Updated October 18, 2022
Scuba shorts, what’s that all about? Actually divers are finding more and more that a pair of shorts can be useful in a number of applications.
- Rashguard Shorts – These are made of Lycra or expandable nylon of some sort and can be used for UV protection and stinger avoidance along with a top or as an undergarment used for comfort or to make donning and doffing a wetsuit easier. They are also of use in a variety of water sports applications.
- Wetsuit Shorts can serve as standard exposure protection standalone, along with a top, or in conjunction with another wet or drysuit for added thermal protection or comfort.
- Cargo or Tech Shorts – These can be made of neoprene or drysuit-like materials and are designed primarily for providing extra storage pockets. This is especially useful in technical diving and for divers carrying a load of accessories like instructors often do. They can be used in standalone mode in a variety of watersports activities but for scuba diving, they would usually be worn over a wetsuit or drysuit.
- Holster or Crotchless Shorts – These function like tech shorts but do not have full legs. The crotch is open and the outer section with the pocket is attached to the leg with a strap.
If this sounds like something you can use, I have chosen some top examples in all of the above categories to introduce to you. There are descriptions with photos and videos, where available, to paint a clear picture for you. Afterward is a comparison table.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Scuba Shorts
- Mares XR-Line Tek Shorts
- Apeks Tech Shorts
- XS Scuba Highland 2mm Superstretch Neoprene Shorts
- Kona Wetsuit Scuba Diving Tech Shorts
- Scubapro Hybrid Cargo Shorts
- Scubapro 1.5mm Everflex Shorts
- Mares Rashguard Shorts
- Fourth Element Thermocline Shorts
- LayaTone Diving Shorts With Pocket 3mm Neoprene
- IST Dive Pocket Holster Belt
Fabricated from durable and lightweight Kevlar and bilaminate, the Mares Tek Shorts can be worn on top of a wetsuit or drysuit or alone in warmer water.
Easy draining and quick to dry, the two large pockets which are the same style as those on the XR1 drysuit, provide substantial additional storage needed for tech diving.
The broad range of 7 sizes is suitable for men and women.
- Lightweight bilaminate and Kevlar construction
- Velcro waist attachment
- Expandable pockets with Velcro closure and zippered flap pockets
- Grommets for fast draining and drying
- Non-floating
- 2 large pockets
- Suitable for men and women (unisex)
- 7 sizes from XS through XXXL
The Apeks Tech Shorts are a comfortable neoprene model to wear over your wet or drysuit or by itself in warm water.
It has a rubber print on the back to protect the material and to provide traction for use when sitting on a boat between dives or on a jet ski.
The 2 expandable fast-draining fabric pockets with D-rings are large enough to store multiple items like slates and torches that tech divers rely on.
These shorts come in a range of 7 unisex sizes.
- 5mm neoprene with a small diamond outer lining and nylon inner lining
- Adjustable waistband with a strap and quick release buckle and 2 hook and loop flaps
- Rubber print on the back for grip (when sitting)
- 2 large expandable fabric pockets
- Grommets for drainage
- D-rings
- Suitable for men and women (unisex)
- 5 sizes from S through XXL
XS Scuba Highland 2mm Superstretch Neoprene Shorts
The XS Scuba Highland Superstretch Neoprene Pocket Shorts are lightweight, durable, and well-constructed.
Fitting nicely over a wetsuit or drysuit or on their own, a drawstring with a barrel lock secures the waist.
Large nylon pockets are well-outfitted with grommets for drainage, and numerous D-rings and webbing straps for attaching gear.
4 available sizes will accommodate a range of body shapes in the stretchy and comfortable 2mm neoprene advanced bike short patterned design.
- 2mm neoprene
- Flatlock seams on the shorts
- Nylon draw-string waist with barrel-lock
- 2 large thigh pockets with hook and loop flap closure and mesh inner-pocket
- 1680-D ballistic nylon pocket material
- 3 D-rings and 2 webbing straps per pocket
- 5 grommets per pocket for drainage
- 4 sizes from S through XL
Kona Wetsuit Scuba Diving Tech Shorts
Like the other shorts above, these Kona Tech Shorts are great over your wet or drysuit or as standalone cargo shorts for use in other watersports aside from diving.
It has a non-slip surface on the bottom for sitting and large pockets with D-rings to secure your accessories.
An adjustable belt lock secures the waist and 2mm of durable and comfortable premium neoprene provides substantial exposure protection.
The 5 available sizes will fit a large range of body shapes.
- 2mm neoprene
- Non-slip bottom surface
- Adjustable belt lock for the waist
- 2 large thigh pockets with 2 hook and loop tabs for closure on each
- 2 D-rings and 6 grommets per pocket for storage and drainage
- 5 sizes from S through XXL
The ScubaPro Hybrid Cargo Shorts are one component is the popular line that includes a long-sleeve thermal rash guard, cargo pants, and a sleeveless hooded vest.
It is perfect as part of this set but also great to use on its own or over your dive suit.
The 1mm stretchy high-quality neoprene has a soft fleece lining with a nylon drawstring waist.
The two large cargo pockets have a Velcro seal and bungee loop to secure slates and other accessories.
Useful for a variety of watersports it comes in a range of six sizes.
There is also a version specially designed for women.
