How to Choose the Perfect Surf-Friendly Apparel for Every Season

Author: Sophia Purnell

Come rain or shine, wind or snow, when your priority is getting out on the water, nothing should get between you and the waves. Whether you’re wondering how to choose a surf suit or looking for warming après-surf layers, we’ve got you covered. From wetsuits to changing robes, here’s Vivida Lifestyle’s pick of the best surf-friendly apparel to keep you riding the waves in comfort, all year round.

Contents

1. What Clothing Do You Need for Surfing?
   1. The Basics
   2. The Winter Layers
   3. The Invaluable Extras
2. What Features to Look for In The Best Surfing Apparel
   1. Fit
   2. Flexibility
   3. Comfort
   4. Durability
   5. Eco-Conscious Materials
   6. Style

What Clothing Do You Need for Surfing?

Whatever the weather, there are some basics that every surfer needs. When the temperatures drop, you’ll want a heavy-duty winter kit. And then there are the optional extras - those items that add a touch of comfort, and make your time by the water more enjoyable.

The Basics:

1. Swimwear or Board Shorts: Bikinis, swimming costumes, or board shorts are your base layer. Look for swimwear that fits closely and comfortably while maximising ease of movement. Think swimwear you can trust to stay put and support you, even in the choppiest of tides.
2. Rash Guards: Short or long-sleeve vests that offer sun protection, protection from chafing, and a thin layer of insulation. You can wear rash guards alone, over a bikini top, or under a wetsuit, making them a year-round essential. Vivida’s rash guards feature a four-way stretch and UPF 50+ protection, moving with your body as they protect your skin from the elements. Make sure to check out our handy guide for advice, tips, and everything you need to know about choosing a rash guard for surfing.
3. Neoprene Booties or Socks: A little layer of warmth and protection for your feet, keeping toes cosy and offering a buffer against rocks and stones. I wear my 3mm neoprene socks in the English waters year-round and can honestly say they changed my life. Chilly feet and sore toes from tramping over sharp pebbles? - all a thing of the past.
4. Towel: Fairly obvious, this one - you’ll need to dry off once you’re back on dry land. But there is a better way… More about that shortly!
5. Comfy, Dry Clothes to Change Into: Shorts, t-shirts, a cosy hoodie. Once you’re out and dry, some soft cotton women’s or men’s surfwear is essential attire for relaxing on the beach.

The Winter Layers:

1. Wetsuit: An all-in-one neoprene layer to keep you warm in chilly waters. Available in a range of thicknesses and lengths to suit different conditions. A 5mm neoprene full-length suit is great for wintry conditions but offers reduced flexibility and range of movement. A 2/3mm suit with short arms/legs is more useful during spring and autumn, when temperatures are less extreme.
2. Surf Gloves: Insulating neoprene gloves to keep fingers warm and functional in the cold, and improve grip on your surfboard. 5mm gloves will keep you toasty in the harshest conditions, but I like to use a 2/3mm glove through autumn and spring, too.
3. Wetsuit Hood: For mid-winter surfing, a neoprene hood can protect your head and ears from icy waters and wind. Not the most glamorous garment, but the best way to ward off brain freeze!

For cold-weather surfing tips and a round-up of the best kit for the winter season, our winter surfing article covers everything you need to know.

The Invaluable Extras:

1. Towel Poncho: Tired of trying to dry off with a soggy, heavy, sandy towel and attempting to preserve your modesty while changing? Poncho towels are the answer, an absolute game changer once you’re back on dry land. Lightweight, quick-drying, ultra-absorbent microfibre wicks away water, and the loose-fitting shape gives you space to change into dry clothes in privacy. Doubles up as a warm outer layer to throw on over clothes once you’re dressed, too - what’s not to love?
2. Waterproof Changing Robe: A godsend for those days when the winter wind is nipping at your cheeks, bitingly cold rain is lashing down, and your fingers are rapidly going numb. Simply throw on over your swimwear, whip your wetsuit off, dry off, and snuggle up under one of these. Warm, weatherproof, and roomy enough to dress yourself under, a waterproof changing robe is a winter watersports essential.
3. Changing Mat: Not necessary by any means, but certainly makes a difference to your après-surf comfort and convenience. Simply a little insulated mat to stand on when you’re getting dry and changed - helps stop feet getting sandy and protects you from the cold ground. Some people use yoga mats, others use specially designed bags you can stand inside. During winter, in particular, my toes appreciate that extra barrier against the elements.
4. Earplugs: Stop water from getting in and guard against surfer’s ear - again, not glamorous but very useful!

What Features to Look for In The Best Surfing Apparel?

1. Fit: A good, close fit is key for swimsuits and wetsuits. Loose-fitting garments are at risk of slipping off and chafing, and a baggy wetsuit allows water to flow through, compromising its insulation.
2. Flexibility: No one wants their movement to be restricted when out on the waves, so flexible fabrics that allow a full range of motion are essential. A high elastane content is a good indicator that the garment will move with your body while staying put.
3. Comfort: Nothing can ruin a session faster than being uncomfortable, so soft fabrics that won’t chafe are non-negotiable. Lumpy seams and edges that finish in high-motion areas can quickly lead to rubbing, especially in salty seawater. Vivida’s Linda reversible wetsuit has no underarm seams, instead moving them to the front of the suit, and the FlatLock seam design ensures it lies flat to the body.
4. Durability: The oceans and the elements can all be harsh on fabrics, so materials need to be hardwearing.
5. Eco-Conscious Materials: Modern technology and eco-conscious options mean there’s no need to cause environmental harm to stay comfortable on the waves. Vivida’s swimsuits are made from recycled plastic bottles, while the Linda wetsuit uses earth-mined limestone neoprene and upcycled tyres to help minimise environmental impact.
6. Style: We all want to feel good while riding the waves, so a sleek, stylish design is certainly something to look for. At Vivida we want to celebrate our connection with nature, by producing garments that reflect its beauty while highlighting your own. Our swimsuits are cut to enhance the shape of the human body, while we use colour and prints inspired by the world around us. The Linda reversible wetsuit allows you to choose between two looks depending on how you feel that day. Either opt for sleek, chic, graphite shades or simply reverse it to enjoy the playful art Map of Dreams print and embrace the ocean adventurer within you.

How Do I Choose a Surf Suit?

When choosing a surf suit, there are a few things to consider. What temperatures will you be using it in? Do you want a full-length or shortie wetsuit? Do you want a classic black surf suit or would you prefer patterns or brighter colours?

If the waters will be between 15-19C a 2/3mm shortie wetsuit will offer sufficient insulation to keep you comfortable while maximising comfort and range of motion. If temperatures will be below 12C you’ll almost certainly want a 5mm+ full-length wetsuit. Similarly, if you feel the cold quickly, you might want to opt for a higher thickness of neoprene and greater coverage, to help you stay warm.

Getting the right fit is key- too small and they’ll be uncomfortable and restrict your movement, but too big and water flushing will compromise its insulation and buoyancy. Measure your waist, hips, chest, and inside leg, then consult the size guide to ensure the perfect fit for your body.

Nothing should come between you and your passion, and the right kit will keep you surfing in comfort whatever the weather. So stock up on the essentials for the season, maybe treat yourself to some extras for that little touch of comfort, and we’ll see you on the waves!

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Sophia Purnell is a writer for TIDAL Digital, covering a wide range of topics. She enjoys swimming year-round in the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, as well as taking regular breaks to visit family in the South-West and the Cornish coastal waters. When not in her swimwear, she also is a keen Yoga and Pilates enthusiast, with an interest in all things related to health and well-being.