From a life of surfing and adventure, this is my life of the 10 Best Surf Bikinis.
Despite the massive amount of bikini brands, bikini styles, and bikini trends, it is still incredibly hard to find bikinis that are functional for the hardy demands that surfing puts on your swimwear.
As a female surfer, I think it’s pretty darn important to have a swimsuit that stays on. I mean, nip slips happen to the best of us but we’d probably prefer if they didn’t.
From the paddle-out to the popup, you want your bikini to stay put and preferably, still look cute.
When I first wrote this blog in 2019, it was hard to find any functional surf bikinis. Now the real question is, of all the surf bikini brands out there in 2021, which are the cutest, the sturdiest, and the best?
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best surf bikini brands that have been tried and tested in heavy water.
After testing out these bikinis personally, I can promise you that these 10 surf bikinis are not only cute and comfortable, but they’re also sturdy, durable, and will stay on when surfing big waves.
Table of Contents
Shopping for the Best Surf Bikini
Okay, so you want to rock a cute bikini for your next surf trip. Here are a few tips for shopping for that new surf bikini:
Size Yo’Self Up
No size is created equal. You may be a consistent medium in all your clothing however, since bathing suits are completely form-fitting, you’ll want to be sure that they are exactly the right size.
In addition, since you’re looking for a surf-friendly bikini, it can’t be on the loose side of the spectrum either. It’s gotta stay on through thick and thin.
The point is, to find a measuring tape (you may need to use a piece of string if you only own a hardware-style tape measure) and size your hips, waist, and bust.
Once you’ve got the measurements, be sure to check the size chart for each bikini brand to find the perfect size.
Consider Your Preferences
Coverage is a crucial factor when shopping for bikinis. Some are into the “Less is more” trend and some prefer more modest confidence with fuller fabrics.
Fortunately, most of the brands we recommend in this blog are good about letting their customers know what kind of coverage each bikini offers. On most sites, you can even shop by coverage level like Cheeky, Moderate, and Full.
Because of the varying desires in coverage style, we’ve shared our top bikini pick for each of the 3 different coverage styles for each brand.
Also note, Lo, Mid, and Hi coverage are all relative for each brand. Lo means low by that brand’s standard.
This means that Lo coverage Carve Designs could be way more coverage than a Mid coverage Sensi Graves bikini.
Bikinis Are Expensive
The eternal question: Why does it cost so much for so little fabric?!
The answer may never be revealed. However, what I can tell you is that occasionally there is a way around this.
New collections will always cost more but the good news is, collections eventually go out of style and you can find huge discounts on outdoor retailers like Backcountry.com.
Temporarily Sold Out?
What I love most about of the amazing brands we include in this blog is that many small brands with an intimate group of designers and manufacturers.
That being said, sometimes specific bikinis linked to this are sold out. It happens, even to big brands like Patagonia and Hurley! But don’t worry if you have your eye on a suit that’s sold out! These bikinis always come back into stock within a few weeks.
The Best Surf Bikinis
1 | Carve Designs
Pros: Seamless fit, stylish neutral and floral prints, super soft fabrics, cuts for all preferences, flattering fit, every style is sturdy
Cons: The elastic on the bottoms isn’t super tight
Lo-Coverage Pick: Dahlia Top + Sanitas Bottoms
Mid-Coverage Pick: La Jolla Top + St Barth Bottoms
Hi-Coverage Pick: Palisades Top + Stinson Bottoms
Carve Designs is my #1 pick for surf bikinis. The reason I pick this brand over any of the others is because they’re truly designed for adventurous women, and most importantly, they’re wildly comfortable.
The Carve Designs fabrics are seamless, form-fitting, and are often reversible. These bikinis stay on with a perfect level of stretchiness.
I love that they have some creative styles and prints as well as some simple ones.
Carve Designs is not a fashion-based brand. It’s not exclusively for skinny girls nor are their bikinis built for lounging on the sand (totally un-adventurous).
As the Carve Designs motto goes, these bikinis are for “REAL WOMEN WITH REAL BODIES AND A REAL PASSION FOR ADVENTURE”
Hands up to all the surfer girls out there who can relate to this!
