Choosing THE shorty wetsuit for your collection can be a tricky task when you’re not totally sure which one you need.
There are many different types and model women’s shorty wetsuits made by well-known surf brands, which I’ve reviewed down here. As the shorty springs suit, 1mm, or 2mm in thickness is designed for waters warmer than 18’C / 65’F – It is up to your personal preferences to get what you want.
Women’s shorty spring suits generally cost from $50 up to $250. And as the logic goes – more expensive wetsuits feel warmer, have better breathability, more durable stitchings, and stretch a little better. The good part is that there is only a handful of surf wetsuit brands out there – so there’s quite a good selection of suits to choose from.
Table of contents
2. BILLBONG Shorty Springsuits
5. RIP CURL Shorty Springsuits
How to Choose a Surf Wetsuit?
- TYPE – Determine which type of wetsuit are you after A Front/Back Zip, Long-sleeve spring suit, or a Short Jane
- THICKNESS – Choose the right thickness for the season. You’ll find the recommended thickness chart down below.
- SIZE – Make sure you get exactly the right size! A wetsuit must fit snug but not too tight.
The Different Types of Women’s Shorty Surf Wetsuits
- Shorty = Short arms, short legs surf wetsuit
- Long Sleeve Shorty = Long sleeves, short legs one-piece wetsuit
- Sleeveless
- Long Jane = Long leg, sleeveless top one-piece women’s surf wetsuit
- Short Jane = Short leg, sleeveless top one-piece women’s surf wetsuit
- Cross Back Cut = Zipless one-piece spring suit
- Bikini Cut = Shortest One-piece type of wetsuit for women
- Boy Cut = Mid-length shorty leg cut
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Best Women’s Shorty Wetsuit Line-Up
- Rip Curl G-Bomb – The most technologically advanced warm weather spring suit. Lightest, stretchiest, and most comfortable.
- O’Neill Reactor 2 – Best sizes! Reactor 2 is most likely the most used women’s wetsuit all around the world!
- Roxy XY – Best women’s sleevless cross back 2mm springsuit
- Roxy Satin – The only long jane shorty on this list
- Xcel – The best surf spring suit brand by the selection of different types!
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1) XCEL
Founded in 1982, Xcel is a well-known wetsuit brand that specializes in making surf / freediving wetsuits only. Their range is focused on the performing athlete while having more than enough properties among recreational surfers. Their price to quality ratio matches very well, and their suits are known to offer premium stretch and durability.
Xcel Wetsuits are also slightly warmer than the rest in their thickness recommendation charts and have great value.
Becky
MSRP: $85
The Becky 1.5mm thick shorty wetsuit top comes in sizes from 2 to 14 and offers the right amount of warmth and ventilation during those warm summer days where you need just that little bit of extra warmth. The Becky top comes in two different colors – beige and dark gray & red.
Besides the nice look, those tops are made of eco-friendly materials and offer unparalleled fit.
Axis
MSRP: $90
An entry-level wetsuit top by Xcel – the Axis. Comes with all the essentials you could ask from a high-end surf brand. Made of eco-friendly Dope Dye Yarn, the Axis top is 2mm thick around the body, and 1mm on arms and side panels. The full front zip offers easy access to this 100% performance wetsuit top.
Axis Shorty
MSRP: $99
2mm thick back-zip wetsuit – ideal for any kind of water activity during the summer. Whether it’ll be surfing, snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or anything else. The Axis is a perfect example that you CAN get a performance wetsuit at a really good price tag! If taken proper care of, this suit will last for a long time, in and out of use while keeping its stretch levels and performance abilities!
Drylock
MSRP: $85
The ‘Celliant’ series performance wetsuits are packed with quite a list of features. Besides being naturally hydrophobic, it’s got supreme breathability characteristics due to the use of clinically proven infrared smart fiber. Surprisingly it doesn’t cost
2) BILLABONG
Billabong women’s shorty wetsuits are a popular choice all around the world for a good reason – They look good, feel great and there are plenty of different options to choose from at a reasonable price tag! Billabong has the most unique designs.
Billabong – Shorty Jane 1mm
Sleeveless Bikini Cut
Cross-Back Springsuit
The sleeveless front zip women’s shorty jane wetsuit is an ideal choice for tropical warm waters. It lets you feel the warmth of the water, while it protecting the chest from getting a rash. The suit is super lightweight while it’s got all the essentials you’d need for a summer surf session. It’s designed for surfing, made by Billabong – there’s no way you’d go wrong with it there! The best combination of aesthetics and performance!
