Are shorty wetsuits any good?
Depends on your cold tolerance and the water temp. A 3mm shorty isn’t going to keep you very warm, but it’ll provide some benefit and take up less space than a 3mm full suit. Personally I go with a full suit, not for warmth, but to prevent bites / stings / scrapes / etc. Full wetsuits cover everything apart from your feet, hands, and head. They are designed for colder weather and will keep you warmer than a short wetsuit. They still offer flexibility, but you may find more restriction in your arms and legs than if you were wearing a short style.Wetsuits are designed to keep us warm by retaining body heat. This is all well and good, but the increased body heat from swimming and the insulation from the wetsuit means we can’t offload this heat so easily, which could cause an increase in sweating (particularly in warmer water).Ultimately, what you wear under your wetsuit is your choice. Whether you choose swim shorts, a swimsuit, a bikini, a rash vest, or nothing at all, the goal is optimum comfort, ease of movement and total confidence when in the water. If you’re unsure, try out some options before settling on what suits you best.Shorty wetsuits: For use in summer and temperatures at least 15°C. Full-length wetsuits: For use in summer and winter. Wetsuit thickness will depend on water temperature.
What is the point of a shorty wetsuit?
Shorty wetsuits also offer a comfortable fit and freedom of movement. The shorter sleeves and legs make them ideal for activities that require increased arm and leg mobility. The neoprene material used in shorty wetsuits ensures a comfortable and flexible fit, allowing you to move with ease in the water. Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging.If you’re into watersports — especially water skiing, surfing, or wakeboarding — then this can play a big factor in what type of suit you wear. A short wetsuit will provide far better mobility than a full suit, especially around your joints, when you’re riding.So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.Getting your wetsuit size right is very important. It should feel snug without being too restrictive, and there shouldn’t be any gaps between your skin and the wetsuit. It should also fit high on the neck to create a seal to stop water from getting in.Unfortunately, a wetsuit that is too thick does have a few downsides. It doesn’t allow you to lose excess heat and can make you feel too hot. Additionally, the thick neoprene fabric on the arms and legs can limit your range of movement, which is not what you want when surfing, swimming, windsurfing or kitesurfing.
How to pick the right size wetsuit?
A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. It should feel tight but not restrictive, with no gaps in the nooks and crannies of your body such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees. Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit.Wetsuits do become more flexible when wet and will mould to the shape of your body so as we say a little space is fine. Our video walks you through how your new suit should fit. Once you have checked the knees and armpits, turn your attention to the wrist cuffs and the ankle cuffs.Check the Fit: Your wetsuit should feel snug but not uncomfortable. Make sure the neck, wrists, and ankles are sealed to prevent water from rushing in. Position It Right: Pull the suit up evenly and ensure it fits smoothly against your body. Adjust the seams around your shoulders and torso for a clean fit.Wetsuits are simpler, easier to move in, and suited to warmer water. Drysuits are best for cold water but need extra training and maintenance.
What to wear under a wetsuit?
Neoprene Tops and Shorts A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit. A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.Wetsuits This thickness is perfect if you feel the chill and a shorty wetsuit isn’t warm enough in the summer. They are especially handy if you surf at dusk or dawn and need something more protective than a shorty wetsuit, or as the end of the summer season develops into the autumnal months.Modern wetsuits aren’t just warm – they’re engineered for performance. Whether you’re racing in your first sprint triathlon or aiming for a PR in open water, the right wetsuit can help you swim faster, more efficiently, and with less fatigue.You should always consider personal comfort and the sizing guidelines, but if you’re between sizes, it’s usually recommended to go with the smaller size. This helps ensure a snug fit and comfort underwater. Just remember, it’s essential that the wetsuit is not too tight.
How much weight to add for a 3mm wetsuit?
Start with weight equivalent to 10 percent of your body weight, which is a good baseline for a 6mm full wetsuit. For a 3mm suit, use 5 percent of your body weight. Remember that these percentages are simply starting points. Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for the UK? A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming.A 3mm wetsuit is perfect for warmer waters, typically suited for temperatures around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). It provides enough insulation for those who enjoy swimming, surfing, or snorkeling in milder conditions.Wetsuit thickness by water temperature A 2 mm shorty is suited for water temperatures between 18°and 20Celsius (65° -70°Fahrenheit), and is a great summer suit for the UK and the rest of Europe.Thin summer wetsuits range between 1mm and 3mm. Spring or autumn wetsuits are normally made with 4mm and 3mm panels. You’ll find winter wetsuits in 5/4mm or 6/5mm.You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.
Should I get a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything. Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.If you’re into watersports — especially water skiing, surfing, or wakeboarding — then this can play a big factor in what type of suit you wear. A short wetsuit will provide far better mobility than a full suit, especially around your joints, when you’re riding.Front zip wetsuits offer the best warmth and flexibility, while back zip wetsuits are ideal for riders looking for something easy to put on.Despite their name, wetsuits do not entirely dry you out. They instead produce a thin water barrier between the suit and your skin. After reaching body temperature, this layer becomes an insulating barrier. Wetsuits maintain this layer of warmth to keep you warm even when you’re submerged in chilly water.