In terms of picking the right style, it’s worth noting that Carve Designs runs more on the fuller coverage side. While I sometimes wear a size medium on both the top and bottom, I prefer a size small in Carve Designs.
Every single style at Carve Designs is perfect for surfing so it’s all up to you to decide which style you like the most. For more straps and style, try the Dahlia Top or for simple fashion, the Stinson set is a go-to for active women.
They even have an awesome bikini-style finder quiz on their website!
Shop bikinis on the Carve Designs website or Backcountry for up to 60% off.
2 | Maaji Swimwear
Pros: Super soft, unique prints, stylish designs, not too tight or too loose
Cons: Designs aren’t as functional for surfing as other brands mentioned
Lo-Coverage Pick: Bralette Top + Double V Bottoms
Mid-Coverage Pick: Seamless 4-Way Halter Top + Splendour Bottoms
Hi-Coverage Pick: Seamless 4-Way Halter Top + Sublimity Classic Bottoms
I almost forgot to include this brand even though for years, I wore these bikinis more than any other pair I owned.
Maaji is designed for the more wild and free spirited souls.
Maaji does not design as “sporty” styles as the other swimwear brands in this blog. They don’t even identify with “active swimwear” per se. Maaji is more about fashion but I’ve included them here because I find their suits very comfortable for surfing.
View this post on Instagram
Maaji has dozens of different prints and designs so you have to be a little picky if you’re looking for a surf suit. Steer clear of those bandeaus (unless you’re feeling extra brave) and head towards their signature and fabulous 4-way wear tops. As the name explains, you can wear these tops in 4 different ways that stay on and look stylish.
What I love most about Maaji is the Sublimity bottoms. These bottoms are the perfect overall bikini bottoms. They have coverage but are also flattering. They’re sturdy but also soft and light. I’d surf anything under 5 feet in these bottoms.
Shop bikinis at Maaji or get suits for up to 60% off on Backcountry.com.
Related: 5 Ways to Rapidly Improve Your Surfing
3 | Left on Friday
Pros: Active cuts, beautiful vivid solids, fast drying, anti-fading, and oh-so-soft Smoothing Dream Fabric™
Cons: Only one of their tops has classic racerbacks or cross-straps, and all mid-hi coverage bottoms. Thinner fabrics.
Lo-Coverage Pick: Sunday Top + Wear To Bottom
Mid-Coverage Pick: Double Scoop Top + Wear To Bottom
Hi-Coverage Pick: High Dive Top + Hi Hi Bottom
Left on Friday suits are designed for a life where nothing holds you back (including your swimsuit).
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t immediately head over heels for Left on Friday suits but ironically, this suit has accidentally become my total go-to suit when I’m surfing, running around at the beach, or boating.
As active women and surfers, there’s nothing worse than feeling restricted by your swimsuit and feeling like it might just slip off at any moment. My LOF has become my go-to because it’s got an ideal thickness and ideal coverage, particularly if I’m hanging out with a crowd where I want to keep things modest and cute.
Surf, swim, drink margaritas, waterski, build sand castles, chase your kids, play bocce ball, BBQ…this suit does. itall.
Left on Friday (AKA LOF) suits are made out of their Smoothing Dream Fabric™ material crafted in Italy. Though every suit I mention in this blog is of quality material, I have to say there is something abnormally buttery smooth about this particular fabric without fading under sunny, salty, or chlorine conditions.
The fabric also features an anti-snagging integrity, which can be helpful in the natural rigor of surfing and scratching your suit against a board.
Left on Friday suits feature intentionally soft threads and smooth elastics so that everything stays put without digging or rubbing. This gives LOF suits that trademarked insanely comfortable fit, which I can personally vouch for.
LOF suits are uniquely soft and strong at the same time, perfect for active women.
My Favorite Thing about Left On Friday.
Something that makes Left on Friday one of the best surf bikinis is the design. Unlike Zealous or Maaji suits which are thick and unrevealing in the fabrics themselves, LOF materials are thinner and quick drying which can be highly beneficial when you’re spending the whole day changing in and out of your suit. It’s great for surf trips where you want a single suit that will dry fast between surf sessions and hanging out in town or on the beach.
This is one of those personal preference things but the thinner material also brings with it more of a naked feel. So if you’re someone who feels like you need to “cover it up” so to speak, maybe consider a different surf bikini.
