What is the purpose of a shorty wetsuit?
On the other hand, a shorty wetsuit is a wetsuit with short sleeves and short legs. It offers less coverage compared to a spring suit and is designed for use in warmer water conditions. Shorty wetsuits are popular choices for activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, or surfing in tropical waters. Generally, you’ll find yourself using wetsuits that fall in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, a 3mm shortie or steamer is perfect for water temperatures between 18° and 24°C (65° – 75°F) and serves as an ideal high summer suit for the UK and other parts of Europe.A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.Saltwater pools, chlorinated pools, gene pools, we don’t care where you choose to stick your wetsuit. You can absolutely use your wetsuit in a pool. Just be sure to go for good quality wetsuits that will last, and for crying out loud… take good care of it!Reading the temperature guide Generally, you’ll find yourself using wetsuits that fall in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, a 3mm shortie or steamer is perfect for water temperatures between 18° and 24°C (65° – 75°F) and serves as an ideal high summer suit for the UK and other parts of Europe.Buy a swimming specific wetsuit With the more continuous motion of swimming, all over thickness of the wetsuit for warmth is not required. Instead, a thinner suit with carefully positioned panels allow more flexibility in areas such as the arms and legs and thicker panels for warmth on the and buoyancy.
What do females wear under a wetsuit?
Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely cold conditions. What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.Shorty wetsuits are best suited for warmer water conditions, offering a balance of sun protection and insulation in mildly cool waters. The short sleeves and legs provide freedom of movement for activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding in moderate temperatures.For many women, the simplest and most common choice is to wear nothing under their wetsuit. This option ensures: Maximum flexibility: No extra fabric to bunch up or restrict movement. Streamlined fit: Allows the wetsuit to conform closely to the body as it was designed for better insulation.Swimwear We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort. Women can wear a swimsuit or bikini, it’s just important to pick the right one.Shortie wetsuits are more often used in the summer (depending on the water temperature) because they offer great for flexibility and comfort in warmer water. Due to the stitching penetrating through the neoprene on most shorties, you will get cold a lot quicker in lower water temperatures.
Should I get a shorty or full wetsuit?
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. Ultimately wetsuits should feel relatively tight and fit snuggly to your skin – there should be no pockets of air or wrinkles when you put one on. However, they shouldn’t be so tight as to limit your range of motion or dig in uncomfortably. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your body and the suit.Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions.Generally, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene. Wetsuits fit more snugly than clothing.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.
Do you wear nothing under a wetsuit?
If you have booked a surf, paddleboard or kayaking lesson and will be using a rental wetsuit then you need to wear swimwear underneath for hygiene reasons. If you forgot your swimwear, you can wear your underwear, it’s not ideal, but definitely better than wearing nothing. Sport bras and sports underwear are excellent choices for what to wear beneath a wetsuit. They are often more secure and provide excellent chest support than standard underwear or bikinis.Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit – especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier. Pleasure and pain, however, are never far apart.For example, if your swimsuit doesn’t have enough support, you can try wearing a bra underneath. If your swim shorts don’t have any lining, in most circumstances, it would probably be better to wear boxers or briefs rather than going commando. Females can wear panties with board shorts for additional comfort.Sports bras and appropriate underwear provide extra support and comfort under a wetsuit. A sports bra enhances warmth and helps prevent chafing and these undergarments ensure a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement and added comfort during water activities.
How to hide your bulge in a wetsuit?
You may not choose to wear these briefs to a beach, but they are the standard attire for wearing under your wetsuit. These MAKO lycra suits totally eliminate uncomfortable bulges, often experienced when wearing other shorts, such as board shorts, under your suit. In most cases, the answer is no, you don’t need to wear a bra under a swimsuit. That’s because most modern swimsuits are designed with built-in support—including features like underwired cups, removable padding, shelf bras, or power mesh linings—to provide shape, lift, and security.From board shorts, to a bikini, to nothing at all, what to wear under a wetsuit is a matter of personal preference. Most people prefer to wear a swimsuit or board shorts, and others may need to wear sport specific gear underneath their wetsuit depending on the activity they’re participating in.Absolutely! Wetsuits can improve your swimming efficiency by offering additional buoyancy. The neoprene material used in wetsuits increases your natural buoyancy, which allows you to float higher in the water. This enhanced buoyancy not only boosts your confidence but also helps you swim faster by reducing drag.Shorty wetsuits are best suited for warmer water conditions, offering a balance of sun protection and insulation in mildly cool waters. The short sleeves and legs provide freedom of movement for activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding in moderate temperatures.Yes, you can wear a bra under a swimsuit if you need extra lift, support, or shaping—especially for heavier busts. However, regular bras aren’t designed for water; they can feel heavy, cause chafing, and may lose durability when wet.
What do you do if you have to pee in a wetsuit?
Needless to say, we are talking about peeing in wetsuits in the water. If you have to do it, do it at the beginning of the dive. The water will have time to rinse off the urine. Just before getting out of the water, open your wetsuit and let the water run inside. Urine, if not properly rinsed out, can lead to unpleasant smells and degrade the material of the wetsuit over time. To prevent this, follow these basic hygiene practices. After diving, thoroughly rinse the wetsuit with fresh water to remove salt, urine, and other contaminants.Most likely over 90% of all wetsuit users (so our divers, surfers and other watersport enthusiasts) have peed, or choose to regularly pee, in their wetsuits! On a personal note, I used to pee in my suit, however stopped about ten years ago after it kept giving me a rash that looked like prickly heat.Wearing a wet bathing suit can increase the spread of bacteria. But it will not cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). To reduce your risk of getting a UTI, always wipe from front to back. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to go.
Why don’t open water swimmers wear wetsuits?
The first thing to consider is the weather and water temperature. If the air temperature is warm, then you probably don’t need a wetsuit—unless the water temperature is much colder than the air temperature. In this case, a wetsuit will help keep your body temperature regulated and prevent hypothermia from setting in. The wetsuit should feel tight but not constricting. It should fit like a second skin, allowing minimal water to enter. A small amount of water inside the suit is normal, as your body warms it up and it helps maintain warmth. You should be able to move and breathe comfortably without the suit pinching or pulling.Wearing a wetsuit in a swimming pool is technically possible, but it may not always be practical or necessary for most recreational swimmers. The decision to wear a wetsuit in a pool depends on various factors, including personal preference, activity goals, water temperature, and pool regulations.If you’re not used to a wetsuit or yours doesn’t fit, you may have a problem. It could end up causing your technique to change and affect your breathing rhythm. Both of which will lead to a slower swim!So, do you put on a wetsuit wet or dry? Totally up to you. But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry.