I just grabbed a new short john for the upcoming swell, and honestly, it's a total game-changer for those weird mid-season mornings when a full suit feels like a sauna but going trunk-only is a bit too brave. If you've ever sat out the back in the early spring or late autumn, you know that awkward temperature gap. Your core needs some love, but your arms are begging for freedom. That's exactly where this specific piece of kit shines.
It's one of those items that often gets overlooked in favor of the flashy 3/2mm full suits or the classic springsuit, but the short john has a vibe all its own. It's got that retro, old-school surf feel, yet the modern tech makes it incredibly functional. Let's talk about why this might be the most underrated piece of rubber you can own.
What Exactly Is a Short John?
To put it simply, a short john is a wetsuit that features short legs—usually ending mid-thigh—and a sleeveless top. Think of it like a wrestling singlet or a tank top version of a wetsuit. It's the cousin of the "long john," which has the same sleeveless top but features full-length legs.
The beauty of the design is in its simplicity. By stripping away the sleeves, you're removing the most restrictive part of any wetsuit: the neoprene over your shoulders. If you've ever suffered from "wetsuit fatigue" after a long session, you know it's usually your shoulders that give out first because they're constantly fighting against the tension of the rubber every time you paddle. In a short john, that tension is gone. Your arms are completely free to move, which feels incredibly liberating.
Why the Sleeveless Vibe Works
One of the biggest reasons I find myself reaching for my short john more often these days is the sheer comfort. There's something about having your arms completely exposed to the elements while your core stays warm that just feels right.
Total Paddle Freedom
I can't stress this enough: paddling in a sleeveless suit is a revelation. Whether you're surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or even doing some open-water swimming, the range of motion is unmatched. You don't realize how much a standard 2mm or 3mm sleeve is holding you back until you take it away. It's great for people who might have existing shoulder issues or just want to stay out in the water for three hours without feeling like their arms are made of lead.
Temperature Regulation
We've all been there—the sun is out, the water is a bit chilly, and you put on a full suit. Within twenty minutes, you're flushing your neck with cold water because you're overheating. The short john solves this. It keeps your vital organs and your torso warm, which is the key to preventing a chill, but it allows your limbs to shed excess heat. It's the perfect "transition" suit for those days when the air is 75 degrees but the water is still hovering in the 60s.
Protection Without the Bulk
Aside from warmth, a big reason we wear neoprene is to protect our skin. If you're riding a longboard or a foamie, chest wax rash is a real enemy. A short john gives you that layer of protection on your chest and stomach so you don't end up looking like you've been scrubbed with sandpaper after a session. Plus, you get a little bit of extra buoyancy, which never hurts when the sets are stacking up.
Choosing the Right Thickness and Material
Most short johns you'll find on the market are going to be in the 1.5mm to 2mm range. Since it's a warm-weather suit, you really don't need anything thicker than that. If it were 3mm, it would probably start to feel a bit bulky and stiff, which defeats the whole purpose of the sleeveless design.
These days, you've got some cool choices when it comes to materials. While standard petroleum-based neoprene is still the most common, a lot of brands are moving toward limestone neoprene or even Yulex (which is a natural rubber). If you're someone who spends a lot of time in the ocean, it's worth looking into those eco-friendly options. They tend to be just as stretchy and durable, and they're a lot better for the environment we're trying to enjoy.
One thing to look out for is the lining. Some higher-end suits will have a quick-dry or thermal lining on the inside of the chest panel. It might seem like overkill for a "summer" suit, but it actually makes a huge difference on windy days when the wind chill can start to bite.
Entry Systems: Back Zip vs. Front Zip
When you're shopping for a short john, you'll usually see two main types of entry: the back zip and the "velcro shoulder" (sometimes called a long john entry).
- The Back Zip: This is the most common. It's easy to get in and out of, which is a huge plus. There's nothing worse than struggling to peel off a soaking wet suit in a parking lot while you're shivering. The only downside is that a zipper on the back can sometimes be a bit stiff, but on a 2mm suit, you barely notice it.
- Shoulder Entry: This is the classic way. One or both of the shoulders will have a velcro tab or a snap button. You step into the suit and pull the straps over your shoulders. This design is great because there are no zippers to break or get stuck, and it offers the most flexibility. However, if the velcro isn't high quality, it can sometimes scratch your neck or come undone if you take a heavy tumble in the surf.
Personally, I'm a fan of the shoulder entry for that clean, retro look, but you really can't go wrong with either.
The Style Factor
Let's be real for a second—the short john looks cool. It has that 1970s California surf aesthetic that never really goes out of style. While everyone else is wrapped up in black 4/3mm "space suits," showing up in a clean, well-fitted short john says you're there to have a good time and you're not taking things too seriously.
It's also a very versatile piece for other water sports. I see a lot of folks using them for kayaking or sailing because you get that core warmth without the arm restriction that can make rowing or pulling lines a chore. It's also a favorite for "river rats" who are spending the day on a raft or a tube and want a little protection from the cold water without feeling like they're wearing a heavy costume.
Caring for Your Suit
If you want your short john to last more than one season, you've got to treat it right. Neoprene is pretty tough, but salt and sun are its natural enemies.
First, always rinse it with fresh water after every use. Salt crystals can get embedded in the fabric and the zipper, eventually drying things out and causing cracks. Just a quick spray with the garden hose or a dunk in a bucket of fresh water will do the trick.
Second, avoid hanging it in direct sunlight to dry. I know it's tempting to toss it over the balcony rail in the sun, but UV rays eat neoprene for breakfast. It'll get brittle and lose its stretch. Hang it in the shade, and try to hang it doubled over a thick hanger rather than by the shoulders. Hanging a wet suit by the shoulder straps can actually stretch them out over time because of the weight of the water.
Is It Worth It?
You might be thinking, "Do I really need another wetsuit?" And look, if you live somewhere where the water is always 80 degrees or always 50 degrees, then maybe not. But for the rest of us living in places with actual seasons, a short john fills a gap that nothing else can.
It's that perfect "in-between" gear. It's for those mornings when the air is crisp, the water is clear, and you want to feel the ocean on your skin without freezing your vitals. It's about being comfortable, moving freely, and maybe looking a little bit like a vintage surf legend while you're at it.
Next time you're browsing your local surf shop or looking online, don't just scroll past the sleeveless section. Give the short john a chance. Your shoulders—and your morning sessions—will definitely thank you for it. It might just become the most-used suit in your collection.