Two Styles of Wetsuit – The Shorty Wetsuit and the Full Body Wetsuit

First and foremost is the predominant weather conditions, as well as the water temperatures, well at least the averages. The activity of the wearer, as well as the required functionality are additional determining factors as to whether a full wetsuit or any other variety of suit would be suitable for the specific circumstances and use by the individual concerned.
Some people still think of wetsuits as "diving suits" because these types of suits are commonly associated with scuba diving. Through the years, however, the need to protect the body while enjoying various other water recreational activities and water sports have given birth to the many other types of wetsuits. Two of the most popular wetsuit styles nowadays are the shorty wetsuit and the full length wetsuit. These two styles have very distinctive traits and what type of wetsuit is best is actually a matter of personal preference and application. Both wetsuits provide insulation and protection but a wetsuit shorty is typically preferred for warmer waters. It is also preferred by those who do not want to be restricted in their movement. Most people also agree that a wetsuit shorty is more comfortable that the full body wetsuits.
Activities that require the use of a wetsuit include sports such as jet skiing, surfing, scuba diving, triathlons, water skiing and so forth. Any water sport really may be enjoyed with a wetsuit or similar protective gear, and offers the wearer protection from the elements, specifically the colder water, but this functionality extends further too. Many scuba divers prefer the full steamer wetsuit, as the entire body is protected from immersion within deeper and therefore colder waters, whilst the additional protection from stinging sea creatures, such as jelly fish can also be accomplished. In additional to this accidental scrapes, bumps and scratches against the objects around and within which divers explore are largely minimal, thanks to the protection of the full steamer wetsuit.
For activities that don't require being submerged in water for a very long time, a wetsuit shorty is just fine and as long as the water is relatively warm. These shorties are called such because they only cover half of your arms, your torso and the thigh, mostly above the knees. Women find shorty wetsuits more flattering of their curves than full body wetsuits as well, and better for those activities that require a more natural freedom of movement such as kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding. But the wetsuit shorties are not ideal for use in cold waters for they are less effective in retaining the heat of the body. This is where full body wetsuits come into the picture because these types of wetsuits are more effective in retaining body heat within the suit especially when the water temperature falls below about 68F.
Safety is an important part of the equation and when it comes to safety, full body wetsuits are better than wetsuit shorties when cold is a concern. If you are more concerned about freedom of movement in the waters, you can find a lighter full wetsuit but offers the same kind of coverage as a thicker full body wetsuits may have.