If you’ve ever been caught adjusting your swimsuit mid duck dive-or emerged from a wave only to find your top halfway down-you already know: not all swimwear is made equal. And when you're surfing, diving, or spending full days in and around the ocean, the right swimsuit isn’t just about aesthetics-it’s essential gear.
At Ocean Soul Swimwear, we design for women who live in the water. Women who move. Who paddle out for sunrise sessions, hike to remote point breaks, and stay out long after the tide turns. Here's what makes surf-specific swimwear different and why it matters so much when you’re chasing waves.
Surfing isn’t lounging. Your body is constantly moving—paddling, duck diving, popping up, getting dragged (and occasionally humbled). So your swimwear needs to feel secure, move with you, and hold up to the elements.
Where regular swimwear is made for poolside sunbathing or a quick beach dip, surf suits are performance-driven. They’re designed to stay on through impact, reduce irritation, and protect your skin under strong tropical sun.
Fit
Surf swimsuits hug the body closely to prevent shifting. That snug, second-skin feel isn’t just flattering—it’s functional.
Support
Wider straps, reinforced seams, and higher necklines provide structure and prevent wardrobe malfunctions, even in bigger sets.
Fabric
High-performance materials like regenerated nylon or eco-neoprene offer strength, stretch, and durability over time without sacrificing softness or style.
Whether you’re heading out at sunrise or on a surf trip across the Indonesian archipelago, the right swimsuit gives you the freedom to focus on the surf, not on what you’re wearing.
No Slipping, No Shifting
Confidence in the water starts with knowing your suit won’t betray you. A well-designed surf suit stays in place during wipeouts, protects from wax rash, and lets you move freely without constant adjustments.
Rash & Sun Protection
Salt, friction, and UV exposure can take their toll. Long sleeve swimsuits, surf leggings, and higher necklines offer a barrier between your skin and the elements, ideal for long sessions in tropical sun or on reef breaks where reef rash is real.
Durability Over Seasons, Not Just Summers
We’ve all had those swimsuits that stretch out, fade fast, or fall apart after a few months. Surf swimsuits are built to last, resisting chlorine, sun, and saltwater so you don’t have to keep replacing your gear every season.
When you're choosing a surf suit-whether it’s a long sleeve one-piece, a spring suit, or a surf bikini-look for:
One-Piece Swimsuits
Perfect for those who want coverage, a clean silhouette, and no distractions. A good one-piece swimsuit can go from lineup to café in minutes, and many women say it makes them feel strong, sleek, and secure in the water.
Surf Bikinis
Yes, bikinis can work for surfing when they’re made for it. Thicker straps, cross-back designs, and wide waistbands give you flexibility and stay-put confidence. They’re a great choice for lighter surf days, warm water, or when you want a bit more freedom without sacrificing function.
Our seamless bikinis are designed for comfort and movement—no digging seams, no fussy ties, just smooth support that works with your body, not against it.
Wearing a swimsuit that holds you well, flatters your shape, and stays on when you’re moving is more than practical. It changes how you feel in the water.
You’re no longer worrying about adjusting straps or pulling bottoms back into place. Instead, you're present. You're focused. You're enjoying the surf, your breath, the sunlight on your skin, and the sound of water moving all around you.
That feeling? That’s what we design for.
At Ocean Soul Swimwear, we’re not interested in fast fashion or one-summer suits. Our styles are created with longevity, style, and sustainability at their core.
We use:
We test our suits in real surf, on real women, in places like Bali, Sumbawa, and the Mentawais because we live this lifestyle too.
You don’t have to choose between feeling confident and being functional in the water. Surf-specific swimwear gives you both.
Whether you're heading out for your first surf lesson in Canggu or planning a trip to more remote breaks like Sumba or Lakey Peak, investing in the right swimsuit is about more than fashion—it’s about how you show up in the water, and how you feel once you’re in it.
Choose the suit that lets you forget about what you're wearing and reminds you of who you are when you're in your element.
Love this? Read about our recommendations for surfing in the Mentawais.
There’s something about the ocean. Maybe it’s the rhythm. The way it mirrors your breath. Or the way it invites you to let go—of stress, of tension, of everything you thought you needed to carry.
If you’ve ever been out on the waves, you know that the right gear can make or break your surfing experience. While choosing the right surfboard or wetsuit is crucial, the importance of selecting the best swimsuit for surfing should not be overlooked.
There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes from boarding a plane with just your board bag, a few essentials, and a one-way ticket to somewhere warm and wave-rich. For many, that place is Bali—and for good reason.
