What to consider when buying a men’s shorty wetsuit. A short arm and leg wetsuit is called a shorty. Mostly in the thickness of 2-3mm.
What is a men’s shorty wetsuit?
Looking for female shorty wetsuits?
A wetsuit is made of neoprene. In technical fields, neoprene is known as chloroprene rubber or polychloroprene. At the molecular level, the material consists mainly of chlorine and hydrogen atoms. Production begins with a chemical reaction between chloroprene and other solutions.
The result of this reaction is flakes. These flakes can be further processed. In order to transform the solid synthetic rubber flakes into elastic rubber, it needs vulcanization. After the vulcanization the molecules can no longer move, the end result is elastic and will always spring back to its original shape.
In order to be able to sell neoprene as a fabric, the right and left side of a neoprene sheet are covered with fabrics, these can also be printed with colors or patterns.
Multifunctional
These wetsuits can not only be used for scuba diving but for all water sports such as snorkeling, spear fishing, stand up paddle, surfing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, body boarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing.
Difference between men and women neoprene wetsuit
In many Scuba Diving Equipment Parts there is no difference between Men and Women however there is a big one in Neoprene Wetsuit cuts. Women feel usually much faster cold than men so it’s a better Idea to buy a thicker wetsuit if you are a frosty.
Men and Women cut
The cut of a women neoprene wetsuit differs from that of men. Women’s wetsuits are cut tighter at the shoulders and narrower at the waist and fuller at the hips. The chest area is also further shaped in the style of women neoprene wetsuit.
Color and Style
For many men, the trend goes towards the blackish and greyish color scheme rather than the colorful ones women prefer.
Sensation of cold
“It’s not a myth that women feel the cold faster than men. And this even though the heat transport works basically the same for men and women, namely via the blood. If the outside temperature drops, the blood vessels in the arms and legs constrict in order to better supply the core of the body with its vital organs with blood and thereby protect it. However, the temperature range at which this phenomenon takes effect is different: in women it is already from around 15 degrees Celsius, in men at lower temperatures.
The higher muscle percentage in men is also essential for the different perception of cold by men and women, because muscles produce heat that is distributed throughout the body. In men, it makes up about 40 percent of the body, in women, however, only about 25 percent. Men therefore carry around a small stove, so to speak, that warms them internally.
The different skin thicknesses in men and women also make women shiver more quickly, because thick skin prevents additional heat radiation in men. Women are literally thinner and give off more heat.
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Insulation ability of neoprene wetsuit
First of all, we have to know that water dissipates body heat 25 times faster than air, so you cannot survive forever even in water at 25° C and the colder the water, the faster you lose your body heat.
Water temperature | Time to exhaustion or unconsciousness | Theoretically possible survival time |
---|---|---|
0,3 °C | < 15 min | up to 45 min |
4,5 °C | 30 min | up to 90 min |
10 °C | 1 h | 3 h |
15 °C | 2 h | 6 h |
21 °C | 7 h | 40 h |
26 °C | 12 h | > 40 h |
Neoprene has excellent insulation properties that is due to the fact that a lot of air is trapped in the neoprene, which, as we know, has very good insulation.
Thickness of a men’s shorty wetsuit
The thicker the neoprene fabric, the better the insulation from the cold water.
Mostly for very cold water with 12° C and colder or for ice diving and long dives in such cold water, you’d use a dry suit.
Women Neoprene wetsuits from approx. 7mm thickness can be used for cold water diving (12° C and colder), but dry suits are recommended. This also includes neoprene gloves, hoods and shoes (booties).
Long women neoprene wetsuits in 3-5mm thickness are usually used for waters with a water temperature of more than 18° C.
Women shorty wetsuits with short arms and half-length legs, are mostly between 2-3mm thick and they are used for water temperatures from 25° C upwards.
Buoyancy and thickness of men’s shorty wetsuits
The neoprene thickness of the suit affects the buoyancy control, as thicker material creates more static buoyancy. This buoyancy has to be compensated with lead weights. To make matters worse, the neoprene itself is compressed by the water pressure increasing with depth, so that the buoyancy decreases with increasing ambient pressure – i.e. increasing water depth. Since the weight of the lead remains constant, the downforce increases with increasing depth, which has to be compensated for by a buoyancy compensator (BCD).
How does a men’s shorty wetsuit work?
Many believe that you don’t get wet in a neoprene wetsuit. This is only true in a dry suit.
In all other diving suits you do get wet. The water that has entered the wetsuit remains in the suit for a while because the ends of a neoprene wetsuit are provided with cuffs and the thin layer of water is thus heated up by the body heat.
That is why it is so important to have a neoprene wetsuit that is skin-tight because the less water penetrates, the less the body has to heat the water entered up and the longer you stay warm. Depending on the suit and your movements, this water layer is exchanged faster or slower (water circulation).
Types of men’s shorty wetsuit
Men’s shorty wetsuit
Is the simplest version of the men’s shorty wetsuit. As the word shorty suggests, they have short arms and legs and are only effective in protecting the core temperature of the body.