- 1mm neoprene used on shorts and pockets
- Plush fleece interior
- Reinforced seat
- Nylon drawstring waist
- 2 large thigh pockets with Velcro seal
- Bungee loop and drains in each neoprene pocket
- 6 sizes from S through XXL
Scubapro 1.5mm Everflex Shorts
The Scubapro 1.5mm Everflex Shorts, unlike the shorts above, is a pocketless model of high-stretch form-fitting neoprene for a comfortable fit and minimal water flow.
It can be worn by itself or in conjunction with Everflex long or short-sleeved tops.
It has a soft nylon fleece interior with a drawstring waist that comes in six sizes.
A women’s model is available, as well.
- 5mm lightweight high-stretch neoprene
- Form-fitting for low internal water flow
- Plush fleece interior
- Nylon drawstring waist
- 6 sizes from S through XXL
The Mares Rash Guard Shorts are of stretchy Polyester/Spandex construction that gives UV30+ protection from the sun and serves well as an undergarment for another exposure suit or standalone.
It has the Trilastic color scheme and matches with Trilastic long or short-sleeved tops.
The cool lightweight material is comfortable and with flat-lock stitching will not leave any creases or marks on your skin.
You can choose from a full range of sizes.
- 85% Polyester 15% Spandex construction
- UV 30+ protection
- Flat-lock stitching (leaves no marks on the skin)
- 6 sizes from S through XXXL
Fourth Element Thermocline Shorts
These shorts are also pocketless and form-fitting, great for wearing under board shorts or a wetsuit for an extra layer of thermal protection for the body core.
The high back prevents riding down and it can be combined with a short-sleeved top to make a lightweight shorty wetsuit.
A women’s version is also available.
- 78% recycled Nylon equivalent to 2mm neoprene
- Lightweight and breathable
- Pull-on closure
- Form-fitting
- Neutrally buoyant
- Machine washable
- 4 sizes from M through XXL
LayaTone Diving Shorts With Pocket 3mm Neoprene
The Tongina Cargo Shorts Wetsuit Pants are designed a little differently than standard “shorts.”
These are open in the crotch with each leg attached to the thigh with a Velcro attachment.
Adjustable at the waist and thighs, this model works for all adult male and female sizes and fits easily over other scuba exposure suits.
The large pockets have grommets for drainage, are each sealed with a zipper, and include one D-ring inside each for attaching accessories.
Like the other shorts here these will work well for a variety of water sports.
The pricing is quite reasonable.
- 3mm neoprene
- Adjustable webbing belt at the waist with quick-release buckle
- Hoop and loop thigh attachment
- 2 oversized nylon pockets with a D-ring in each and zipper closure
- Grommets for drainage
- Suitable for men and women (unisex)
- 1 size fits all
The IST Dive Pocket Holster Belt is similar in concept to the Toygogo model above.
It’s an open-crotch model appropriately labeled a holster.
This one uses 3mm neoprene and has an adjustable nylon webbing belt and Velcro thigh straps for attachment.
The two large pockets have durable zippers for secure closure with carabiners in and below each for a total of four.
Designed specifically with scuba diving in mind, it will safely store your diving accessories.
The 3 sizes each have a broad range and will accommodate men and women.
- 3mm neoprene
- Adjustable nylon webbing belt at the waist with quick-release buckle
- Double holster design has large pockets with zipper closure and a large carabiner loop in each
- Carabiner loops below each pocket
- Velcro thigh straps
- Suitable for men and women (unisex)
- 3 sizes (S/M, L/XL, XXL)
Scuba Shorts Comparison Table
| Scuba Shorts | Photo | Pockets | Material | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mares XR-Line Tek Shorts |   | 2 | Kevlar/bilaminate | 7 (XS-XXXL) | $$$ |
| Apeks Tech Shorts |   | 2 | 1.5mm Neoprene | 5 (S-XXL) | $$$ |
| XS Scuba Highland 2mm Superstretch Neoprene Shorts |   | 2 | 2mm Neoprene | 4 (S-XL) | $$ |
| Kona Wetsuit Scuba Diving Tech Shorts |   | 2 | 2mm Neoprene | 5 (S-XXL) | $$ |
| Scubapro Hybrid Cargo Shorts |   | 2 | 1mm Neoprene | 6 (S-XXXL) | $$ |
| Scubapro 1.5mm Everflex Shorts |   | 0 | 1.5mm Neoprene | 6 (S-XXXL) | $$ |
| Mares Rashguard Shorts |   | 0 | Polyester/Spandex, UV 30+ | 6 (S-XXXL) | $ |
| Fourth Element Thermocline Shorts |   | 0 | 78% Recycled Nylon | 4 (M-XXL) | $$ |
| LayaTone Diving Shorts With Pocket 3mm Neoprene |   | 2 | 3mm Neoprene | 1 Size Fits All | $ |
| IST Dive Pocket Holster Belt |   | 2 | 3mm Neoprene | 3 (S/M, L/XL, XXL) | $ |
| Scuba Shorts | Photo | Pockets | Material | Sizes | Price |
For other reviews of scuba diving exposure protection and garments, please check out the following posts:
- Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
- Best Scuba Drysuits – Buying Guide
- Top 10 Scuba Diving Drysuits
- Best Scuba Diving Drysuits for Women
- Best Drysuit Undergarments
- Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
- Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits – Buying Guide
- Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Review
- Best Women’s Scuba Diving Wetsuits
- Best Scuba Dive Boots
- Best Scuba Diving Gloves
- Best 8 Scuba Diving Hoods
- Best Lycra Dive Skins
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