- 80% Neoprene Rubber, 20% Nylon
- Type: Shorty Jane spring suit
- Vertical front zip
- Thick neoprene on the chest area for added comfort when paddling
- Comfortable cross-back design.
- Embossed textured wave panels on the rest of the wetsuit
Billabong – SALTY DAYZ 1mm
Sleeveless Bikini Cut
Front Zip Shorty
Another surf suit to meet your needs during those tropical surf sessions. This suit is easy to get in and out, protects your chest from the rash, and your back from the damaging UV-rays. It feels as good as it looks!
- Vertical Front Zip
- Super lightweight
- 1mm thick neoprene
- Flatlock Superflex stitch construction
- Zero restrictions
- Surf Capsule Collection
- Higher neck collar for comfort
- Strategic seam positioning for comfort and sublimated print details with a cheeky bikini cut
Billabong – SYNERGY 2mm
Long Sleeve, Back Zip Shorty
Billabong Women’s Synergy Shorty Wetsuit has well above the average features that you’d pay for any other wetsuit under the $100 mark.
- 80% Neoprene, 20% Nylon
- 2mm Long Sleeve Spring Suit
- Back Zip
- Premium AX2 Superflex Neoprene
- Flatlock stitched seams
- Legs & arms beaded to minimize water intake
- Strategic seam placement to maximize comfort and flexibility
- Lightweight
It is one of the most-favored brands by surf enthusiasts, well known for the unique styling and awesome price to quality ratio. The Synergy long-sleeve spring suit wetsuit for women is an ideal surf suit for warm water surfing as it is very comfortable, easy to get in and out, and it lasts a long time if taken proper care of. 2mm thickness with long sleeves is quite a good option as it protects the whole upper body from cold and the UV-rays as well.
By using this type of suit, make sure to cover the back of your legs with sunscreen, as it is one of the most overlooked areas that get burnt!
Billabong – SALTY DAYZ 2mm
Long Sleeve Bikini Cut
Front Zip Springsuit
Protect yourself from the morning chill, mid-day sun, and “basic” style with the custom Salty Dayz Long Sleeve Springsuit.
The Surf Capsule Collection long sleeve spring suit combines cheeky swimwear lines and curated prints with the functionality and warmth of a wetsuit. A half-zip at the center front allows for control over how much added heat you need. Made from 2mm premium stretch neoprene, the women’s spring suit is offered in a solid with embossed textured wave panels or allover tropical or palm print.
- 80% Neoprene 20% Nylon
- Billabong Surf Capsule Collection
- Vertical front zip
- Cheeky swimwear cut
- Embossed textured wave panels, allover tropical print, or textural indigo palm print
- Non-toxic water-based adhesive
- 2mm premium stretch neoprene
- Flatlock stitch construction
Billabong – SALTY DAYZ ECO 2mm
Long-Sleeve, Bikini Cut
Front Zip Springsuit
The Salty Dayz Eco women’s surf springsuit is a premium-class suit. As the whole surfing industry moves towards sustainability, this model is definitely worth its price tag. It looks good, makes you perform well by feeling comfortable and warm during those chilly summer mornings or cloudy evenings.
- Billabong’s first-ever eco-conscious, recycled neoprene collection
- Recycled jersey made of 87% polyester from plastic bottles + 13% recycled spandex
- Foam made of 30% upcycled car tires
- Uses Dope Dyed Yarns – a process that reduces water usage by 90% compared to traditional dyeing methods
- Vertical front zip entry
- 2mm premium stretch neoprene
- GBS seams
- Cheeky swimwear cut
- Embossed textured wave panels
- Nontoxic water-based adhesive
3) ROXY
Roxy women’s wetsuit size chart is a profound guide to get you the best fitting wetsuit.
Roxy – POP 1mm
Vertical Front Zip
Long Sleeve Bikini Cut Springsuit
Roxy POP one-piece surf wetsuit is a mid-range, lightweight, and comfortable warm water long-sleeve spring suit.
The bikini cut and thin layer of 1mm neoprene have more features packed in the suit than one could notice at first. It allows unrestricted performance and keeps your body warm through those small and slow summer sessions. The long-sleeve type is a reasonable choice to protect your arms and back from the damaging UV rays as well.
Due to its lightweight construction, the Pop is also great for any other water-related activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, wind and kitesurfing, snorkeling, and so on.
