What Are Surf Clothes Called? 25 Surf Brands 🏄

What are the names of surf clothes? In the water, they’re usually called boardshorts, rash guards, wetsuits, spring suits, surf bikinis, and surf swimsuits; together, they’re known as surfwear. If you mean the labels that make them, popular surf clothing brands include Billabong, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Roxy, and Vissla.

The names can get a little slippery: a rash guard helps with sun coverage and chafing, while a wetsuit is built for warmth. We’ve watched plenty of surfers pack a stylish tee for the beach and then realize they still need the right gear for the water.

This guide breaks down what each surf garment is called, what it does, how to choose it, and 25 surfwear brands worth knowing—so you can talk shop without mistaking boardshorts for a wetsuit.

Key Takeaways

  • Surfwear is the umbrella term for clothing worn surfing or inspired by surf culture.
  • Common surf clothes include boardshorts, rash guards, wetsuits, spring suits, surf bikinis, surf hats, and changing ponchos.
  • Water temperature, fit, sun coverage, and session length help determine what to wear.
  • Well-known surf clothing brands include Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Patagonia, and Vissla.
  • Surf-inspired tees and hoodies are everyday apparel; they’re not necessarily technical gear for surfing.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts

Surf clothing has two namesakes: the garments you wear in the water and the brands that make surf-inspired apparel. We’ll cover both, from boardshorts and rash guards to the labels you’ll see in surf shops. For more Surf Brand Guides, start with our guide to surf brands. 🏄

If you mean… Common name What it does
Swimwear for surfing Boardshorts or surf trunks Secure, quick-drying bottoms designed to move with you
A stretchy top for sun and rash protection Rash guard or surf shirt Helps reduce chafing and can offer rated UV protection
Insulation for cool water Wetsuit Slows heat loss in water; thickness and design depend on conditions
A thin wetsuit for mild conditions Spring suit Adds some warmth while allowing more movement than a full suit
Swimwear for women Surf bikini or surf swimsuit Surf-specific cuts and closures help reduce shifting in the water
Warm clothing after a session Surf poncho or changing robe Provides coverage and makes changing beside the car less awkward

Quick facts:

  • “Surfwear” is the broad term for clothing designed for surfing or inspired by surf culture.
  • A wetsuit is not waterproof insulation: it works by limiting water exchange and helping your body retain heat.
  • UPF-rated clothing is designed to reduce UV exposure through fabric. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains how UPF clothing and sunscreen differ.
  • Surf style often overlaps with surf fashion, but a graphic tee isn’t automatically technical surfwear. The ocean is a fairly unforgiving fitting room.

What Are the Names of Surf Clothes?


Video: Rash Guards and Surf Shirts | What’s The Difference?








The names you’re looking for depend on where you’ll wear the clothes. In the water, surfers typically use boardshorts, swimsuits, rash guards, wetsuits, and surf booties or gloves in colder conditions. On the beach or after a session, they might wear tees, hoodies, caps, sandals, and changing ponchos.

Surf clothing and surf clothing brands are related but different:

  • Surf clothing means garments and accessories such as boardshorts, wetsuits, surf shirts, and ponchos.
  • Surfwear can mean functional surf apparel, casual surf-inspired clothing, or both.
  • Surf brands are companies that make surfwear, equipment, or lifestyle products. Some specialize in wetsuits; others are best known for boardshorts or everyday apparel.

Surf clothing names: garments, gear, and brands

Category Names you’ll see Best for
Surf bottoms Boardshorts, surf trunks, surf leggings Warm water, swimwear, or extra coverage
Surf tops Rash guard, surf shirt, surf top Sun coverage, chafe reduction, or layering
Insulating suits Wetsuit, full suit, spring suit, long-john Cooler water and longer sessions
Women’s swimwear Surf bikini, one-piece, surf swimsuit Warm-water surfing
Cold-water accessories Surf booties, wetsuit gloves, surf hood Keeping extremities warmer
Changing and cover-ups Surf poncho, changing robe, beach cover-up Changing privately and warming up
Casual surfwear Surf tee, tank top, hoodie, flannel After-surf wear and everyday style
Accessories Surf cap, surf hat, towel, boardshorts belt Sun protection, comfort, or carrying essentials

A “surfer outfit” doesn’t have one fixed name. If you’re paddling out in warm water, it might be boardshorts and a rash guard. In cold water, it’s more likely a wetsuit with booties and gloves. The right answer depends on the water, not just the forecast on your phone.