The Sunday Top & Sweet Victory Top
The Sunday top & Sweet Victory top are LOF’s classic Lo coverage tops. I love their sporty but flattering cuts. My only complaint is these tops, which are my top choices, are not racerback or cross-strap. Considered the classic straps, the elastic IS strong and does stay on well but when it comes to legit surfing, classic straps just inevitably slip off my shoulder.
High Dive Top
A more functional top for surfing is the High Dive Top. The High Dive is a halter style with cross-back straps that will stay on for heavy waves. For unique fashion with function, the Offshore Top’s single cross-shoulder strap could be a great surf bikini top.
Bottoms
I love that LOF only has 3 choices for bottoms, reducing the overwhelm.
If you’re into high-waisted bottoms, this suit is great. The High Tide or Hi Hi Bottom are medium coverage bottoms with slightly different leg cuts.
Wear-To-Bottoms
The Wear To Bottom is the ultimate sporty bottom and their only low-waisted bikini option. It’s a medium-coverage bum with precisely enough fabric on the front to feel secure. I don’t love the high-waisted trend for surf bikinis so this is the only bottom to choose from. I would almost describe it as more of a poolside bottom than a surf bottom but that said, that’s just the stereotype of surf styles.
This could be a great suit if you like a low waist and medium coverage with strong elastic and a seamless feel.
Shop bikinis now at Left on Friday or Backcountry.
4 | Noserider Surf Club
Pros: Uniquely elegant design, minimalist, very strong elastic, thick material, ethical production
Cons: All bottoms are fairly high-waisted
Noserider Surf Club is an amazing up-and-coming women’s surf brand that’s women-owned and ethically built by family-owned businesses in Bali. With a mission for effortless, inclusive, and minimalist design, I like to describe Noserider Surf suits as lowkey, luxury strong babe suits.
On initial reaction, Noserider suits looked like something I would wear on a beach in Tulum or the Amalfi Coast in Italy, but not something i would shred heavy water in. Once I had the suit in my hand, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was not like any other women’s surf bikini that I had tested before.
Noserider Surf Suits has a UNIQUE approach and I love that. They combine minimalist, elegant, and feminine cuts with a very strong elastic as well as a thick, double-layered, and oh-so-soft material. The result is a mesh between strength and elegance, athleticism and femininity, that I feel perfectly sums up women’s surfing.
As a lover of low-to-mid coverage suits, I’m a huge fan of the Baby Reef Bikini Bottom and classic Noserider Surf Top.
Baby Reef Bottoms.
The Baby Reef bottoms are a regular rise (and also the lowest rise the Noserider offers) with a cheeky low coverage cut. I’m not always big on low coverage cuts for surfing but Noserider makes it work very well by keeping a wider fabric on the crotch plus the signature strong elastic that lets me feel confident while looking cute. For a higher waist of the same great cut, check out the Batu Bolong bottoms.
The Noserider top is the lowest coverage option but even still, offers good support with the strung under-bust band.
P.S. If you’re surfing in an intense sun, pair this with their adorable cropped rash guards!
The only small little con is that this brand only offers bottoms that are mid to high-waisted. A mid-to-high waist is simply the brand’s style and I’m personally really into it. If that’s not right for your body type, this may not be the best bikini for you.
Ethical production is important to this brand so all of Noserider’s suits are in small batches and sold with a pre-sale to make sure that no suits go to waste. After the pre-sale, a limited quantity of suits in each color, and size are made and once a seasonal line is sold out, it’s sold out!
Get 15% off Noserider Surf Club with coupon code: NOMADS15
5 | Bay of Fire
Pros: High-coverage options throughout, gorgeous vintage color palette, luxurious feel, ultra-supportive tops, eco-conscious fabric, ethically made
Cons: Some tops run slightly small on broad shoulders or larger busts, no real mid-coverage bottom option
Lo-Coverage Pick: Sunstone Top + Essential Cheeky Bottom
Mid-Coverage Pick: Liana Top + Liana Bottom
Hi-Coverage Pick: Zenith Top + Essential Bikini Bottom
I’m gonna be honest, Bay of Fire was hard to rank because it truly holds its own alongside some of my favorite brands on this list. In fact, these suits remind me a lot of Noserider, which is a huge compliment to both. They have that same elevated-meets-functional vibe that’s so rare to find.