- 100% StretchFlight 1mm neoprene
- Coil B-Lock seams
- Vertical front zip entry system with YKK #8 plastic zip
- Flush Lock 2.0 seals on wrists and ankles
- Drainage holes
Roxy – POPSURF
Sleeveless Back-Zip
Bikini Springsuit
A great alternative to front-zip and cross-back wetsuits. The PopSurf is a super lightweight, comfortable warm water springsuit that keeps your chest protected from the wax of your surfboard and the excessive UV-rays. The women’s Popsurf sleeveless springsuit is made for extra warm waters where you need that extra bit of warmth.
- 100% StretchFlight x3 neoprene
- Coil B-Lock seams
- Back zip entry with YKK #8 plastic zip
Roxy – SATIN 1mm
Long-sleeve, vertical front zip
Bikini Cut springsuit
The 1mm thick Satin surf suit by Roxy is simple, easy to use, lightweight and it’s got everything you could expect from a springsuit in 2020. Under the $100 price tag, it’s a great deal! Long-sleeves protect you from the excessive UV rays and keep that little bit of extra warmth you need to maximize your time in those limited summer swells.
- 100% StretchFlight x2 neoprene
- Coil B-Lock seams
- Vertical front zip entry system with YKK #8 plastic zip
- Fused Edges on neck
- Drainage holes
Roxy SATIN 1.5mm
Long Leg – Sleeveless Cross Back
Long Jane Springsuit
The Satin long jane by Roxy is a choice for those who’d like to protect their legs from that little bit of excessive cold and UV rays. Thicker neoprene on the chest area prevents chest rash, and the pocket on the back makes this suit a great warm-water go-to suit. It’s well made, as it is made by Roxy- who obviously specializes in women’s clothing and gear! It is one of the few 1.5mm women’s wetsuits on this list!
- F’n LITE neoprene made with air-cell-rich limestone for lightweight warmth
- Coil B-Lock stitched seams for improved flexibility
- YKK #8 plastic back zip
- Drainage holes
- Suitable for water temperatures of 21°C – 23°C / 70°F – 73°F
- Strategically placed seams
- Back pocket for valuables
- 1.5mm thick neoprene
Roxy – SATIN 2mm
Front-Zip Long-Sleeve
Boy-Cut Springsuit
The 2mm long-sleeve shorty is considerably warmer compared to most other suits listed here. Roxy chest zip wetsuits are great for the “climate-control” as you can adjust the amount of water sweeping in the suit when necessary.
- F’n LITE neoprene
- Triple glued & blindstitched (GBS) seams
- Vertical front zip entry system with YKK #8 plastic zip
- Flush Lock 2.0 stretch seals
- Fused Edges
Roxy – SYNCRO 2mm
7 Different Designs – Under $100
Classical Back-Zip Shorty
The Syncro is Roxy’s most popular and best-selling surf wetsuit for women. There are a ton of different colors and sizes for anyone out there. 2mm is just about right for those sunny, warm water surf sessions. The Syncro is most likely one of the best lightweight 2mm spring suits for women! It is a go-to wetsuit as it most likely fits anyone out there!
Features
- 100% F’n lite neoprene – Warm, light & flexible
- 2mm thickness on legs, arms, and torso
- Flatlock stitched seams
- Back zip entry system, with ykk#10plastic zip
- Strategically placed seams, unrestricted movement
Roxy PROLOGUE 2mm
Review
Short arms, short legs back zip shorty
The Prologue is a good catch under the $100 mark. It’s got everything to keep you warm and comfortable throughout those summer surf sessions. Back zip entry for easy on-and-off, Hydrowrap adjustable closure, and 2mm thick neoprene are what make this suit a reasonable choice for every level surfer out there. Roxy spring wetsuits are something you can’t simply go wrong with!
- Hyperstretch 3
- Flatlock seams
- Hydrowrap adjustable neck closure
- Drainage holes
Roxy – XY 2mm
Cross Back-Short Jane
Shorty Women’s Springsuit
The Roxy XY one-piece wetsuit is most likely the lightest wetsuit on this list. 2mm thick neoprene around the torso to insulate your body through those summer swells where you need that extra bit of warmth. Small zip-closure key-pocket on the side of the leg for keys – hopefully in a watertight bag! It is simple, minimalistic, and athletic!