This can be worn in tropical areas with water temperatures of 25° C and more. Mostly in the common thicknesses of 1.5-3mm available and also obviously the cheapest version of all of them.
Men’s shorty wetsuit
Is a Neoprene wetsuit with long arms and legs where cuffs are sewn on so that the water stays in the suit longer and is not exchanged as quickly. Usually comes in thicknesses between 3-7mm
Semi-Dry men’s shorty wetsuit
These suits don’t just get you “half-wet”. These neoprene wetsuits have smooth neoprene sealing lips on the arms, legs and neck. With the higher quality semi-dry neoprene wetsuits, the zipper is also underlaid with a cuff or sealing lip. Which causes the water to run into the suit but stays in the wetsuite much longer Water Circulation is relatively slow depending on e.g. Movement while scuba diving or getting in and out of the water. This makes the suit very comfortable for colder waters for long or several dives per day. Most semi-dry wetsuits come in thicknesses between 5-7mm.
Dry Suit
There are several types of drysuits and the topic is very large as buoyancy control is not only done with the BCD but also has to be done with the suit itself. I’m not going to go into this type of suit too much, though.
Even if you have successfully completed a diving course and buy a dry suit, you should try it out in the swimming pool or in shallow water or even better take a course. Most international diving organizations offer dry suit diving courses. Because there are certain things with this suit that you have to pay attention to and practice in order not to get yourself in danger underwater!
Some will still remember: When James Bond in “Goldfinger” takes off his wetsuit (dry suit) and wears a tuxedo underneath, that is completely dry and yes it would work.
Dry suits are designed for diving in very cold water, for commercial underwater work, and for sewage diving.
The dry suit, is a one-piece suit made of water- and gas-tight material. Today these are made from trilaminate membranes of synthetic plastics or neoprene.
The advantage of the dry suit is that the diver hardly ever comes into contact with water and, when properly filled with an insulating gas, like air it is better protected from the cold than in any other diving suits. The dry suit is usually sealed with a cuff at the neck and wrist and the boots are permantly attached. It has a water and gas-tight zipper on the back or chest for getting in and out. In addition, textile protective clothing against the cold is worn under the suit.
Zippers
The main zipper on a men’s shorty wetsuit can be on the back as well as on the front, vertical, horizontal or diagonal. For the shorties and neoprene wetsuits, these are normal coarse zippers mostly made of plastic because they don’t rust. In the case of a dry suit, this must be zipper which is gas and waterproof so that no water penetrates. The semi-dry men’s shorty wetsuit have both wet and dry zipper versions.
All zippers on a men’s shorty wetsuit are underlaid with a smooth neoprene sealing lip as this is more comfortable and the pure zipper does not cause irritation of the skin.
Thicker long wet and semi dry neoprene wetsuits with zippers on the arms and legs make it easier to get into the suit.
Insider tip:
If the neoprene wetsuit has no zippers and it is very difficult for you to put the suit on, you can put a plastic bag over your hand and foot before getting into the suit. The neoprene slides much better then. The alternative is to mix a little dish washing liquid and water and spray it on the arm or leg.
Protection against injury and nettles
Men’s shorty wetsuit are not only worn to protect against cooling down of the body temperature, but also to protect against injuries such as jellyfish and their nettles.
Or if you accidentally roam along a rock face. Shipwrecks are also a good example with their sharp edges.
One piece or two piece
A one-piece is a neoprene diving suit that consists of one part. Here different thicknesses of neoprene can be sewn together so that the one-piece is, for example, a 3mm thick wetsuit on the arms and legs and a 5mm thick neoprene wetsuit on the core of the body.
A two-piece is two separate pieces of clothing, a high-cut or bib shorts (called “Long John”) and a long-sleeved jacket, usually with an attached hood, so you have a thick double suit at the core of your body.
Some two-piece neoprene wetsuits only consist of pants and a vest, but they are also much less warm.
Ice vest for long wetsuits
One-piece suits sometimes come with a separate ice vest to be able to dive with this suit in very cold waters.
This ice vest is worn over the normal suit.
But you can also buy them individually.
Care and cleaning
After a dive in salt water, fresh water or swimming pool, you should always rinse the neoprene suits with fresh water and then dry them. However, getting these dry inside can take time. Turning it onto the left and right works wonders.
The zips of the neoprene suits should be creamed with candle wax every now and then, as this extends the service life and makes it easier to close and open.
Theoretically, men’s shorty wetsuits can also be cleaned in a washing machine, but you must ensure that you select a gentle program, such as a wool program. The temperature should not be higher than 30°C. Neoprene should never be spun or dried in a tumble dryer.
List of our top men’s shorty wetsuit 2021
Cressi Men’s Shorty Wetsuit for Water Activities – Tortuga 2.5mm Premium Neoprene
- One-piece shorty wetsuit ideal for tropical waters
- water activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, scuba diving etc.
- 2. 5mm double-lined Neoprene
- good comfort and thermal protection
- back zipper with pull-tab leash to ease donning and doffing
- Anatomic cut neck closure.
- abrasion, exposure, UV protection.