What I really love about Bay of Fire is the timelessness they’re bringing back to surfwear. Their Down Under Collection nails this resurgence of vintage-inspired styles—think clean lines, no-fuss solids, and flattering cuts that feel like a nod to the 50s and 60s. These are suits that wouldn’t look out of place on a surfboard in Malibu back in the day or on a cliff-lined Australian point break right now.
What really makes Bay of Fire stand out to me is the coverage. I’m tired of clicking through 20 skimpy suits to find one that won’t bail on me mid-duck dive, and Bay of Fire meets us at that. Nearly every piece in their lineup is designed with function in mind—high necklines, thicker straps, and fuller-cut bottoms are the norm, not the exception. It’s honestly such a breath of fresh air.
Crafted in Bali by a French designer, Apo, and infused with Aussie surf culture, Bay of Fire is for women who are fearless, feminine, and free. And dang do I love how that sounds!
It’s not just pretty branding either. Their suits are made from high-end Italian ECONYL® fabric (aka recycled ocean waste) and are double or triple lined for support and sculpting. You can feel the difference in quality the second you put one on, and by now, you probably know how much I like thicker fabrics when it comes to surf bikinis.
Not to mention, their commitment to ethics and sustainability goes deep from plastic-free packaging to fair labor standards. It’s fashion with fire and integrity.
The Liana Top + Bottom
If I had to choose one standout set from Bay of Fire, it’s hands down the Liana Top and Bottom. It’s rare that a bikini makes me pause and go, “Wow, I’ve never seen that before,”—but this one did exactly that.
The Liana top is everything you’d ever want from a one-shoulder bikini but could never find: supportive, secure, and still fun. The asymmetrical design, paired with the braided strap detail, gives it a unique edge that sets it apart from the typical sporty cuts. It’s just as practical for paddling out as it is for lounging post-surf with a smoothie in hand.
The matching Liana bottom hits that perfect balance of cheeky but not too cheeky, with seamless edges and double lining for durability. Together, the set feels playful, powerful, and unlike anything I’ve found from another brand.
An Honorable Mention
I’ll admit, I’m not usually a one-piece kind of girl but the Wildbay One-Piece caught me off guard in the best way. It’s sleek, it’s supportive, and the diamond-shaped side cutouts add just enough flair without sacrificing coverage. I love that it has a built-in bra (a rare feature!) and invisible stitching that helps it actually stay on in the water. Throw on some denim shorts and it transitions effortlessly from surf to sunset hangs.
If you’re after a bikini that makes you feel confident, covered, and cool as hell in the water without compromising style or ethics, Bay of Fire is a must-try. Whether it’s the Liana set that brings something fresh and bold, or the vintage vibes of the Down Under Collection, this brand proves that functional surfwear doesn’t have to be boring—or skimpy.
Shop now at Bay of Fire and get 15% off with code NOMADWITHAPURPOSE15.
6 | Hurley
Pros: Designed for peak performance, form-fitting, lightweight but not too thin.
Cons: Not a small business, short life span
Hurley is built for performance and much like their top-of-the-line wetsuit design, their swimwear is sleek, soft, and form-fitting.
Honestly, there’s not much to dislike about Hurley suits. A Forbes article even quoted Carissa Moore that, “Hurley made the best bikini ever for women who surf”…
The only reason Hurley is this low on the list is that it’s become such a big business.
The other brands on this list put love into each thread but Hurley is pretty mass manufactured. And because of that, the lifespan of their swimwear is nothing compared to other bathing suits on this list.
View this post on Instagram
But of course, mass production equates to cheaper prices for good-looking suits. If you’re shopping Hurley, you might be like me and fall in love with the Leilani surf suit which looks adorable and functional.
The Max bottoms collection is great for surfers, and depending on your style preferences, you can choose more moderate or cheeky coverage.
As far as tops go, Hurley has two tops that are perfect for surfing: the Adjustable top and the Max top. With sturdy coverage, soft material, and strappy backs, they will stay on while surfing and also provide a sleek style.
7 | Jolyn Clothing
Pros: Saltwater (& chlorine) resistant, long-lasting, stays put, functional, built for active women, cheaper than many bikinis
Cons: Basic styles, not the most flattering cuts, not the softest materials.