Surfwear History: From Boardshorts to Modern Technical Apparel

man riding surfboard on sea waves

Surf clothing began as practical swimwear and evolved alongside surfboards, travel, competition, and changing ideas about comfort. Early surfers often wore ordinary swimsuits. As surfing grew, brands began designing garments for repeated paddling, salty water, and hours in the sun.

In the postwar era, surf culture and specialized equipment expanded. Jack O’Neill is widely associated with pioneering the modern wetsuit, while brands including Quiksilver and Billabong helped popularize surf-specific shorts and apparel. For brand histories and current product lines, see O’Neill, Quiksilver, and Billabong.

Surfwear now spans two lanes:

  1. Technical gear: wetsuits, boardshorts, rash guards, booties, and other clothing made for water use.
  2. Surf-lifestyle apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, caps, swimwear, and casual clothes inspired by coastal culture.

That distinction explains why two garments can both be called “surf clothes” while doing very different jobs. A boardshort has to stay comfortable during a wipeout; a cotton graphic tee mostly has to survive the drive home.

Common Surf Clothing Names and What They’re For


Video: 5 UNDERRATED Wetsuit Brands That BEAT The Big Names.








Boardshorts, surf trunks, and swim shorts

Boardshorts are a common choice for warm-water surfing. They’re usually longer than traditional swim briefs and are designed with surfing movement in mind. Depending on the model, details may include a secure waistband, a drawcord, stretch fabric, and a reduced-seam construction.

Surf trunks often describe shorter or more casual surf shorts. The terms overlap across brands, so check the actual inseam, fabric, waistband, and intended use rather than relying on the name alone.

Benefits

  • More leg coverage than many swim briefs.
  • Quick-drying designs are comfortable between sessions.
  • Many models include stretch for paddling and turning.

Drawbacks

  • A poor fit can cause rubbing or let the shorts shift.
  • Some styles are bulky for swimming or prone to drying slowly.
  • Waistband and closure preferences are personal; what feels secure to one surfer may feel restrictive to another.

Brands such as Vissla, Rip Curl, and Quiksilver offer surf shorts in different lengths and fabrics. For a quick browse, compare boardshorts on Amazon.

Wetsuits, spring suits, and rash guards

A wetsuit is an insulating suit for surfing in cool or cold water. It comes in different thicknesses and shapes, including full suits, short-sleeved suits, and sleeveless designs. Thickness is commonly shown in millimetres, such as 3/2 mm: the first number refers to the torso panels and the second to the limbs. Always check a brand’s sizing and temperature guidance, because fit and session length matter too.

A spring suit is a shorter wetsuit style often used in milder conditions. A rash guard is a lightweight top, typically worn in warm water or under a wetsuit. It can reduce board-and-skin chafing, but it generally provides little warmth compared with a wetsuit.

Garment Main job Typical use Trade-off
Full wetsuit Insulation Cool or cold water More warmth, less freedom than swimwear
Spring suit Light insulation Mild water Less coverage than a full suit
Rash guard Chafe and sun coverage Warm water or under a wetsuit Not a substitute for cold-water insulation
Surf shirt Sun and abrasion coverage Warm-water sessions May feel hot on land

For wetsuit fit, warmth, and care guidance, consult O’Neill’s wetsuit range, Rip Curl wetsuits, and Xcel Wetsuits. The National Weather Service’s UV guidance is also useful when choosing sun coverage for long sessions.

Surf bikinis, one-pieces, and swimsuits

A surf bikini is swimwear designed to stay more secure during paddling and wipeouts. Compared with fashion swimwear, surf-specific designs may use broader straps, more supportive construction, adjustable closures, or higher-coverage cuts. A surf one-piece can offer extra coverage and a secure feel, though fit is still personal.

Look at:

  • Strap security: Will it stay in place when you paddle?
  • Coverage: Does the cut suit your comfort and movement?
  • Fabric: Does it stretch and recover after repeated saltwater use?
  • Seams and closures: Do they rub beneath your arms or on your board?

Brands including Roxy, Sea, and Carve Designs make surf-minded swimwear. A surf swimsuit can also be a good option for swimming or paddleboarding, but check the fit in motion rather than judging it only in a changing room.

Surf ponchos, changing robes, and beach cover-ups

A surf poncho is a towel-like cover-up with a hood and openings for your arms. It gives you coverage while changing and helps you warm up after a session. A changing robe is often longer or more coat-like, sometimes with additional insulation. A beach cover-up is a broader category that may prioritize style over warmth or private changing.

Our practical tip: Keep a poncho in the car. It’s useful after dawn patrol, on windy beaches, and anywhere the changing area is one towel and a prayer.

