The Best Women's Wetsuit Tops Today
Updated: 6 days ago
Comfort and safety should be your top priorities out in the water when surfing if you want to have an enjoyable experience.
What is a Women's Wetsuit Top?
Wetsuits of all kinds — including women's rashguards and women's spring suits — are surf gear created for those purposes so that you can surf your brains out without worry or being uncomfortable.
When you live in an area where the water can be a little chilly at times along with the air, you should probably add a wetsuit top to your collection.
UC San Diego SIO physicist Hugh Bradner is the one with the brains behind the whole idea of a wetsuit in 1952, and boy aren’t we thankful for Hugh!
The wetsuit top is still considered a wetsuit, but the top itself looks like a long sleeve rash guard of sorts.
The top has no pants and cuts off right at the bottom of the stomach or the top of the waist.
You would wear a wetsuit top surfing during the spring or early fall.
They are for those days where you could almost be in a bikini and boardshorts, but you want a little extra comfort because the water still hasn’t fully warmed up yet.
There are a few advantages and disadvantages of the wetsuit top.
Women's Wetsuit Top Advantages
Warmth while surfing colder water.
Protection from harmful UV rays from the sun.
East to put on and take off (unlike full wetsuits).
Women's Wetsuit Top Disadvantages
A little more pricey when it comes to surf gear.
Wetsuit tan line.
Putting one on is difficult when it is not fully dry.
The 5 Best Wetsuit Tops Today
Next, I will discuss surf brands that carry the best wetsuit tops.
I have been surfing my entire life and have tried many different brands and styles of tops.
I am all about comfort and reliability. Nobody wants to buy a new wetsuit top every year, long term options are the most ideal.
In the list below, I want to share my favorites from different brands along with links to buy!
Roxy
Roxy is one of, if not the most popular women’s surf brand.
Roxy is one of the leading surf brands in the world and they have been around for a very long time, so they know how to make a good wetsuit top.
I have tried Roxy wetsuit tops and they are very comfortable and always have the cutest but casual designs.
A 1mm pull-over wetsuit top from Roxy would be a great choice and you can’t go wrong.
I suggest going to your local surf shop and trying one on before you buy so that you can know what size to get, but if you really want to order online then you should view Roxy’s size guide under the product listing.
Learn more about this women's wetsuit top option.
Billabong
Billabong knows how to rock a women’s wetsuit top and they always have many options for patterns.
I personally have been wearing a Billabong top for the past 3 years and I love it!
I really enjoy the front-zip top that Billabong offers because if I get too hot, I just unzip the jacket and can continue to surf instead of paddling in and taking off the whole top.
The only con I would say about this jacket would be that you need to take special care of the zipper because wax will get on it and make it difficult to zip up after a while.
If you want this top to last as long as mine has, clean the wax off of the zipper every now and then.
I suggest going to your local surf shop and trying one on before you buy so that you can know what size to get, but if you really want to order online then you should view Billabong’s size guide under the product listing.
Learn more about this women's wetsuit top option.
Ripcurl
Ripcurl has always had great wetsuits, it’s something they are very well known for.
The only thing that disappoints me about Ripcurl’s wetsuits are the prices for little to no pattern options. The choices they give you are very limited.
The good thing about Ripcurl though, is they offer a 1mm wetsuit top like everyone else but also a 1.5mm.
I suggest going to your local surf shop and trying one on before you buy so that you can know what size to get, but if you really want to order online then you should view Ripcurl’s size guide under the product listing.
Learn more about this women's wetsuit top option.
Seea
My personal favorite option is Seea.
I have been a huge supporter of every product this brand puts out.
Seea is a sustainable brand that offers all types of styles and patterns. Most of their wetsuit tops are 2mm, a little more thick than other brands, but are the comfiest thing you will ever put on.
I suggest going to your local surf shop and trying one on, if they have some, before you buy so that you can know what size to get, but if you really want to order online then you should view Seea’s size guide under the product listing.
Learn more about this women's wetsuit top option.
Xcel Wetsuits
Xcel Wetsuits, clearly, specializes in the area of wetsuits. They have a plethora of women’s wetsuit top options from 1mm, 1.5mm, to 2mm.
The wetsuit tops have cute patterns as well but you can get a simple one if you wish.
Xcel wetsuits are very reliable and many friends wear these suits.
I suggest going to your local surf shop and trying one on, if they have some, before you buy so that you can know what size to get, but if you really want to order online then you should view Xcel’s size guide under the product listing.
Learn more about this women's wetsuit top option.
Women's Wetsuit Tops
Overall, no matter what wetsuit top you decide to purchase, everyone should own one if you live in an area that can get chilly at times.
Comfort and protection are the most important things we can have while surfing out in the water.
Or, if you're looking for something with more warmth, check out our women's spring suit guide.