Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2mm BackZip Flatlock 2026

The Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2mm BackZip Flatlock 2026 is Mystic's most affordable entry into warm-water riding — a traditional short-arm, short-leg shorty built on MX2 neoprene with flatlock seams and a back-zip entry. At £79.95 it is the most budget-friendly suit in the wetsuits range, purpose-built for summer sessions and warm-water travel where a fullsuit would cook you and full arms are simply not needed.

The 3/2mm construction uses MX2 foam — Mystic's entry-level neoprene compound with solid stretch and rebound — lined with a 90% superstretch nylon blend that makes getting in and out far easier than older neoprene suits. A Wind Mesh chest panel adds a layer of wind resistance at the front, while flatlock seams keep the suit soft against the skin throughout. This is a straightforward, honest summer shorty: it does exactly what you need it to do in 17–22°C water, and nothing more.

Who It's For

• Disciplines: Kitesurfing, wingfoiling, pumpfoiling, SUP, surfing, wakeboarding
• Level: All levels — ideal for beginners who want a cost-effective first summer suit, and experienced riders wanting a dedicated warm-water travel suit
• Best for: UK summer sessions (June–September), Mediterranean and Atlantic warm-water trips, inland water sports
• Water temp: Most comfortable from 17°C upwards; workable from 15°C on a calm day
• Not ideal for: UK spring and autumn sessions, or anything below 15°C — for that, step up to a longarm cut or a fullsuit

Key Features

• MX2 Neoprene — Mystic's entry-level neoprene compound; good stretch and rebound for the price, handles repeated summer sessions reliably
• 90% Superstretch Lining — updated lining blend that moves with you; significantly easier to get in and out of than older flatlock suits
• Wind Mesh Chest Panel — higher-density closed-cell neoprene at the chest; blocks wind chill when you're riding upwind and sitting on the water between sets
• Flatlock Seams — panels are stitched with a wide flat stitch that lies completely soft against the skin — no raised seam edges, no chafing. Trade-off: flatlock seams are stitched all the way through, so they allow more water ingress than GBS construction. Fine for warm summer water; not ideal for cold UK conditions
• Back Zip Entry — simple, reliable full-length back zipper with the Overhead Backup Shield — a neoprene flap pulled over the head to seal the neck and prevent water flushing down the zip on wipeouts
• Aquaflush — perforated neoprene patches at the lower legs let water drain out when you exit the water, so the suit doesn't pool and drag on your legs
• Short Arm / Short Leg Cut — short sleeves to the upper arm, short legs to mid-thigh; maximum freedom and ventilation for warm-water sessions. This is a true shorty — arms and legs both short
• 3/2mm Thickness — 3mm body panels, 2mm on the arms and legs; light and flexible for warm-water use

Real-World Feel

The Brand Shorty earns its place as the entry-level summer suit — it's light, easy to get on and off, and does not restrict your movement for active disciplines like wingfoiling or kitesurfing. On a warm July day at West Kirby or on a Mediterranean kite trip, you'll barely notice you're wearing it, which is exactly the point. The Wind Mesh chest makes a genuine difference when you're sitting on the water waiting for a gust and the westerly is blowing through you. Be honest with yourself about the flatlock seams, though: when you take a solid wipeout or ride through cold chop, water will work its way in through the stitch lines more freely than it would with a GBS-seamed suit. In 20°C water that flushed water warms up quickly and it's a non-issue. In 14°C water on a breezy evening, you'll feel it. This suit is at its best in genuinely warm conditions — treat it as your summer-only or travel suit and it will serve you well season after season.

Setup & Fit

The back zip runs the full length of the spine and is easy to operate solo using the leash cord. Pull the Overhead Backup Shield over the back of your head before you zip up — it seals the collar and creates a decent barrier against water flushing down the zip during duck-dives and wipeouts. Mystic wetsuits run true to size — use their size chart rather than guessing, and if you are between sizes, size up for easier entry or stay at your size for a warmer thermal seal. The suit should feel snug with no gaps at the wrists, neck or lower back. A loose shorty flushes more water and provides less warmth than one that fits correctly.

Materials

• Neoprene: MX2 foam (Mystic entry-level compound)
• Chest panel: Wind Mesh — higher-density closed-cell neoprene with single-sided fabric lamination for wind resistance
• Lining: 90% superstretch nylon blend
• Seams: Flatlock stitching throughout
• Thickness: 3mm body / 2mm arms and legs
• Closure: Back zip with integrated Overhead Backup Shield
• Cut: Short arms / short legs (true shorty)

Size Chart

If you are between sizes, size up for easier entry or stay at your size for a better thermal seal. Measure chest at its widest point; waist at its narrowest after exhaling. Wetsuits should feel snug but you should be able to take a full breath without the chest fighting you.