- Seam are sewn for strength and durability
Seaskin Men’s Shorty Wetsuit Mens 3mm
- 100% Stretch
- Flatlock
- Back Zip
- Heavy duty YKK front zipper
- Flat-Lock Stitched Seams excellent durability and fantastic comfort
- Suitable for 72 Degrees & Up
Scubapro Definition Men’s Shorty Wetsuit 2.5mm
- N2S (Nylon 2 Sides) neoprene construction is durable and long-lasting, while the inner lining delivers comfort.
- An advanced cut enhances flexibility and increases range of motion, so you can easily maneuver
- Diagonal rear YKK zipper, which includes a brass slider
- This wetsuit delivers impressive thermal protection
- Great choice for layering
Lemorecn Wetsuits Neoprene Diving Suit 3mm Shorty
- Wetsuit designed for all water sports like diving, scuba, paddle boarding, surfing, or kayaking.
- Spot taped at stress points
- flatlock seams provide a smooth interior and exterior surface to ensure maximum comfort and durability.
- 3mm neoprene
- heavy-duty YKK back zipper
- Easy-reach, extra-long leash
Phantom Aquatics Men’s Shorty Wetsuit
- 2.5mm Nylon II Neoprene Construction
- Back Zipper Full-Suit with Aquatex
- 3-D Anatomical Sculpting
- Flat-Lock Stitched Seams
- Neck Tab with Micro-Teeth Velcro Fastener
HYPERFLEX Men’s 2.5mm Shorty
- Hyperflex 2.5mm neoprene Spring Shorty wetsuit
- 50+UV Shield
- Seams lay smooth preventing irritation
- 4-way stretch neoprene
- lightweight
- Superior comfort and movement without restriction.
- Durable back zip
- Designed for Surfers, divers, snorkelers, SUP, kite, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tubing, water skiing, body boarding.
- Nylon II neoprene material
- Super-stretch armpit panels make for easy mobility.
- Flat-lock stitching prevents skin irritation.
- Anti-abrasion shoulder pads withstand wear from straps
- YKK zipper
- Extra long leash for comfort and convenience.
ZCCO Men’s Wetsuits 1.5mm Neoprene Shorty
- CR Neoprene nylon and spandex.
- 1.5mm neoprene diving suit
- Heavy duty YKK Zipper with zipper pull/hook-and loop closure at back
- Adjustable fit around the neck
- Round neck and cuff with smooth leather design
- Designed for all water sports like diving, Spearfishing ,scuba, stand-up paddle boarding, wave, surfing, kayaking, swimming, surfing, canioeing, bodyboarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing
Hevto Men’s Shorty Wetsuit 3mm
- Environment-Friendly & High-Quality Material: Neoprene SBR + Nylon Fabrics (Two Layers: Surface/Lining).
- Back zipper closure. 3/2MM thickness, short sleeves, short legs
- Flat lock stitching
- Flexible fabrics comfortable stretch arms and legs without constraint
- zipper on the back
- Long nylon zipper belt
ZCCO Men’s Wetsuits 3mm Neoprene Shorty
- CR Neoprene nylon and spandex.
- 3 mm neoprene diving suit
- Heavy duty YKK Zipper with zipper pull/hook-and loop closure at back
- Adjustable fit around the neck
- Round neck and cuff with smooth leather design
- Designed for all water sports like diving, Spearfishing ,scuba, stand-up paddle boarding, wave, surfing, kayaking, swimming, surfing, canioeing, bodyboarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing
Additional men’s shorty wetsuit Equipment
5mm Hood Neopren
- NO AIR IN THE HOOD: Thanks to the air release system, the Seac Tekno hood allows air to escape into the open air, thus avoiding annoying air bubbles in the hood.
- PERFECT FIT: The collar made of smooth neoprene lies close to the neck cuff of the diving suit and thus minimizes the ingress of water.
- 5mm THERMO-NEOPRENE: The Seac Tekno hood is made from 5mm ultra-flexible neoprene, which prevents the head from cooling down.
- EASY TO PUT ON: The Ultraflex neoprene of the Seac Tekno hood is extremely elastic and therefore very light and easy to put on with optimum wearing comfort.
- ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES: The Seac Tekno diving hood fits perfectly with all diving suits, for women and men, and is available in 5 sizes.
Quiksilver Men’s Long Sleeve Rashguard Surf Shirt can be worn under the neoprene wetsuit for additional protection against the cold.
- 5 Color choices
- 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Pull On closure
- Machine Wash
- 50+ UPF sun protection
- Constructed using reprieve recycled materials
- Moisture wicking
Cressi High Stretch Neopren Gloves
Gloves are only against the cold and not for touching anything underwater!
- Highly comfortable flatlock stitched gloves
- Five fingered gloves made from single lined high-stretch neoprene
- Suitable for many applications- surfing/bodyboarding to snorkelling and diving Ideal sports accessory for protecting your hands
This has been my equipment guide and the list of the Men’s shorty wetsuit 2021! I hope you enjoyed it and if so, please share it or leave us a comment.
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