From paddle out to pop up, the best surf swimwear for women needs to stay on securely. An active swimsuit needs to be functional as well as cute. You want to feel confident in the lineup and when paddling back out after a heavy set. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best surf swimsuits based on comfort and mobility, durability, and fit.
We’ve included surf bikinis that range from low to high coverage to match your style. We’ve also included both bikinis and one-pieces, so you’re sure to find something you love. Below, we’ll go through this season’s best surf swimwear for women and a buying guide to help you find the right fit. Ladies who surf, this review is positively for you.
Best Surf Swimwear for Women Reviewed
Best Overall Surf Swimsuit for Women
Tackle any wave with our Best Overall surf swimsuit, the Rip Curl Wipeout Crop and Cheeky Bikini Bottom. The Wipeout collection has a fun tie-dye pastel print that will accentuate your tan and make you stand out in the lineup.
The crop top’s double strap back offers good support, and the cheeky bottoms are fully lined for better durability. With this swimsuit, you’ll look great and feel confident in the water.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Removable padding
- Fully lined
- Cute design
Cons
- Not reversible
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Runner Up
Get the perfect combination of flirty, fun, and sporty with the Rip Curl Premium Surf Deep V Bikini Top and Cheeky Coverage Bikini Bottoms. The deep V top is elegant and on-trend, and the cheeky bottoms are Rip Curl’s best sellers.
The Wipeout will become your go-to swimsuit with ultra-soft microfibre fabric and fully adjustable, wide shoulder straps. A few extra details include removable padding, cute ribbed fabric, and a metal branded log.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Flattering cut
- Fully adjustable
- Highly rated
Cons
- Top may slip down during rough surfs
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Best Value Swimsuit
Be the queen of the beach with the Billabong Feeling Sunny Plunge Reversible Top and Lowrider Bottoms. Customize your retro-cool look by wearing one side with small stripes or the reverse with larger-scale stripes.
The soft, stretchy, recycled swim fabric feels like your favourite comfy T-shirt, while the alluring deep V neckline keeps you looking cute. The budget lowrise bottoms are taller in the front and back with full bum coverage, and therefore flattering for many different body shapes. Overall, you can’t go wrong with this inexpensive surf swimsuit.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Wide straps
- Retro lines
- Secure fit
- Soft material
Cons
- No padding
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Best Surf Bikini
Feel like a celebrity dipping in the sparkling shores of Ibiza with the Body Glove Ibiza Aro Top and Marlee High-Waist Bikini Bottom. This swimsuit is made of luxurious ribbed fabric in a solid colour that matches any top or bottoms. The Aro Top fits like a sports bra, making it perfect for surfing. It also offers full coverage support to help you feel secure, as well as a flattering low back.
The Marlee bottoms sport a high-waisted retro look, with high-cut seams that make your legs look longer. They have cheeky coverage and a clean front for a simple yet elegant look.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Ribbed fabric
- Full-coverage top
- Elegant style
Cons
- Top runs slightly small
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Best Surf One-piece Swimsuit
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic one-piece, check out the Body Glove Smoothies Electra 1Pc. Surfing in a one-piece is always the most secure way to go, and this one has full front coverage, a mod square neckline, and a criss-cross open back.
The shelf bra works for better support and lift, and the removable soft cups help you find the right fit for your curves. It comes in black or lovely bright orange, and you can wear it for both surfing or sunbathing.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Secure for surfing
- Beautiful back design
- Attractive colours
Cons
- Some have stated the top fits loose
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Best Surf Swimsuit for Durability
If you’re looking for a swimsuit that will last through pounding surf sessions, the Rip Curl Blossom Revo Crop Top and Hi-Leg Bottoms are for you. What sets it apart from other bikinis is the durable but lightweight microfibre material. It’s also reversible, with a beautiful floral design on one side and an eye-catching stripe pattern on the other.
The crop top also has double shoulder straps for more support and a unique look. Meanwhile, the bottoms are high cut to accentuate your legs and have skimpy coverage to show a little more skin. You’ll feel amazing in this swimsuit season after season.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Highly durable
- Reversible
- Unique design
Cons
- Bottoms may be too skimpy for some
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Best All-Around Swimsuit
Searching for a swimsuit that’s great for beach tanning as well as active sports like surfing or volleyball? The Rip Curl Salty Daze Banded Tri Bikini Top and Skimpy Bikini Bottom make for the perfect one-size-fits-all swimsuit.
The captivating triangle print with bold yellow detailing gives it a unique look. The matching bottoms are cheeky with a pop of colour on the side bindings. Plus, it’s made from recycled fabrics, so Mother Nature will love it too.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Textured top band
- Sustainable
- Bold details and colours
Cons
- Top is a little revealing
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Other Favorites
Stand out in the best way possible with the Billabong Salty Blonde Back Then Tri Bikini Top and Lowrider Bikini Bottom. The classic slide triangle top adjusts to fit your shape and ties at the back with thin straps for an open-back look.
The bottoms have the same 70s-inspired print that makes this bikini to die for, and they also have a low-rise cut with full bum coverage. The bikini is also eco-consciously made with recycled materials, so you can wear it guilt-free!
Price: 0.00$
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Looking for the perfect surf one piece? The June Swimwear Christina One Piece Swimsuit is just that and more.
It features a cute scoop neckline and comes in rich colours like Pistachio, Licorice, and Biscuit. The wide straps and mid coverage make it perfect for surfing, and the low open back adds style and elegance. As an extra perk, it’s also double lined for added durability.
