Shorty wetsuits are exactly what they sound like wetsuits that are shorter than regular ones.
They’re designed for swimming and other water sports, but they’re also great for surfing in warmer climates or diving if you have a more active lifestyle.
It’s important to remember that these aren’t made just for children; adults can also wear them! In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about shorty wetsuits, including:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Shorty wetsuits are a popular option for swimming. |
| They provide thermal insulation and protection against UV rays. |
| Shorty wetsuits offer flexibility and freedom of movement. |
| They are suitable for moderate water temperatures. |
| Consider factors such as water temperature and intended use before choosing a shorty wetsuit. |
| Proper care and maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your shorty wetsuit. |
Are Shorty Wetsuits Good For Swimming?
Shorty wetsuits are good for swimming. Wearing a shorty wet suit will keep your body warm when you swim and make it easier to stay in the water longer without getting cold.
A shorty wet suit keeps the majority of your body covered with neoprene material that helps insulate against cold water.
It can also be worn in other types of watersports such as scuba diving or snorkeling which involve colder temperatures than swimming alone could provide. Shorty wetsuits come in different sizes including extra large and small so there’s bound to be one that fits your needs perfectly!
When it comes to finding the right swimwear, comfort and performance are key. Check out our article on the benefits of Dri-Fit shirts for swimming to discover why they are a popular choice among swimmers looking for optimal comfort and moisture-wicking properties.
Do Shorty Wetsuits Come In Different Sizes?
Shorty wetsuits are available in sizes small, medium and large. You can also choose between a one-piece or two-piece shorty wet suit.
For those who love the comfort of being able to move around freely while still staying warm and dry, a shorty is an excellent choice!
| Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Height (feet/inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34-36 | 28-30 | 5’2″-5’4″ |
| S | 36-38 | 30-32 | 5’4″-5’6″ |
| M | 38-40 | 32-34 | 5’6″-5’8″ |
| L | 40-42 | 34-36 | 5’8″-5’10” |
| XL | 42-44 | 36-38 | 5’10”-6’0″ |
| XXL | 44-46 | 38-40 | 6’0″-6’2″ |
This table provides a size chart for shorty wetsuits based on chest, waist, and height measurements. Use this chart as a reference to find the right fit for your shorty wetsuit. Remember to consult the specific sizing guide provided by the brand to ensure accurate measurements and the best fit for your body type.
Does Shorty Wetsuits Come In A Variety Of Colors?
It’s also worth noting that shorty wetsuits come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that best fits your style.
The most popular colors are black, blue and red, but there are also shorty wetsuits that come in grey, green and yellow.
Can I Get A Shorty Wetsuit For My Kids?
Yes, you can get a shorty wetsuit for your kids. Shorty wetsuits are made for children of all sizes and ages. They come in different styles and colors as well, so there is sure to be one that will fit your little one perfectly.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Shorty Wetsuits?
Pros:
- They are easier to swim in than long-sleeve wetsuits.
- You can wear them without worrying about scratching your skin on the diving board or boat ladder.
- Because they are lighter, they don’t make you feel weighed down when you’re swimming around.
Cons:
They only protect the top half of your body, so if you’re going to be in cold water for a very long time, they may not be enough protection from hypothermia.
If someone sees you wearing one of these suits while swimming out by yourself and they mistake it as a normal bathing suit instead of what it really is (a wetsuit), then no one will know that there’s anything wrong with them when they get back home because all their clothes will still be dry except for what was covering their upper half!
This could get dangerous if there was something serious wrong with them because nobody would know until later when symptoms start showing up such as coughing spells due to pneumonia; fever from flu-like symptoms such as influenza A virus infection; etcetera.”
How Does A Shorty Wet Suit Keep Me Warm When I Swim?
First, neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is used to make wetsuits. It’s very flexible and it keeps your body warm, which makes the water feel warmer too. This means that you will be able to swim longer and have more fun!
Second, neoprene insulates against cold water temperatures. It helps keep your body temperature at a constant level as opposed to plunging into cold water where it would cool down quickly due to evaporation (water vaporization).
This means that even when it’s cold outside or in the pool there won’t be any problems with hypothermia while swimming in your new suit!