- FN Lite neoprene in the body
- Triple glued and blind stitched seams
- Cross back design
- 2mm Fiberlite neoprene body
- Key-pocket
4) O’NEILL
O’Neill women’s wetsuits are well known for the best price to quality ratio – and their list of shorty spring suits is something to prove that point! Check out the sizing recommendation chart to get the best new fitting suit for you!
O’Neill – BAHIA 2/1
The Bahia is a performance and value-driven surf wetsuit for women. 2mm thick on the torso and 1mm on arms and legs is a choice for those “not-so-warm-yet” in-between weathers, or for anyone who minds the mild chill.
- Superstretch neoprene on Shoulders, sleeves, and underarms for unrestricted movement
- Quick-drying fabric
- Flatlock seams reduce chafing and improve durability
- Seamless paddle zones
- Chafe-resistant mock collar
- Zippered back closure with pull-strap for easy dressing
- Shorts fall above the knee
- Materials: 95% nylon, 5% spandex; 79% polyester, 21% spandex
- Lining: 100% nylon; All panels are bonded to neoprene
O’Neill – REACTOR 2 2mm
4 Different Designs, Sizes from 4 to 16!
Back-Zip Women’s
Short Springsuit
I’m sure everyone who knows anything about surfing – knows about the O’Neill Reactor 2 wetsuit. It is likely the most used women’s shorty surf springsuit all around the world. O’Neill is well known for its best bang for the buck when it comes to wetsuits, and the Reactor 2 has been the best wetsuit on this field for sure. It’s simple, yet very durable, comfortable, and warm for a short-sleeve wetsuit. It costs under $100 and is a go-to wetsuit for thousands of female surfers all around the world. AND! The best thing that makes it so popular is also a wide variety of sizes.
- Ultra Stretch Neoprene
- Seamless paddle zones
- Flexible Design Utilizes
- Minimal Seam Placement For Comfort
- Maximum Mobility
- Wind-Resistant Smoothskin Provides Extra Insulation And Protection Against The Cold
O’Neill – O’RIGINAL FL 2mm
Vertical front-zip
Sleeveless Short Jane Springsuit
The most iconic and unique wetsuit on this list in my opinion. 2mm around the torso and legs is quite good to keep the heat in the core while the sleeveless design to cool you down and feel the tropical water. This is a pure warm-water women’s performance springsuit. A perfect example of a women’s short john wetsuit. You need to be brave to wear this retro-style out – props for that!
- UltraFlex DS Neoglide Neoprene
- Glued and Blindstitched Seams
- Flatlock seams
- Retro Styling
- Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones
- Classic retro styling
5) RIP CURL
Rip Curl is not mocking around when it comes to surfing as most of their wetsuits have improved technical features – hence the reason why a lot of competent female surfers prefer the brand!
Rip Curl Women’s G-Bomb Searchers 1mm
Front Zip Sleeveless
Shorty Wetsuit
If you’d walk into a surf store and ask for the best and lightest shorty surf wetsuits – I’m sure you’ll be guided to the Rip Curl G-Bomb section. If you already did not see those suits hanging by the front windows, I’m sure every surf store has those suits on the premium section for sure. You seriously get that extra what you pay for. It is hard to believe how comfortable and stretchy the G-Bomb series is if you haven’t tried one before.
- 1mm Neoprene
- Front Zip Entry
- 100% E5 Neoprene
- E-Stitch high stretch seams
Rip Curl – G-BOMB 1mm
The Best 1mm Long Sleeve Shorty!
Long-Sleeve Bikini Cut
Vertical Front Zip Springsuit
Rip Curl Women’s G-Bomb shorty wetsuit is a premium suit for female athletes. There is a big difference between an entry-level brand wetsuit and a premium suit, such as the G-Bomb. It’s very stretchy and lightweight, and by getting the right size there are really no restrictions to your performance. It is simply one of the greatest spring suits here.
- E4 neoprene fabric: 20% lighter than last year’s rubber, which makes it easier to get around in and more comfortable for those long hours in the chilly water.
• 1mm wetsuits are perfect for summer fun.
• E-stitch high stretch seams for amazing comfort and performance. - Mock neckline
- Half-zip closure at front for easy dressing and temperature control
- Long raglan sleeves allow for a wide range of motion
- Full coverage bikini-cut bottoms
- Solid and print block design options – Branding on the left chest, arm, and cuff
- Materials: 80% neoprene, 20% polyamide
A wide variety of sizes and designs to choose from!