Brands such as Slowtide make surf ponchos and towels; compare other options through surf changing ponchos on Amazon. For more useful Surf Gear ideas, a poncho is one of the rare items that helps before and after the actual surfing.

Surf hats, caps, and sun-protection clothing

Surfers use surf caps and surf hats for shade, though fit is crucial. A hat needs to stay secure in wind and water; a casual baseball cap can become marine litter surprisingly quickly if it goes overboard.

For sun protection, consider a rash guard or long-sleeved surf shirt, a secure surf hat, and sunscreen on exposed skin. Look for a stated UPF rating when you want a garment’s UV-protection claim to be test-based. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s overview of sun-protective clothing explains why fabric coverage and construction matter.

Surf tops, hoodies, tees, and everyday beachwear

Surf brands also sell everyday clothes: graphic tees, tanks, hoodies, sweatshirts, button-ups, flannels, and caps. These may carry surf graphics or coastal styling without being designed for active water use.

The featured video presents Channel Islands Surfboards’ lifestyle apparel, including graphic T-shirts, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, snapbacks, and trucker hats. It highlights the brand’s Merrick Surfboards identity and Santa Barbara heritage. That’s a good illustration of the difference between surf-inspired clothing and technical surf gear: both belong in surf culture, but only some garments are built for paddling out.

For more looks and outfit ideas, browse Surf Fashion and Surf Lifestyle.

25 Surf Clothing Brands to Know

There’s no single “best” surfwear label for every surfer. Some brands focus on wetsuits; others lean into boardshorts, swimwear, sustainability, or casual coastal style. Here are 25 familiar names and what they’re known for.

Brand Known for Good place to start
Billabong Boardshorts, swimwear, casual surfwear Boardshorts and apparel
Quiksilver Boardshorts and surf apparel Men’s boardshorts
Roxy Women’s surf apparel and swimwear Women’s swimwear
Rip Curl Wetsuits and surf apparel Wetsuits
O’Neill Wetsuits and waterwear Wetsuits
Vissla Boardshorts, wetsuits, surf lifestyle Official site
RVCA Surf- and skate-adjacent casual apparel Official site
Volcom Surf, skate, and snow apparel Official site
Hurley Swimwear and surf apparel Official site
Patagonia Surf apparel and wetsuits Surf collection
Outerknown Coastal lifestyle apparel Official site
Florence Marine X Surf and performance apparel Official site
Xcel Wetsuits and water accessories Wetsuits
Dakine Surf accessories and water gear Surf collection
FCS Surf equipment and accessories Official site
Katin Surf trunks and casual apparel Official site
Rhythm Surf-inspired clothing and swimwear Official site
Banks Journal Coastal lifestyle apparel Official site
Salty Crew Surf and fishing-inspired clothing Official site
Seea Women’s surf swimwear and surf suits Swimwear
Carve Designs Women’s swimwear and active coastal apparel Swimwear
Roark Travel-inspired surf apparel Official site
Ocean & Earth Surf accessories and apparel Official site
Slowtide Surf towels and changing ponchos Ponchos
Channel Islands Surfboards Surfboards and surf-lifestyle apparel Official site

The comparison is about what each label is associated with, not an independent test ranking. Product ranges change, and a brand may sell several categories. If a wetsuit is your priority, compare fit and construction across dedicated wetsuit lines; if you want an everyday tee, focus on fabric, cut, and how often you’ll wear it.

1. Billabong

An established surf brand with boardshorts, swimwear, wetsuits, and casual apparel. Browse Billabong’s official site. Good for shoppers who want a broad surfwear range in one place.

2. Quiksilver

Known for surf apparel and boardshorts. See Quiksilver’s boardshort collection. Compare waistband and inseam details before choosing a pair.

3. Roxy

A women’s surf and lifestyle brand offering swimwear, apparel, and accessories. Explore Roxy swimwear, especially if secure fit is your main concern.

4. Rip Curl

Rip Curl makes wetsuits, surf apparel, and accessories. Its wetsuit collection is a useful starting point if you’re shopping by water temperature and suit style.

5. O’Neill

O’Neill is closely associated with wetsuits and surf apparel. Compare its current wetsuit selection and consult the brand’s sizing guidance before buying.

6. Vissla

Vissla combines surf apparel with boardshorts and wetsuits. Explore Vissla’s official collection, then compare the intended use of each garment rather than assuming every surf-style short is built for surfing.

7. RVCA

RVCA’s clothing sits between surf, skate, art, and streetwear. Browse RVCA for everyday clothing and swim options.

8. Volcom

Volcom spans surf, skate, and snow culture, with apparel for daily wear as well as water use. See Volcom’s official store.

