Shorty Swimsuits

A shorty is a lightweight swimsuit, usually made from chlorine resistant fabric for use in swimming pools.

Think of it as a swim shirt with jammers, or jammers with a swim shirt. It stretches in all directions for added comfort and free body movements.

Quick drying shorty swimsuits are designed to be worn all day long. They feel good on the skin, can withstand heavy usage in the sea or chlorinated waters, and give you a sporty look in the pool or on the beach.

Most have front zippers, some have back zippers which looks better but is more awkward to put on. Some better suits have flatlock stitching and a built-in pocket on the arm for your keys or money.

Shorty swimsuits are easier to put on or take off than a full suit. Some have long sleeves for good sun protection, others are shorter for indoor use.

Shorty Advantages

• Dries quickly
• Creates a sleek silhouette in the water
• More coverage than traditional swimsuits
• No need for drawcord waist
• Stays put when you jump around a lot.

There are more than many swimwear designs by leading brands including Speedo, Zoggs and Arena, covering all styles from jammers to briefs to long length, loose fitting watershorts and fullbody diveskins. Everyone is catered for, from competition swimmers to those who just want a functional swimsuit for the occasional dip.

Chlorine Resistance

The majority of tight fitting swimsuits are made from chlorine resistant fabrics so you can get plenty of wear out of them. There are many choices colour and design wise, from basic black swimming suits by Arena to brightly printed shorties. It doesn't matter what size, shape or style you are looking for, there will be something to suit everyone.

Variety of Styles

Shorty with long sleeves for good sun protection, easier to put on or take off than a full suit.

This skintone coloured swimsuit may turn a few heads.

Shorty with top entry may require some agility.

Reader Comment: Rowing Practice

We wear these shorties for rowing practice where we get splashed a fair bit. They feel good even on long rowing runs.

There's something quietly thrilling about sliding into our shorty swimsuits early in the morning, before the sun's properly up and the river's still half-asleep. They fit snugly, smooth and elastic, the kind of fabric that cools your skin at first touch but soon warms to your body heat. Dry, they've got that silky, aerodynamic feel, just enough compression to remind you you're ready for action. You catch your reflection in the boathouse window and see the unmistakable look of rowers who mean business.

When we step out onto the deck, the suits flex easily as we haul the boat down to the landing. The air's crisp enough to sting your nose, and the shorties almost seem to seal in a layer of warmth while staying breathable. You can feel every shift of muscle beneath the surface, shoulders rolling, thighs tightening for balance, and it's that freedom of motion that makes them so good for the job.

Once we slide the boat into the river and the splashes begin, the suits really come into their own. The fabric darkens with every splash of water and clings in a way that feels athletic, like it’s ready for action. The wetness adds a cooling edge against the morning air, which feels brilliant once you start to warm up from the effort. The shorties stretch and move with every lean and pull, never restricting, never dragging.

Before long, the river wakes up too. The blades dip cleanly, sending little bursts of spray over us with each catch. Droplets hit your arms, roll across the shorty's fabric, and disappear into the seams. It repels water just enough to stay light, but when it starts to soak through. It takes on this cool, close feel that keeps your body alert. The fabric molds to you, sleek and responsive, hugging the contours but never clinging uncomfortably.

Halfway through, when the workouts get tough, that wet fabric turns into an ally. It's cooling, refreshing, a quiet counter to the heat building in your muscles. Even as the sun burns through the mist, the shorties never feel heavy or clammy; instead, there's this smooth slickness that helps you slide and twist more naturally. They dry surprisingly quick in the breeze too. By the time we drift to shore, you can feel the warmth creeping back into the fibres, soft and flexible again.

Then comes the best bit, the dip afterwards. We don't bother changing; we just leap straight into the river. Underwater, the shorties feel completely different, weightless and fluid, almost like a second skin built for speed. They flow with the current, brushing gently against you in the water's movement, creating that effortless, gliding sensation that makes swimming after rowing so addictive. The fabric shimmers faintly as sunlight cuts through the surface, bubbles sliding up the neat seams as we kick and dive.

Later, in the local pool, they're just as comfortable. They dry fast, keep their shape, and still look sharp, clean lines, athletic cut, just enough shine to catch the light. They've become part of our rowing identity, really. You pull them on, and it feels like you're part of something, the rhythm of the river, the camaraderie of the crew, the hard work that ties it all together. Whether drenched with sweat, splashed by the oars, or drying in the breeze, these shorties handle it all with the same easy confidence.

They might be simple shorty swimsuits, but to us, they’re part of the whole experience, a mix of comfort, freedom, and a little bit of flair every time we hit the river or pool. A proper bit of sporting kit that looks sharp, feels right, and never lets you down, whether you’re cutting through the water or hauling the boat back onto the rack.