Pairs Well With

• Wetsuit boots and gloves — even in summer, early morning sessions on the Wirral or the Dee can be cooler than expected; a pair of 3mm boots keeps your feet comfortable and extends the suit's usable range
• Changing robe or changing mat — essential for UK beach car park changes; get changed in your robe and keep the suit on until the last moment before entering the water

Why We Stock It

We're a rider-owned shop on the Wirral, and we're honest about what different wetsuits are for. The Brand Shorty at £79.95 fills a specific and legitimate gap: it's the suit you buy when you're heading to a kite camp in Tarifa, spending a fortnight windsurfing in Fuerteventura, or doing your first kitesurfing lessons in UK summer and don't want to spend £200 before you know how often you'll ride. It's also the dedicated warm-water suit that sits alongside your winter fullsuit rather than trying to replace it. The MX2 neoprene and flatlock construction are the honest trade-offs for the price — we'll always tell you what that means — but for the sessions this suit is actually designed for, it does the job cleanly and it'll last. We ride Mystic ourselves, and we stock the full range from the Brand up to The One so we can give you an honest steer on which suit fits your budget and your season.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Mystic Brand Shorty and the Mystic Brand Longarm Shortleg?

These are two distinct cuts in the same Brand range at different price points. The Shorty (this suit, £79.95) has short arms — typically to the upper arm — and short legs to mid-thigh. It is a traditional spring-suit or shortie cut: maximum ventilation and freedom, best for genuinely warm water. The Longarm Shortleg (£119.95) has full-length arms reaching to the wrist and the same short-leg cut. The longarm cut protects your arms from wind chill and cold water splash — important in UK summer conditions where air temperatures and wind chill can be significant even when water is warm. If you're riding in the UK from June to September and expect to be on a kite or wing in any kind of breeze, the longarm shortleg is usually the smarter choice for comfort. If you're heading somewhere genuinely warm — the Med, the Canaries, tropical travel — the shorty is perfectly suited.

What is the difference between flatlock and GBS seams on a wetsuit?

Flatlock seams are stitched all the way through both panels of neoprene. The thread physically punctures the material, which means water can seep in along the stitch line. The benefit is that the seam lies completely flat against the skin — no raised edges, no chafing. GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched) seams are first glued together and then stitched only partway through the neoprene from the inside — the needle never breaks the outer surface, so the seam is nearly watertight. Flatlock is the right construction for warmer water (15°C+) where water ingress is not a major concern. GBS is better for cold UK sessions where keeping water out is critical. The Mystic Brand range uses flatlock; the Star, Motion and above use GBS. This is the honest reason the Brand costs less.

Is a 3/2mm shorty warm enough for UK summer surfing or kitesurfing?

It depends on the specific conditions. UK summer water temperatures on most coasts (the Wirral, North Wales, the Irish Sea) range from roughly 15–18°C from June to September, peaking around 17–18°C in August. A 3/2mm shorty in those temperatures is workable, but you will feel the wind chill on your bare arms and legs on breezier days. Most riders doing active watersports in UK summer find they want at least arm coverage — which is why the longarm shortleg is a more popular choice for UK use. The shorty is a great option for calmer, warmer days, or for travel destinations where water genuinely hits 18–22°C. If you run warm, the shorty will serve you well all summer here.

Will the back zip flush cold water during wipeouts?

The back-zip entry uses an Overhead Backup Shield — a neoprene flap attached behind the neck that you pull over your head to create a secondary seal before closing the zip. This significantly reduces flushing on wipeouts and duck-dives compared to an unshielded back zip. The flatlock seams will allow some water in regardless, but the zip itself is well-sealed when the Overhead Shield is correctly positioned. A well-fitting suit around the neck and wrists reduces flushing further.

How do I look after a flatlock wetsuit?

The same rules as any wetsuit, but the flatlock seams deserve particular care: rinse the suit thoroughly in fresh water after every session — salt crystallises along the stitch holes over time and degrades the thread and neoprene around the seams. Hang by the waist on a wide hanger or fold loosely; never hang by the shoulders, which stresses the neck and shoulders of the suit. Store away from UV light and heat. Avoid machine washing, tumble drying, and leaving the suit in a hot car boot. Rinsed and stored correctly, a flatlock suit will last multiple seasons.

What does Aquaflush do on a Mystic wetsuit?

Aquaflush is Mystic's name for perforated neoprene patches at the lower legs of the suit. When you step out of the water, any water that has collected inside the legs drains out through these perforations under gravity rather than sitting in the suit and making it heavy and cold. It is a simple feature but genuinely useful — you step out of the water and the legs drain rather than pooling for several minutes while you walk up the beach.