Lo-Coverage Pick: Triangle Top + Duke Bottom
Mid-Coverage Pick: Tomcat Top + Midl Bottom
Hi-Coverage Pick: Fendrick Top + Andy Bottom
I got my first Jolyn bikini back when Jolyn was a small brand. The SoCal-based brand hosted many trunk shows at my local surf contests and festivals. At the time, it was super rare to find a functional bikini in the surf scene so once I found Jolyn I was hooked.
Jolyn is the most athletically designed bikini out there.
The Best Athletic Bikini
As far as fit, you’ve never worn anything like Jolyn. Their fabrics are thick and sturdy with a high thread count. The straps are tight and the waistband is sturdy. Their bikinis don’t rip, fade, or wear down over time.
I’ve owned the same Tomcat top for 6 years and it still works like a charm and the prints aren’t faded.
View this post on Instagram
The only thing I don’t love about Jolyn is that their bottom cuts aren’t the most flattering nor are the prints the most “surfy.” You have a choice in cuts at Jolyn but even their slim coverage styles aren’t quite as cute in reality.
Update: Jolyn has designed a new surf collection with way more functional fits for surfing. I haven’t tested any of their suits personally but the Christina bottom, Aster top, the Koa bottom, and Carmen top look functional and stylish for surfing.
Thick, sturdy fabric that won’t rip characterizes Jolyn suits however, back when I tested out Jolyn suits, I found the material to be a bit scratchy and uncomfortable. Frankly, that was many years ago and I can’t say that’s still the case I’ll be looking to test out Jolyn’s new surf designs to find out if that has changed.
Shop Jolyn bikinis now
Related: 5 Ways to Rapidly Improve Your Surfing
8 | Hakuna Wear
Pros: The ultimate stay-put bikinis, high quality recycled materials, Saltwater (& chlorine) resistant, built for active women, most functional low-cut bottoms out there
Cons: No mid or low-cut tops currently available
Lo-Coverage Pick: Miho Bottom
Hi-Coverage Pick: Kare Kare Top + Jeju Bottom
The first and foremost thing I love about the San Diego-based small brand, Hakuna Wear, is that their surf bikinis are designed for active women. Their suits are specifically for surfers and are guaranteed to stay put due the unique feature of a drawstring on their bikinis.
The elastic drawstring is on all of their bikini bottoms and tops which keeps feeling confident and secure so you can focus all your attention on heavy water waves.
I have the Kare Kare top with the Miho bottoms and there are 2 things I really love. One, the top has a super comfortable athletic fit great for truly active-focused women. Two, these are the most functional low-cut bottoms out there due to the drawstring. With most brands, I wouldn’t consider a lo-cut for a big surf day but not with these.
All Hakuna Wear bikinis are also reversible which any surfer girl can agree makes a new bikini far more exiting with 4 different ways to style it.
The worst thing we fear about buying a new bikini for surfing is for it to fail on you on a heavy day and not only does it ruin your session, but it also feels like wasted money. You can rest easy knowing that they will repair moderate wear & tear for a reasonable price with Ding Repair.
The only thing to note about Hakuna is that they currently don’t have any moderate or low coverage tops. If stylish hi-cut tops that stay ultimately secure are your jam, you’ll love Hakuna Wear.
Get 15% off Hakuna Wear with coupon code: NOMADS15
9 | Zealous Clothing
Pros: Thick and soft fabric that doesn’t sacrifice secure fit, wider fitting bottoms that still offer cheeky fits, cute prints, strong back straps, reversible tops, tie-string bottoms
Cons: Some may not like the thicker fabric
Let me preface this by saying… Zealous used to be number 1 on my list, but sadly, they no longer sell their suits online! ***I’m not crying, you’re crying. We’re keeping this review in the rare chance that they restart their online shop at some point or if you happen to be in Bali, you can shop in-person at their store.
Zealous goes above and beyond in merging athleticism with modern styles surf girls have come to love.
While sturdy fit is of utmost priority for surfing, I ideally don’t want to sacrifice cute cuts along the way. Zealous achieves just that with their various different surf style tops and fitted bottoms.
