Best Shorty Wetsuits of 2026: A Ruthless Real-World Test

No time to read? Here are our top picks after extensive testing.

• Best Overall Performance: O'Neill Bahia 2/1mm (2026) - Unmatched flexibility and a second-skin fit make it the clear winner for active surfers and paddlers who demand performance without restriction.
• Best Value for Money: ZCCO ThermalFlex Shorty 2mm - A surprisingly durable and warm suit that punches well above its projected sub-$100 price point, perfect for weekend warriors.
• Most Durable Workhorse: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 2mm (2026) - Built with robust seams and resilient neoprene, this is the suit you buy if you're in the water 5 days a week and abuse your gear.
• Best for Inclusive Sizing: Stallion Surf Co. Titan 3mm - Finally, a performance-oriented shorty designed from the ground up for larger athletes, offering a superior fit without compromising on features.

We tested these suits in real-world conditions-from choppy morning surf sessions to long-distance paddleboard tours. Here’s the unfiltered breakdown of how each one performed.

O'Neill's Bahia line continues its reign in 2026, and for good reason. This isn't a budget suit, but it delivers a level of flexibility that feels like you're wearing nothing at all. The 2/1mm thickness split-2mm in the core for warmth and 1mm in the arms and shoulders-is executed perfectly.

Real-World Performance:

• Flexibility: The UltraFlex DS Neoprene is ridiculously pliable. Paddling for hours resulted in zero shoulder fatigue, a common complaint with cheaper, stiffer suits.
• Fit & Comfort: The seamless paddle zones are a legitimate advantage. We experienced absolutely no chafing or rubbing under the arms, even on bare skin during a 3-hour session.
• Warmth: For water in the 65-75°F (18-24°C) range, it’s the perfect thermal barrier. The back-zip design is easy to get in and out of, though it does allow a tiny bit of flushing on heavy duck dives compared to a chest-zip.

Who Should Buy This? Dedicated surfers, kiteboarders, and paddlers who see flexibility as a non-negotiable performance feature. If your sport involves constant, powerful arm movement, the investment is easily justified.

Who Should Avoid This? Anyone on a strict budget. You're paying a premium for that top-tier neoprene. It's also less durable than workhorse models like the Dawn Patrol, so if you're notoriously hard on your gear, look elsewhere.

We were skeptical of the ZCCO at its projected price point, but it genuinely surprised us. While it lacks the high-end feel of the O'Neill, it delivers reliable warmth and decent comfort for a fraction of the cost, making it an ideal choice for recreational users.

Real-World Performance:

• Ease of Use: The front-zip option is brilliant for beginners or anyone who struggles with back zips. It's incredibly easy to get on and off without assistance.
• Durability: The flatlock stitching is robust. While not as watertight as the GBS seams on premium suits, it's strong and held up to being pulled, stretched, and scraped on a sandy beach with no signs of wear.
• Flexibility: It's noticeably stiffer than the Bahia, particularly in the shoulders. For casual swimming, snorkeling, or occasional surfing, it's perfectly adequate. For high-intensity paddling, you'll feel the resistance.

Who Should Buy This? The weekend warrior. If you need a reliable suit for a couple of hours at the lake, a vacation snorkeling trip, or to take the chill off during a summer morning surf, this is the smartest buy on the market.

Who Should Avoid This? Serious athletes. The reduced flexibility will become a performance bottleneck. The flatlock seams will also let in more water than a sealed suit, making it less effective in windier or slightly colder conditions.

The Dawn Patrol has always been about blending performance with longevity, and the 2026 model doubles down on durability. It uses Rip Curl’s proven E5 neoprene, which offers a great balance of stretch and toughness, combined with stress-point taping on the inside.

