the running part of a race after swimming.
You will notice how specialised these wetsuits are through their thin but durable neoprene. They are specially designed for serious swimmers and competitors in the sport.
Other wetsuits designed for surfing in warmer climates, such as the O'Neill Bahia 2/1mm Women's Front Zip Shortie Wetsuit, have a front zip as an added feature to ensure you can cool down quickly should you feel too warm in the ocean.
THE BEST SHORTY WETSUITS FOR MEN
Here at Wetsuit Centre, we provide many affordable shorty wetsuits for men and offer more advanced designs for those wanting a more performance-based suit. Let’s take a look at our favourites below:
1. C SKINS ELEMENT 3MM MENS SHORTY WETSUIT
On a budget? If you are looking for a reliable wetsuit at an outstanding price, the C-Skins Element 3mm Shorty Wetsuit is a steal. The value of this wetsuit is extraordinary, with C-Skin’s highly regarded Ultra Stretch C-Flex neoprene. So not only is it comfortable, but it also provides a snug fit.
2. MYSTIC BRAND 3/2MM LONG ARM MENS BACK ZIP WETSUIT
Something different for those with a slightly bigger budget looking for more warmth on the arms is the new Mystic Brand 3/2mm Long Arm Back Zip Mens Shorty Wetsuit. Its 3/2mm thickness and long sleeve provide excellent insulation for cooler waters. The back zip design ensures easy on and off, while the durable 50% M-flex and 50% soft touch neoprene offer flexibility and comfort for extended sessions in the surf.
3. O’NEILL HYPERFREAK 2MM MEN’S CHEST ZIP SHORTY WETSUIT
The O'Neill Hyperfreak 2 mm Men's Chest Zip is crafted with hyper-stretch neoprene for the ultimate quality shorty wetsuit for men. Combining brilliant performance, comfort, and a stylish design, this wetsuit offers brilliant flexibility and freedom of movement during your summer surf adventures.
The chest zip entry system ensures a snug fit, while sealed seams prevent water entry and cold flushes for enhanced warmth and comfort. Featuring a 2mm thickness, it provides the right balance of insulation and ease of movement on warmer days.
THE BEST SHORTY WETSUITS FOR WOMEN
Whether you are looking for an affordable wetsuit or one with the ultimate flexibility, we’ve you covered at Wetsuit Centre. Take a look at our recommendations for women’s shorties below:
1. O'NEILL REACTOR II 2MM WOMEN’S SHORTY WETSUIT
Looking for an affordable yet high-performing wetsuit for your spring and summertime adventures? Say hello to the budget-friendly O’Neill Reactor II 2mm Women’s Shorty Wetsuit. Crafted with quality neoprene, this wetsuit offers excellent durability and flexibility without breaking the bank. Its 2mm thickness provides just the right amount of warmth for summer waters, while the short design allows for great freedom of movement.
Featuring a back zip entry system, this suit is easy to put on and take off, while the strategic seam placement minimises chafing and irritation. Whether you’re catching waves or soaking up the sun, the O’Neill Reactor delivers the perfect combination of comfort, performance, and affordability.
2. MYSTIC BRAND 3/2MM LONG ARM WOMENS SHORTY WETSUIT
If you’re looking for extra warmth, the stylish Mystic Brand 3/2mm Long Arm features long sleeves for additional insulation to take the edge off during those summer surf sessions. Featuring a super-stretch neoprene construction, this suit offers an exceptional range of movement - when you move, it moves with you.
But that’s not all. The glideskin double-neck design prevents water from flushing down your wetsuit, keeping you warm and comfortable. This shorty wetsuit for women offers extra warmth and a sleek design for a slightly higher price tag - but without breaking the bank!
3. RIP CURL WOMEN’S G BOMB BACK ZIP 1MM SHORTY WETSUIT
Another long-sleeve shorty suit is the Rip Curl G Bomb Back Zip. This suit should be your go-to if you want to relax on steamy, hot beach days during the peak of summer or are heading abroad for epic surf sessions.
This suit has a wetsuit thickness of 1mm, offering more protection and preventing unwanted chafing from surfboards. It also presents a seriously stylish floral print in dark teal for the ultimate surf girl look—and another style that features an orange and navy floral print.
THE BEST SHORTY WETSUITS FOR KIDS
Many parents love shorty wetsuits for beach days with the kids! Hassle-free to get on and off, and they can be much less effort to convince your kids to wear than a full-length suit!
Because of their small size, they are easy to transport. Another invaluable feature is the sun protection they provide while your little one is in the sea!
Most parents prefer not to splash out on wetsuits for beach holidays, with children growing out of clothes almost as soon as you buy them. Luckily, there are many affordable options out there!
Let’s dive into our top picks for children’s shorty wetsuits.
1. MYSTIC STAR 3/2MM JUNIOR SHORTY WETSUIT
Offering a neoprene thickness of 3mm, Mystic Star’s 3/2mm Junior Shorty Wetsuit ensures your child stays warmer whilst benefiting from brilliant freedom of movement. Perfect for June to Septemeber, this shorty wetsuit for kids features a back zip entry style, allowing them to effortlessly get in and out of their suit throughout the day.
2. O'NEILL HAMMER 2MM CHEST ZIP KIDS SHORTY
The O’Neill Hammer 2mm Chest Zip Kids Shorty Wetsuit is the ultimate wetsuit for children during the warm summer months. If you plan to head to the beach regularly during the summer with your child, investing in this high-quality wetsuit is a sound choice.
This suit features 100% ultraflex neoprene, a stylish design, double-lined, minimal seams, and DS smoothskin on the chest and back.