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Neoprene Material | Neoprene traps a thin layer of water against the skin, which is warmed by body heat and acts as insulation. |
| Thickness | Thicker neoprene provides better insulation, keeping you warmer in the water. Common thicknesses range from 2mm to 3mm. |
| Flatlock Stitching | Flatlock stitching reduces water flow through the seams, minimizing heat loss and enhancing insulation. |
| Sealed Cuffs and Collar | Sealed cuffs and collar prevent water from entering the suit, reducing flushing and maintaining warmth. |
| Full Coverage | Shorty wetsuits with longer sleeves and legs offer more coverage, keeping more body surface protected and insulated. |
| Brand-Specific Features | Some brands incorporate proprietary technologies, such as thermal linings or panels, to enhance warmth retention. |
This table highlights the key features of shorty wetsuits that contribute to their ability to keep you warm when swimming. The combination of neoprene material, thickness, stitching, sealed cuffs and collar, and full coverage helps to maintain your body heat and provide insulation in the water. Additionally, some brands offer unique features to further enhance the warmth-retaining properties of their shorty wetsuits.
How Long Will A Shorty Wetsuit Last Me?
The lifespan of a wetsuit depends on how well you take care of it and how often you use it. If you take proper care of your wetsuit and do not overuse it, then it will last longer than if you did not follow these simple steps.
When you first purchase your shorty wet suit, make sure to read the instructions on the tag or hangtag that comes with it to know what type of cleaning method is best for washing your suit.
Some suits can be washed in cold water with detergent while others require hand washing only so make sure that whatever method works best for your particular brand is used when cleaning your suit.
When drying off after swimming, do not lay out flat in the sun or leave hanging from an outdoor clothesline where there are strong UV rays.
Be sure to store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
Keep away from pets as well as kids who may accidentally cause damage by playing with them too roughly; try keeping them in an area where nobody else will have access without permission.
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Should I Buy A Shorty Wetsuit For My Dog Or Cat?
Shorty wetsuits are also available for dogs and cats. We do not, however, recommend them for children.
There are many reasons why you should get a shorty wetsuit if you have a pet:
- It will keep your pet warm in the winter months and cooler in the summer months
- It will protect your pet from ticks, fleas, and other insects that can harm them while they’re outside
- It will help keep your pet clean when they play with other dogs or cats (because shorty wetsuits can be machine-washed)
Should I Buy A Shorty Wetsuit For My Horse?
Before you go out and buy your horse a wetsuit, you need to consider some things. First off, horses have different body shapes than humans.
A shorty wetsuit will not fit them properly. Even if they are able to get into the suit (and many aren’t), it will be far too tight and uncomfortable for their long-bodied frame.
Second of all, horses are much larger than humans even those in the largest size category so even if a shorty wetsuit did fit your horse, it would be way too small!
Is There Any Way To Tell If My Suit Is Fit For Diving?
If you’re thinking about getting into the sport of scuba diving, or if you already do it but have never had your own wetsuit before, then this is important information for you.
The best way to test a wetsuit to see if it will keep you warm enough in the water is by putting on the suit and jumping into a pool or lake.
This way, if anything feels uncomfortable or comes apart during your swim, then there’s no harm done you can just take off the suit and try again with another one.
If that sounds like too much work (and who wouldn’t want to avoid spending hours trying on different suits), then ask for help from someone else who has experience using these types of garments. Most people will be happy to help out someone who is interested in learning more about their hobby!
Protect your ears and enjoy a comfortable swim with the right gear. Our comprehensive guide on earplugs for swimming explains their importance in preventing water-related ear problems and highlights the top options available to ensure a safe and enjoyable swim.
Is It Better To Wear A Long-Sleeve Or Short-Sleeve Wetsuit?
The short answer is that it depends on the water temperature. If you’re going to be in colder water and want a more streamlined suit, go for a long-sleeve wetsuit.
However, if you’re going to be in warmer water and want something more comfortable, then opt for a short-sleeve wetsuit.
These suits tend to be more common than longer ones among swimmers because they allow them to move around more easily and are less restrictive than their longer counterparts.
