You’ve booked the lessons, you’ve got the the sunscreen at the ready, now what to wear for your surf session? Well, that depends on where you’re headed.
For the summer season, or if you’re headed to a warm country with mild sea temps, then a surf suit will keep you covered and has the added benefit of protecting you in the water.
Let us explain: when you’re out in the water, especially if you’re chilling on your board between catching waves, then you’ll want to wear something that means you can stay out for longer, without worrying about exposing your back and shoulders to UV rays in direct sun.
In the UK, keeping warm is, of course, your main concern. As Jay Hookins, General Manager at Bristol’s The Wave (one of the country’s only surf simulators) explains: “British surfers need wetsuits that are suited to cold water. A 3:2 wetsuit works for summer — except when our lake temperature is in the 20s, and then we recommend leaving the suit and just going with a rash vest and swimwear!” A rash vest is a long-sleeve top made with UPF material, so for an all-in-one solution, a surf suit incorporating your bottoms and covering the body and arms is ideal.
What other features should you look for?
“Make sure the suit is well-made and has strong seams, as these can be a point of weakness that are prone to splitting on cheaper suits,” explains Hookins.
And if it is cold enough to warrant thicker fabric, Hookins explains, “There are also concerns emerging about neoprene production from an environmental and human health perspective, and we are very much behind a push for the industry to develop and adopt a sustainable alternative for wetsuits.” Look for fabrics such as Yulex, a hardy plant-based material made from natural rubber designed to replace the toxic production process.
If you are heading to warm water and the sun is out then ensure your suit has a high UPF rating. Think of it like SPF in sunscreen: clothing like rash vests and surf suits are rated by Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A surf suit with a UPF of 50 means that just 1/50th of the sun's UV rays will reach the skin.
In terms of getting to and from the beach or wave simulator when it’s chillier, keen surfer and influencer Lindsey Holland recommends also packing, “a tracksuit and a hoodie. Plus, I always pack an over-the-head hooded towel for ease of getting dry.”
Here’s our pick of the best surf suits for warm and cool water.
O'Neill Women Of The Wave Long Sleeve Surf Suit
This O’Neill suit is an affordable classic. The streamlined silhouette is made with partially recycled polyamide and it has UPF 50+ UV protection to keep out harmful rays.
Buy now £47.50, O'Neill
La Double J Surf Suit
If your approach to beachwear is the bolder, the better then you’ve found your new surf suit in this La Double J design, which balances a popping print with great fit and coverage.
Buy now £370.00, La Double J
Bond-Eye Rene Playsuit
The influencer-loved Aussie brand Bond-Eye makes one-size swimwear in a flattering crinkle fabric which feels comfy and supportive. This shortie style is ideal if you want extra coverage on the bottom half while being pulled around by the waves. We love the matcha and sapphire colourways for a playful look, but there are plenty of classic shades to choose from too.
Buy now £198.01, Free People
Wallien One Piece Swimsuit Longsleeve
Wallien is a favourite with riders who want high UPF and classic cuts. This long-sleeve swimsuit comes in understated dove grey or a fun stripey version - if you want to make a splash on the beach.
Buy now £70.00, Wallien
Zulu & Zephyr Chilli Stripe Surf Suit
This shortie suit by Aussie brand Zulu & Zephyr is super flattering for warm water surf. With rib detailing, a scoop neck and light compression, it’s got just the right coverage. The piece is also made with recycled materials, so it makes for an eco-conscious choice.
Buy now £178.00, Free People
Perfect Moment Spring Houndstooth-Print Surf Wetsuit
You might know Perfect Moment for its achingly cool skiwear, and they do equally chic surf suits. This houndstooth version will make you stand out for all the right reasons. The high-neck cut will keep you protected and can be unzipped while you’re chilling on dry land.
Buy now £190.00, Farfetch
Gigi C Riley Surf Suit
If you like to be bold on the beach, this emerald suit from mother-daughter brand Gigi C Riley has cool cutout detailing as well as a flattering compressive long-sleeve fit and a front zip so you can style it your way.
Buy now £248.00, Free People
Finisterre Nieuwland 2e Yulex Swimsuit
UK surfers love Finisterre for how comfortable and durable its surf suits are. This colour block option is super flattering due to its sculpting panels, plus it has smart features such as flatlocked and zigzag stitched seams to prevent it from slipping. It’s made from 2mm natural rubber to keep you warm.
Buy now £135.00, Finisterre
Salt Gypsy Jade Printed One-Piece Surf Suit
For serious surfer girls, this suit has it all: it’s easy to pull on and do up with a back zipper and offers great coverage so you can stay out for longer. The contrast edging gives it a sporty feel and it’s UPF rated to keep you safe in the sun.
Buy now £188.00, Free People
Billabong Salty Dayz Long Sleeve Springsuit
Designed for cool water, the Billabong surf suit is made from recycled neoprene - which also makes it a more sustainable choice. The Salty Dayz style has a super flexible stitch construction for comfort and durability and a standout peachy-hued wavy print.
Buy now £135.00, Billabong