My honest favorite thing about Zealous that sets them apart from the other brands listed here are the bottoms.
Honestly, I love that all of their styles have a wider fabric on the crotch, a realistic and often overlooked highlight for surfing girls. But they do this while also managing to offer cheekier fits that make you feel confident. And if that’s not your thing, there are high-coverage options too 😉
Of course, all of their other bikini bottoms also come with tie strings, keeping everything secure on those intense wipeouts and hold-downs.
When it comes to Zealous surf tops, you can’t go wrong. Each top stays true to the core components that make a bikini good for surfing.
- They have strong shoulder/neck bands (for strong girls),
- Have tight and supportive underbust bands,
- & though bust support varies by style, they all have a thick but soft fabric that stays on.
If you’re looking for an all-around top performer for style and support, the Braided Top or the Mermazing Top will be your new best friend. Or add a little more spice to your surf style with my personal favorite, the Riptide Wrap.
Last but not least, I love the story behind Zealous and Marie’s passion for surfing and design. These bikinis are insanely high quality and support small businesses and sustainable manufacturing in Bali.
Shop Zealous Clothing Bikinis now.
Women’s Surf Suits
Bikinis aren’t your only choice for looking cute while surfing. In this day and age, designers are getting extremely creative with their swimwear designs and surf suits are all the rage for surfer girls now.
Surf suits are great for protecting you from the sun and preventing rashes.
While we do cover the best women’s spring suits in our blog, Best Womens Wetsuits, here’s a quick roundup of the best surf suits that are purely built for style, comfort, and sun protection, NOT warmth.
- Lovina Long Sleeve Surf Suit
- Seea Swimwear Hermosa Surf Suit
- Patagonia Swell Seeker Long Sleeve
- Maaji One Piece Surf Suit
Women’s Surf Board Shorts
There are times when the swell is rolling in and no amount of bum coverage can stay put for gnarly wipeouts. For times like these, it’s nice to have the security of boardshorts.
Here are our top picks for board shorts among these bikini brands we love:
- Hurley Women Phantom Stretch 2.5″
- Carve Designs Bali Shorts
- Carve Designs Lorenzo Shorts
- Patagonia Women Wavefarer Board Shorts
Women Surf Changing Robes
Whether you surf at dawn patrol on your way to work or like to go out for coffee after a morning in the sea, chances are, if you live near the beach, surfing is a natural part of your day-to-day life. As much as I wish it could be a bikini day all day, usually I’m headed from the beach to work at a coffee shop or climbing gym so I like to have an easy setup in my car to head to the next activity. That’s why I highly recommend complementing these top women’s surfing bikinis with a surfer-changing robe.
Vivida: The Best Surf Changing Robes!
In our opinion, Vivida has the best-changing robes for surfers.
They are a great combination of practical, and let’s be honest, they are also really cute.
Vivida’s changing robes are wind and waterproof on the outside and are sherpa fleece lined on the inside, keeping you warm and cozy after soaking in the saltwater. There are so many features I love about Vivida changing robes! Some of my favorites are the spacious fit & dual zipper for easy outfit change, the various pockets on the outside and inside to hold things and keep your hands warm, and the pack-away bag that functions as both a stuff pack for the robe or a bag to carry your bikini after surfing.
Both of Vivida’s robe styles come in three radical, earthy tones and the Sherpa features an inspiring quote on the back, I never want to take my robe off even after my surf session.
If you’re going to be surfing under a tropical sun then these sherpa robes may (or, may not) be too warm for your liking. Fortunately, Vivida also has some stylish, minimalist poncho-changing robes that are great for warm weather surfing and changing.
There are not enough words for me to say how much I love our Vivida changing robes!
- To shop minimalist, warm-weather changing robes, click here
- Click here to shop the Vivida All Weather Sherpa Changing Robe
- Or for even greater warmth & insulation, shop the Vivida All Weather Puffer Changing Robe
Free Resources
If being a “fun mom” matters to you like it does to me, you’ll love my Free Fun Mom Blueprint – it’s how I create real connection with my kids. Grab it here.
Related:
- Best Women’s Wetsuits for Surfing
- Minimalist Hawaii Pack List
- Get in Shape for Your Next Surf Trip with this Workout
- Yoga for Surfers
Share the love, Pin these:
