Shortie Vs. Full Wet Suit

Wetsuits come in a variety of styles for divers, surfers, wake boarders and swimmers. Both the shortie and full wetsuit styles provide protection from the cold and other hazards.

  1. Description

    • Full wetsuits cover the entire body, extending to the ankles and the wrists. Shortie suits cover the torso and the upper arms and upper legs. Regardless of style, most wetsuits are made of neoprene, a waterproof manmade rubber Occasionally, warm-water suits are made from lycra. Some shorty suits may extend to the knees and elbows. Each type of suit offers advantages and disadvantages.

    Warmth

    • The purpose of shortie and full-length wetsuits is mainly to provide added warmth. Shortie wetsuits work for water temperatures above 70 degrees, where a regular swimsuit is not quite warm enough. Full wetsuits become necessary when the water is 69 degrees or below. Full wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses, including suits that are as thick as 7 mm for extremely cold waters. Suits may also come with hoods for added warmth.

    Protection

    • Wetsuits help protect the body from cuts, scrapes, jellyfish stings and sunburn. This is especially needed for surfers and divers who swim near coral reefs and other hazardous underwater landscape. The wetsuit serves as a cushion between the object and the swimmer's body. While shortie suits do not limbs from sharp edges, they offer more padding than standard board shorts.

    Motion

    • Full wetsuits limit mobility by preventing the wearer from being able to bend easily at the knees and elbows. In most cases, full suits are also thicker than shortie suits. If easy movement is a high priority, shortie suits have the advantage. Surfers use shortie wetsuits more often because of the full movement they allow at the joints.

    Other Wetsuit Options

    • Shortie and full wetsuits are not the only style options. For example, suits known as “springtime suits” come with full-length legs and short or sleeveless arms. Dry suits are also available for extremely cold temperatures; these suits resemble full suits but come with water-tight bands around the ankles, wrists and neck to provide the maximum warmth. In some cases, divers may wear a shortie suit under a full suit for added insulation.