Price: 0.00$
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We couldn’t write a surf swimsuit guide without mentioning the Rip Curl Classic Surf Eco Bikini (Crop Top; Cheeky Bottom). The bikini is made from abandoned fishing nets and other recycled nylon materials, so you can wear it knowing you’re helping the ocean. It also gives the chest a light lift with a wide band. The back shirring on the bottoms also makes your bum look great!
Price: 0.00$
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Buying guide: What to Look for in Surf Swimwear
Types of Swimsuits
- Bikinis
Finding the right bikini for surfing is no easy feat. Almost every surfer girl has experienced finding her swimsuit halfway down her body after coming up from a wave. A proper surf bikini needs to have elasticized bands to stay put and plenty of coverage for your breasts and bum.
- One-pieces
If you’re a beginner surfer, you should hands-down get a one-piece. One-pieces provide a rash guard from where your tummy makes contact with the board. They also can feel more secure when you’re ducking under waves and tumbling in the water.
Sizing & Fit
To find a surf swimsuit that stays put, make sure you get the perfect fit. One strategy is to order two or three different sizes to try, then keep the one that fits best. Or, you can use a tape measure to measure your hips, waist, and bust, then compare it to the sizing chart for each brand.
If a swimsuit top is too small, it could cause a nip slip. Similarly, if a swimsuit top is too loose, it could easily come off while surfing or cause the bottoms to ride up.
Coverage
Cheeky coverage
Cheeky or low coverage swim bottoms can hype up your confidence and make you feel great in the water. Low-rise cheeky bottoms have a wide band that sits nicely on the hips. There are also details in the back that shape your bum like a peach, which is super cute and flattering.
High-waisted cheeky bottoms are also very on-trend for 2021. They also have low coverage with a high cut, which accentuates your legs, no matter your height.
Moderate coverage
Moderate bottoms are halfway between cheeky and full coverage. The pant will be skinnier on the hips to accentuate your legs. They also provide a modest fit on the back, which makes them easy to wear.
Full coverage
Full or high coverage bikini bottoms are the longest-running and most old-school swim pants. This ‘everybody pant’ has a modest fit that’s perfect for adolescent kids, moms who want something less revealing, or someone who just isn’t into cheeky cuts.
Comfort and Mobility
The brands we’ve mentioned in this round-up such as Rip Curl, Body Glove, and Billabong are known for their comfortable surf swimwear. When looking for a surf swimsuit, you want to find a material that’s quick-drying such as nylon, lycra, or polyester.
You’ll also want to look for swimsuit tops with a wide underbust band to allow for a greater range of motion. You don’t want a swimsuit that’s too tight or restricting; rather, you want a fit that makes for a ‘barely-there’ feel while you’re surfing.
Durability
Finally, when you’ve found the perfect surf swimsuit that fits like a dream and stays put while in the water, the last thing you want is for it to fall apart after one season of use.
The ocean salt and strong sun are tough on materials, so you’ll want to find swimsuits that are salt water- or chlorine-resistant. You’ll also want to protect your skin from harsh sun damage, so look for materials that offer SPF protection from UVA or UVB rays.
Style & Versatility
We’ve all been there, sometimes you have a swimsuit that fits perfectly and holds up well, but you get tired of wearing the same one. That’s where reversible swimsuits come in handy, giving you a ‘two for one’ swimsuit. Solid colours are also a great way to mix and match your swimsuit tops and bottoms.
Other Features
Seamless
A seamless swimsuit will have a more smooth appearance and can be more flattering. They’re made by sewing a thin piece of elastic into the interior of two other pieces of fabric. The result? A swimsuit that perfectly accentuates your curves.
Removable pads
To wear or not to wear pads? Swimsuit pads are a stylistic choice and can depend on the occasion. For example, if you’re going to a crowded beach and don’t want the appearance of ‘nipping,’ you might prefer to keep the pads in. If you’re going for ultimate comfort, then you might want to take them out. Removable pads give you that option.
FAQs for Best Surf Swimwear for Women
Why are swimsuits so expensive?
A new collection will always be more expensive than one that’s a season old. Collections go on sale once they’re not as trendy, so keep a look-out for that if you're trying to save money.
Should I also wear a rashguard while surfing?
If you’re wearing a bikini, a rashguard can help prevent a rash from forming where your tummy meets the board. However, a rash guard isn’t as necessary with a one-piece unless you want more SPF protection.
Why do surfers wear boardshorts?
Boardshorts can be a way to avoid the uncomfortable ‘riding up’ of bikini bottoms. Some surfers simply feel more comfortable in boardshorts.
How should I wash my swimsuit?
Wash your swimsuit in cold or lukewarm water immediately after getting out of the water. You can use a light handwashing detergent, rinse it out and hang it in the shade to dry.
Is surf wax bad for my swimsuit?
Surf wax can get stuck on your swimsuit. That’s why it’s best to wear a rashguard with a swimsuit if you don’t want to mess it up.
Key Takeaway
Through heavy sets and salty days spent on the beach, every surfer girl wants a swimsuit that can get her through it all. Whenever you’re shopping for a new swimsuit, come back to this guide on the best surf swimwear for women to help you make your decision.
When in doubt, you can always fall back on our Best Overall choice, the Rip Curl Wipeout Crop and Cheeky Bikini Bottom that has plenty of coverage and stays put in the ocean.
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