A lot of people buy both types of swimsuits so they can choose which one works best depending on where they’re swimming or diving in the ocean!
| Aspect | Long-Sleeve Wetsuit | Short-Sleeve Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full coverage of arms and torso | Short coverage of arms, full coverage of torso |
| Thermal Insulation | Offers better insulation and warmth for arms | Provides less insulation for arms |
| Sun Protection | Provides added sun protection for arms | Offers less sun protection for arms |
| Mobility | Slightly restricts arm movement | Allows more freedom of arm movement |
| Water Resistance | Reduces water entry through sleeves | Allows more water entry through short sleeves |
| Versatility | Suitable for colder water or cooler weather | Ideal for warmer water or hot weather conditions |
| Brand Examples | O’Neill, Rip Curl, Xcel, Quiksilver, Billabong | Hurley, Roxy, Volcom, Dakine, Vissla |
This table compares long-sleeve wetsuits and short-sleeve wetsuits based on different aspects. Long-sleeve wetsuits provide full coverage and better insulation for the arms, along with added sun protection. They are ideal for colder water or cooler weather conditions. On the other hand, short-sleeve wetsuits offer more freedom of arm movement, allow more water entry through the short sleeves, and are suitable for warmer water or hot weather. The table also includes examples of popular brands associated with each type of wetsuit.
Do You Need An Extra Large Or Extra Small Wetsuit?
One of the most common questions we hear from people who are looking to buy a new wetsuit is, “Do I need an extra large or extra small?”
This is a great question because it shows that you understand how important it is to have a proper fit. The answer is both yes and no, depending on what kind of suit you are talking about.
When it comes to shorty wetsuits and other types of diving suits – especially those made for surfing or windsurfing – the best fit will be tight but not too tight.
This means that there should be no wrinkles or bagginess anywhere in the material and that your arms or legs should not feel restricted by any part of the suit (this can lead to cramps).
A good rule of thumb here would be if your arm feels uncomfortable when trying on different styles and sizes then they probably aren’t right for you!
Stay protected from the elements and enjoy your swim with confidence. Explore the benefits of wearing rash vests for swimming in our detailed article, which covers the importance of UV protection, rash prevention, and added insulation during water activities.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve given you some insight into shorty wetsuits and their uses. If you’re still not sure whether or not a shorty suit is right for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options out there.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on shorty wetsuits and their suitability for swimming:
- To Shorties or Not to Shorties: Explore the pros and cons of using shorty wetsuits for various water activities, including swimming, in this informative blog post from Scuba.com.
- Are Shorty Wetsuits Good?: Open Water HQ provides insights into the effectiveness and benefits of shorty wetsuits for swimming, along with considerations for different water conditions.
- The Ideal Water Temperature for Swimming with a Shorty Wetsuit: Learn about the optimal water temperature for utilizing a shorty wetsuit during swimming sessions and how it can impact your comfort and performance. This resource from the International Bodyboarding Association offers valuable insights.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about shorty wetsuits for swimming:
1. Can I use a shorty wetsuit for swimming in colder water?
Shorty wetsuits are designed for moderate water temperatures, typically ranging from around 60°F to 75°F. In colder water, a full wetsuit with longer arms and legs would provide better insulation and warmth.
2. Are shorty wetsuits restrictive in terms of mobility?
Shorty wetsuits offer more freedom of movement compared to full wetsuits due to their shorter design. However, the range of motion may vary depending on the specific brand, fit, and thickness of the suit.
3. Do shorty wetsuits provide buoyancy in the water?
While shorty wetsuits offer some buoyancy, their primary purpose is to provide thermal insulation rather than significant floatation support. If you’re specifically looking for buoyancy, consider exploring dedicated buoyancy aids or full wetsuits.
4. Can I use a shorty wetsuit for other water activities besides swimming?
Shorty wetsuits are versatile and can be used for various water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing in moderate water temperatures. However, their suitability may vary depending on the specific activity and water conditions.
5. How should I care for and maintain my shorty wetsuit?
To ensure the longevity of your shorty wetsuit, rinse it with fresh water after each use, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and storage. Regularly inspect the suit for any signs of wear or damage and repair or replace it as needed.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
