Springsuits

What is a springsuit?

A springsuit is a wetsuit with short legs, and usually short arms, made from thin neoprene, most often 2mm. It keeps your core warm without the heat and bulk of a full wetsuit, so it's the go-to when the water is too cool for boardshorts but too warm for a 3/2. O'Neill's thickness guide puts 2mm suits and shorties in water around 70 to 77°F.

Which springsuit style is right for you?

• Short sleeve shorty: the classic. Short arms and legs, like the Body Glove Phoenix 2mm, Xcel Comp+ 2/1.5 and Manera Seafarer Shorty.
• Long sleeve springsuit: full arms and short legs for more warmth and sun protection, like the Xcel Comp+ and Axis long sleeves, Body Glove Phoenix L/S and O'Neill Bahia.
• Short john and long john: sleeveless, with short or full legs, like Xcel's Axis 2mm short john and long john. Great for paddling freedom.
• Short sleeve fullsuit: short arms with full legs, like Xcel's Axis 2mm, for cooler summer mornings.
• Women's cuts: the Manera Bikisuit, Body Glove Pro 3 and women's Seafarer Shorty Hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a steamer and a springsuit?

Coverage and thickness. A steamer (or fullsuit) covers your arms and legs and is usually 3/2 or thicker, for cooler water. A springsuit has short legs, often short arms, and is usually 2mm, for warm water.

Can you swim in a springsuit?

Yes. Springsuits are great for swimming, bodyboarding and snorkeling as well as surfing, since they give your arms and legs plenty of freedom. They're not the slick, buoyant suits triathletes race in, but they work for everyday swimming.

Does a springsuit keep you warm?

In warm water, yes. A 2mm springsuit keeps your core warm and blocks wind on cool summer mornings. Once the water drops below the low 70s, most surfers are happier in a 3/2 fullsuit.

Are spring suits worth it?

If you surf or swim in summer, yes. A springsuit lets you stay in longer on cool mornings and windy afternoons, protects you from sun and board rash, and costs less than a fullsuit.

Should I get a long sleeve or short sleeve springsuit?

Long sleeves add warmth, wind protection and sun coverage, which helps on cooler mornings and long sessions. Short sleeves give you more freedom and stay cooler on hot days. Many surfers choose long sleeves in early summer and short sleeves in late summer.

What is the best springsuit wetsuit?

For warmth and stretch, Xcel's Comp+ springsuits and Manera's Seafarer Shorty. For value, Body Glove's Phoenix 2mm, at around $90.

Do you carry Rip Curl springsuits?

Yes. We carry the Rip Curl Omega 2mm back zip springsuit, an easy-entry suit for warm days, in boys sizes.

Do you have kids springsuits?

Yes. We carry Xcel's 1mm toddler springsuit with an easy back zip, plus boys springsuits. For more options, see our kids wetsuits.