Rip Curl – G-BOMB 1mm
Sleeveless Back-Zip
Bikini Cut Springsuit
The lightest and most advanced sleeveless bikini-cut wetsuit for women by Rip Curl. One might not expect much from such a minimal springsuit, but Rip Curl has made that extra step so you could enjoy those tropical waters with maximum comfort!
- E5 neoprene
- E-Stitch high stretch seams
- Maximum freedom
- Higher neckline
- Super lightweight
Rip Curl – DAWN PATROL Shorty 2mm
Short sleeve, short leg
Back-Zip spring suit
Dawn Patrol is Rip Curl’s mid-range series springsuit, and this is their classical shorty under the $100 mark. Easy in and out, watertight leg/arm seals – it is a simple, warm, and hustle free wetsuit that’s built for surfing. 2mm is very universal and a go-to shorty wetsuit for any other water-related activities as well such as Stand-Up Paddleboarding, warm-water freediving, snorkeling, and why not swimming.
- E-stitchings
- Super lightweight stretch seam construction
- Mesh leg seals to ensure no water entry to provide additional warmth
- Velcro neck closure
Rip Curl – Dawn Patrol Long Sleeve 2mm
The Warmest 2mm Shorty!
Long-Sleeve Short Leg
Back Zip Short
The Rip Curl Women’s Dawn Patrol 2mm long sleeve springsuit offers the perfect balance between function and aesthetic appeal. It is the closest you can get to a 3/2 full suit, as it holds the most warmth and protects the upper body from the damaging UV rays as well!
- E5 in the arms and legs
- Strategically placed seams
- Velcro neck closure
- Freeflex neoprene on the body area
Women’s Surf Wetsuit FAQ
- Can I Surf With A Swimsuit/Bathing Suit? Technically yes, but it’s not advisable since surfing requires a fair amount of time paddling on the surfboard that’s waxed for grip. A regular swimsuit does not have the extra materials on the chest area that prevents a chest rash, and obviously, the stitches are not as durable. Swimsuits don’t keep the warmth as well.
- What To Wear Under A Wetsuit? Nothing, as the wetsuit is designed to go directly on the skin. Materials used in modern wetsuits are skin-friendly, and that extra layer underneath the wetsuit might not be the most comfortable choice. It applies both for men and women’s surf wetsuits.
- How Should A Shorty Wetsuit Fit? Snug, but not too tight – As the most known recommendation goes! It is crucial to get exactly the right size, not one size up or down! A wetsuit that’s too large will let the water get in the suit, while a size smaller suit limits the capabilities big time.
- Basic vs. Entry-Level vs. Premium wetsuits differences?
- Supermarket wetsuits – Very basic in technology, limited size availability, lack of different types. Cheap wetsuits are definitely not meant for high-intensity activities such as surfing.
- Entry-level surf wetsuits – A wetsuit that’s made by a well-known surf brand is all you need. Cheaper wetsuits are still good, but not as comfortable and warm as premium suits.
- Premium surf wetsuits – Technologically advanced materials, zippers, and a variety of different types. Very stretchy, warm, with good insulation qualities, and comfortable. Worth that extra.
- Can I use the surf wetsuit for other water-related activities such as swimming/diving/snorkeling? Surfing wetsuits are a mixture between a triathlon and a diving wetsuit – which is built for warmth and high-intensity movement. Many users claim that they’ve used surf wetsuits for warm-water diving, snorkeling, Stand up paddleboarding, and anything else you can imagine.
WETSUIT SIZE GUIDE
Choosing the right size wetsuit is a crucial step as you’ll be spending a fair amount of time on it! All well-known surf brand women’s surf wetsuits are very comfortable, designed in a way that you’d enjoy each surf session! Known brands have a great selection of female wetsuit sizes available!
You’ll find each brand’s sizing charts down below!
How Should A Shorty Wetsuit Fit? RULE #1 When Buying A Wetsuit – Get Exactly The Right Size!
NB! When you have to choose between sizes, go for:
#1 – Weight!
#2 Torso length
#3 Length
WETSUIT THICKNESS GUIDE
As you can see, each wetsuit brand has its own water temperature recommendations which vary a little. BUT, Don’t get too carried away by the charts, as the wind temperature, individual body fat %, metabolism, and many more factors play a role there. Down here you’ll find 1-2mm thickness wetsuits, which are obviously worn only in waters above 18’C / 65’F so no pressure.
Read next
- 19 Best Surf-specific Wetsuit Brands
- Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Hire a Surfer
- What not to do with your surf wetsuit
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I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.