9. Hurley

Hurley sells swimwear and surf-inspired apparel. Browse Hurley and check garment details to distinguish water-ready pieces from casual styles.

10. Patagonia

Patagonia offers surf apparel and wetsuit products alongside its outdoor clothing. Visit its surf collection and its environmental responsibility information.

11. Outerknown

Outerknown is a coastal lifestyle label with a focus on material choices and responsible production. Explore Outerknown and review the product-specific material details rather than relying on a brand-wide sustainability impression.

12. Florence Marine X

Florence Marine X focuses on surf and performance apparel. See Florence Marine X for current technical and lifestyle offerings.

13. Xcel

Xcel is best known for wetsuits and related water gear. Browse Xcel wetsuits; prioritize fit and local water conditions over a label’s suggested warmth range alone.

14. Dakine

Dakine makes surf accessories and gear as well as apparel. Explore its surf collection for items that support a session beyond what you wear.

15. FCS

FCS is primarily recognized for surf equipment and accessories, with apparel in its wider brand world. Visit FCS if your shopping list includes surf hardware as well as clothing.

16. Katin

Katin has roots in surf trunks and makes casual surf apparel. Check Katin’s official site for boardshorts, shirts, and accessories.

17. Rhythm

Rhythm mixes surf, travel, and coastal styling across apparel and swimwear. Browse Rhythm for relaxed everyday looks.

18. Banks Journal

Banks Journal offers surf-inspired clothing with a coastal, everyday focus. See Banks Journal and look at product materials and care instructions before choosing a piece for frequent beach use.

19. Salty Crew

Salty Crew draws on surf and fishing culture. Explore Salty Crew for tees, caps, and other lifestyle apparel.

20. Seea

Sea specializes in women’s surf swimwear and surf suits. Browse Sea’s swimwear, paying particular attention to coverage and how the garment is designed to stay in place.

21. Carve Designs

Carve Designs offers women’s swimwear and active coastal apparel. See Carve Designs swimwear for different cuts and coverage options.

22. Roark

Roark’s travel-inspired apparel draws on surfing and outdoor adventure. Browse Roark for clothes that can work across road trips, beach days, and everyday wear.

23. Ocean & Earth

Ocean & Earth makes surf accessories and other surf-related products. Visit Ocean & Earth and check product descriptions to find clothing and practical gear in its current range.

24. Slowtide

Slowtide focuses on towels, ponchos, and coastal accessories. Start with its surf ponchos, especially if changing comfort is high on your list.

25. Channel Islands Surfboards

Channel Islands is known for surfboards and also offers surf-lifestyle clothing and accessories. The official site is the place to check current apparel; the featured video gives a closer look at its logo tees, hoodies, hats, and surf accessories.

Surfwear Materials, Features, and Fit

Quick-dry fabrics, recycled materials, and neoprene

Surf clothes use different materials because they have different jobs. Boardshorts and surf shirts often use synthetic fabrics designed to dry relatively quickly; wetsuits rely on insulating materials such as neoprene or alternative constructions.

Material or feature Common use Benefit Consider
Polyester or nylon blends Boardshorts, swimwear, surf shirts Lightweight and quick-drying options are common Fabric feel and stretch vary
Elastane or spandex blends Swimwear and flexible surf apparel Adds stretch and movement Fit and recovery depend on the blend and construction
Neoprene Wetsuits, booties, gloves Insulation and flexibility Thickness, seam design, and fit affect warmth
Recycled fibers Swimwear and apparel Can reduce reliance on virgin material “Recycled” alone doesn’t explain durability or full lifecycle impact
Cotton Tes and casual clothing Comfortable for everyday wear Usually slower to dry and less suitable for long water sessions

When a brand makes a sustainability claim, look for specific information about materials, manufacturing, and product-level impact. A recycled-fabric claim can be useful, but it isn’t a complete assessment of durability or environmental footprint. For independent context, consult the UN Environment Programme’s overview of textile sustainability.

UPF ratings, seams, stretch, and comfort

UPF measures how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric allows through. It applies to the clothing itself, not uncovered skin. Check the label or product page for a stated UPF rating, and keep using sunscreen on exposed areas.

For surf comfort, inspect:

  • Seams: Are they smooth where your arms and legs move?
  • Stretch: Does the fabric move with paddling and turning?
  • Waistband and closures: Can they stay secure without digging in?
  • Fit: Is there room for movement without excess fabric flapping or folding?
  • Care instructions: Can you rinse, dry, and store it easily?

