As a surf shop owner or a brand manager, you know the shorty wetsuit (or springsuit) is a staple of summer. It's the go-to choice for customers looking to take the edge off a cool morning breeze or enjoy longer sessions in temperate water.
But not all shorties are created equal. You've seen the difference. Some are incredibly soft, flexible, and feel like a second skin. Others are stiff, chafe at the neck and arms, and feel more like a restrictive rubber vest than a high-performance garment.
What's the secret to creating a shorty that customers will love to wear?
The answer lies in choosing the right combination of materials and construction specifically for warm-water applications. It's not just about a lower price; it's about maximizing comfort and flexibility.
As a direct manufacturer that engineers these garments, let's break down the anatomy of a superior summer springsuit, so you can provide your customers with a product that defines warm-water comfort.
A shorty wetsuit is designed for one primary purpose: to provide maximum freedom of movement with a minimal layer of warmth. The key decisions in its construction are different from those for a cold-water fullsuit.
1. The Neoprene Thickness: 2mm is the Gold Standard
For a summer springsuit, a 2mm thickness (often 2/2mm, meaning 2mm on both the torso and limbs) is the ideal choice.
Why not thicker? A 3mm shorty is often too warm for its intended use and sacrifices too much flexibility.
Why not thinner? Less than 2mm offers very little insulation and can lack the durability needed for a watersports product.
2mm neoprene provides the perfect barrier against wind chill and cool water without causing overheating.
2. The Neoprene Foam: Flexibility is King
While a cold-water suit demands 100% CR foam for its compression resistance, a shorty has different priorities. Here, the "hand feel" and flexibility are paramount.
Premium 100% CR (Chloroprene Rubber): This foam offers the absolute best in flexibility, softness, and durability. A shorty made from CR feels incredibly supple and high-end. It provides the ultimate user experience.
High-Quality SCR Blend: A good SCR blend (with 50%+ CR content) can provide an excellent balance of great flexibility and a more competitive price point. It will feel significantly softer and more flexible than a cheap, low-grade blend.
Budget SBR Foam: While cost-effective, SBR is noticeably stiffer and less comfortable. It's a viable option for very basic, entry-level, or rental suits, but it does not provide a premium feel.
For a shorty, where comfort is the main selling point, investing in a more flexible foam like CR or a high-quality SCR blend makes a tangible difference.
For a warm-water shorty, the seam construction is all about comfort and durability, not waterproofing. The ideal choice is the Flatlock Stitch.
Here's how it works:
The two edges of the neoprene are laid next to each other, and a series of interlocking threads are stitched through both layers, creating a flat, breathable, and very strong seam.
Why is it perfect for a shorty?
Comfort: The seam lies flat against the skin, preventing chafing.
Breathability: The small holes created by the stitch allow a tiny amount of water to pass through, which is desirable in warm water to prevent overheating.
Strength: It's an incredibly durable stitch that can withstand a lot of stress.
Using a more expensive, waterproof GBS seam on a shorty is unnecessary and counterproductive, as it can make the suit too warm.
| Seam Type | Flatlock Stitch (Our Recommended Method) | GBS (Glued & Blind-Stitched) |
| Comfort | Excellent. Lies flat against the skin. | Good. Can have a slight ridge on the inside. |
| Waterproofing | Low (Breathable). | Excellent (Waterproof). |
| Ideal For | Warm Water (2mm and thinner). | Cool & Cold Water (3mm and thicker). |
This is where partnering with a specialist manufacturer like Source Neoprene Custom becomes your competitive advantage.
We don't just sell you a generic shorty. We work with you to engineer a warm-water garment to your exact specifications.
We Use the Right Materials for the Job: We build our shorties with flexible neoprene foams and comfortable, durable flatlock seams as our standard.
Full Customization: We can help you choose between CR and a high-quality SCR blend to meet your performance and price targets. We can customize the entry system (chest zip or back zip), use high-stretch fabrics, and print your brand's logos with perfect clarity.
Direct-from-Factory Quality Control: As the direct manufacturer, we control every step of the process. We ensure every suit that leaves our facility meets the highest standards for comfort, construction, and performance.
Stop selling a one-size-fits-all solution. Let's work together to build a summer springsuit that your customers will choose for its superior comfort and flexibility.
Ready to create a custom shorty wetsuit that defines summer performance?
→ Email Kevin at kevin@neoprenecustom.com to start a technical consultation and discuss your custom design.
→ Visit our website https://source.neoprenecustom.com to learn more about our wetsuit manufacturing capabilities.
Contact: Kevin
Phone: 13417385320
Tel: 0734-87965514
Email: kevin@neoprenecustom.com
Add: Intersection of Zhangjialing Road and Science and Technology Road, Guiyang Industrial Park, Guiyang Town, Qidong County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province./Dongguan Factory(Louvcraft): Building 3, No.363 Dongxing West Road Dongkeng, Dongguan.