Real-World Performance:

• Built to Last: This suit feels substantial. The neoprene resists nicks from fins or fingernails, and the heavy-duty back zip feels bombproof. This is the suit we'd trust to last multiple seasons of heavy use.
• Warmth: The internal taping on the seams makes a real difference in minimizing water entry. In choppy, windswept conditions, the Dawn Patrol felt significantly warmer than other suits with more basic seam construction.
• Fit: It's a classic performance fit-snug and secure. It takes a bit more effort to get into than the ZCCO, but once on, it stays put with minimal flushing.

Who Should Buy This? Surf instructors, daily surfers, and anyone who lives in their wetsuit. If you prioritize durability and warmth over that last 5% of ultimate flexibility, the Dawn Patrol is your best bet.

Who Should Avoid This? Those looking for that 'naked' feel. While flexible, it can't match the buttery softness of the O'Neill Bahia. The snug fit may also feel restrictive to those with broader shoulders until it's broken in.

For too long, plus-size wetsuits were just scaled-up versions of smaller designs, resulting in poor fits. Stallion Surf Co. has changed that with the Titan. This suit is built with patterns designed specifically for larger frames, focusing on more room in the chest, thighs, and shoulders without being baggy in the waist.

Real-World Performance:

• The Fit is Everything: Our larger testers reported an immediate difference. No more restrictive pulling across the chest or baggy sections around the lower back. The anatomical cut provides a secure, comfortable fit that moves with you.
• Warmth & Buoyancy: The 3mm neoprene provides extra warmth and a noticeable boost in buoyancy, which is a great confidence-builder for swimming or learning to surf. Despite being thicker, the limestone-based neoprene is surprisingly flexible.
• Thoughtful Details: Features a heavy-duty back zip with a long pull cord, making it easy to operate solo. The smooth-skin collar is well-designed to prevent chafing on the neck.

Who Should Buy This? Any larger athlete who has struggled to find a wetsuit that fits properly. The Titan isn't just a bigger suit; it's a better suit designed for your body type. It's perfect for a wide range of water sports.

Who Should Avoid This? Athletes in very warm climates. The 3mm thickness might be overkill for tropical water, where a 2mm or 1.5mm suit would be more comfortable.

While our top picks cover most users, understanding the core components will help you make the perfect choice. Remember, the best deep dive on this topic is our main wetsuit buying guide, but here are the key factors for a shorty.

Thickness: The Core of Warmth

A shorty wetsuit's job is to keep your core warm while freeing up your limbs. Most spring suits are 2mm, often listed as 2/2. Some, like the O'Neill Bahia, use a 2/1mm split for more flexibility. For most conditions above 65°F (18°C), 2mm is the gold standard.

• 2mm: The all-around choice for summer and spring in most temperate climates.
• 1.5mm: Ideal for tropical locations or high-summer days when you just need to cut the wind chill.
• 3mm: Best for those who run cold or for transitional seasons when a full suit is too much but a 2mm isn't enough.

Don't guess your needs. Use our interactive Geardle Wetsuit Thickness Guide to get a precise recommendation based on your location, activity, and personal cold tolerance.

Zip System: Entry and Water Seal

How you get into your wetsuit impacts both convenience and performance.

• Back Zip: The classic. Easiest to get into, but the long zipper can slightly inhibit flexibility and can allow some water to 'flush' through on wipeouts.
• Chest Zip: Offers better flexibility and a superior water seal. It's trickier to get into and out of, and rarely found on entry-level shorty wetsuits.
• Front Zip: A hybrid design seen on the ZCCO. Very easy to get on, but the seal around the neck isn't as tight as a back zip, making it best for less intense activities like snorkeling or casual swimming.

Seam Construction: Durability vs. Performance

The seams are just as important as the neoprene itself.

• Flatlock Stitching: Durable and comfortable, but the stitch holes go all the way through the neoprene, allowing water to seep in. Fine for warm water, but not for cold, windy days. Found on budget-friendly suits.
• Glued & Blindstitched (GBS): The panels are first glued together and then stitched from the outside, but the needle doesn't fully penetrate the inside. This creates a waterproof seam, offering superior warmth. This is the standard for mid-range to high-performance suits.