A technically impressive garment that rubs under the arms is still a bad purchase. Our team’s rule: test the movement, not just the mirror.

What to Wear Surfing in Different Water Temperatures

Water temperature, wind, session length, and personal cold tolerance all affect what to wear. A sunny day can still come with chilly water, and sitting in the lineup can feel colder than paddling.

Conditions Common outfit Notes
Warm water Boardshorts or surf swimsuit; rash guard or surf shirt if desired Prioritize secure fit and sun protection
Mild water Spring suit or light wetsuit Wind and session length can change comfort
Cool water Full wetsuit selected for local conditions Fit and seam construction matter
Cold water Wetsuit plus booties, gloves, and possibly a hood Keep extremities covered if needed

Warm-water surf clothing

In warm water, surfers commonly wear boardshorts, a surf bikini, or a one-piece swimsuit. A rash guard or long-sleeved surf shirt offers more coverage and may help reduce chafing. Choose clothing that stays in place during paddling and doesn’t restrict your shoulders.

Cool-water surf clothing

A spring suit or full wetsuit may suit cooler conditions, depending on the location, wind, and length of your session. Check local surf-school or lifeguard guidance, as regional conditions vary. Use the manufacturer’s temperature guidance as a starting point, not a promise that every surfer will feel equally warm.

Cold-water surf clothing and accessories

In cold water, surfers may wear a full wetsuit with surf booties, wetsuit gloves, and a hood. The right combination depends on the conditions and your tolerance for cold. If you’re getting numb, shivering, or losing coordination, get out and warm up; staying in longer isn’t a badge of honor.

For dedicated cold-water options, compare Xcel, O’Neill, and Rip Curl. Also review local safety information from the National Weather Service.

How to Choose Surf Clothes for Your Needs

Choosing surfwear by climate, skill, and surf style

Start with the conditions, then decide how much coverage and protection you need.

  1. Check the water temperature and wind. These matter more than the air temperature alone.
  2. Decide how long you’ll be in the water. A short swim and a long surf session place different demands on clothing.
  3. Choose the garment category. Boardshorts or swimwear for warm water; a wetsuit for cooler conditions.
  4. Consider sun and chafe protection. A rash guard or surf shirt can add coverage.
  5. Check how you’ll change and travel. A poncho can make post-session logistics much easier.
  6. Try the movement. Mimic paddling and reaching overhead to catch early signs of rubbing or restriction.

If you’re new to surfing, a surf school or local shop can help translate seasonal conditions into a practical outfit. Browse Surf Gear for more equipment-focused advice.

How surf clothes should fit

Surfwear should feel secure without restricting movement. Boardshorts shouldn’t slip when you paddle, swimwear should stay put when you move, and a wetsuit should fit close to the body without painful pressure or major gaps.

Fit-check steps:

  • Bend, squat, and rotate your shoulders.
  • Reach overhead as if paddling.
  • Check for tightness around your neck, underarms, and knees.
  • Look for excess material that could fold or rub.
  • Follow the brand’s size chart and exchange policy.

For wetsuits, avoid choosing a larger size simply because it feels easier to put on. A loose suit can let water flush through and reduce comfort. Conversely, a suit that causes pain or limits breathing is not a good fit.

Sustainable and ethically made surf clothing

Some surf labels use recycled fibers, organic materials, or other lower-impact approaches, but these claims need context. Check what material is recycled, what percentage is used, whether the information applies to the whole garment, and how the product is meant to be cared for.

You can also extend a garment’s life by:

  • Rinsing salt and sand out after use.
  • Following care instructions rather than defaulting to hot washing.
  • Repairing minor damage where practical.
  • Choosing durable pieces you’ll wear often.

For wider environmental context, visit Ocean Conservation and the UNEP sustainable textiles resource.

How to Care for Surf Clothes and Make Them Last

Salt, sun, sand, and damp car trunks can shorten the life of surfwear. A few simple habits help:

  1. Rinse gear with fresh water after use, especially wetsuits and swimwear.
  2. Follow the care label. Avoid harsh detergents or hot drying unless the manufacturer says they’re suitable.
  3. Dry items fully before storing them to reduce odor and material deterioration.
  4. Keep wetsuits out of prolonged direct sun when drying; shade and airflow are generally gentler.
  5. Use wide hangers or fold carefully according to the brand’s guidance, rather than stretching a wetsuit over a thin hanger.
  6. Inspect seams, closures, and elastic before small problems become session-ending ones.

For detailed garment care, check product instructions from Patagonia and your wetsuit manufacturer. If your gear smells like a tide pool left in a gym bag, that’s your reminder to rinse it sooner next time.

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