Jet Skis to Surfboards: The Chicest Wetsuits to Wear

These fashion-forward picks prove that practical swimwear can still make a statement

Woman wearing a teal bikini with a matching wave-pattern zip-up jacket, looking down as she adjusts the sleeve edge of the swimsuit top.",

The most fashionable wetsuits for women are finally here. For years, wetsuits have been designed almost exclusively with performance in mind and little else. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Today’s best wetsuits combine technical functionality with fashion-forward details, from flattering silhouettes and bold color palettes to eye-catching prints that feel just as stylish on the beach as they do in the water. Brands like Cynthia Rowley have helped pioneer this shift, proving that performance-driven pieces can make a statement, too. Whether you’re surfing, paddleboarding, or just need a little extra coverage, these wetsuits deliver in all areas that you need them to.

Woman modeling a pastel color-block wetsuit/bodysuit with long sleeves in a dynamic pose.

Long before fashionable wetsuits became all the rage, Cynthia Rowley was redefining what surfwear could look like. This colorblock design perfectly captures her signature approach, combining athletic performance with a distinctly feminine feel. With its tailored fit and eye-catching color palette, it feels less like sportswear and more like a true designer piece that just so happens to belong in the water.

The Sun-Safe: Left on Friday Rays Suit, $220

Pink long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit with a center front zipper

Leave it to Left on Friday to make sun protection feel incredibly exciting. With its sleek mock-neck silhouette, long sleeves, and clean lines, the Rays Suit delivers the coverage of a wetsuit with the elegance of a well-designed swimsuit. Whether you’re paddleboarding, swimming, or spending a long day at the beach, this is the piece you’ll reach for when you want to feel polished and protected.

The European It-Girl: Smart Swimwear Olives One-Piece, $276

Woman standing and facing the camera, wearing a long-sleeve leaf-patterned bodysuit in soft pink, brown, and gray tones against a white background.

Equal parts sporty and sophisticated, the Olives one-piece feels like an outfit you’d spot on a stylish beach club in the South of France. The thoughtful construction of this suit makes it not only a flattering fit but also an elevated choice. This suit is the definition of understated luxury for the water, and the best part? This suit provides sun protection while safely allowing you to tan.

Woman wearing a black long-sleeve wetsuit with front zipper, standing against a white background, logo on chest.

Billabong’s Salty Dayz has become a favorite among women who want their surf gear to feel as chic as the rest of their wardrobe. The vintage-inspired silhouette and contrast detailing give this wetsuit a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. Functional enough for serious water sports but fashionable enough to wear in beach photos with friends.

The Quiet Luxury: Marysia North Sea Rashguard, $439

White long-sleeve bodysuit with a front zip and scalloped edges at the cuffs and bottom hem.

Marysia has built a strong following thanks to its feminine, refined approach to swimwear, and the North Sea Rashguard is no exception. The brand’s attention to detail and scalloped edges make this suit feel far more intentional and special than your average rash guard. It’s the perfect choice for women who gravitate toward timeless pieces that prioritize the details over trends.

Model wearing a colorful floral long-sleeve leotard against a white background.

For those who believe that functional swimwear should still be fun, this Farm Rio suit delivers. The collaboration’s signature prints bring a vibrant, fashion-forward energy to the classic wetsuit silhouette, transforming a practical piece into a true standout. It’s bold, colorful, and guaranteed to turn heads and attract compliments.

The Colorblock Favorite: Boden Rash Guard Swimsuit, $149

One-piece swimsuit with a front zipper in burgundy, featuring pink and teal color blocks on the sides and sleeves.

Practical and polished, the vibrant palette of this suit brings a playful energy to the traditional construction of a wetsuit, while the streamlined fit keeps it feeling refined. It’s the perfect option for women who want a little extra coverage without sacrificing style.

Woman wearing a red-and-white checkered long-sleeve wetsuit with a front zipper and neon piping, plus futuristic sunglasses.

Free People and Seea are a natural pairing, blending surf culture with effortless bohemian style. The Caroline Surf Suit feels both nostalgic and modern, with a sleek silhouette that flatters its wearers while still offering the functionality needed for a day in the water. Equal parts fashion statement and surfer essential, this suit embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal living.

By Kate Flemma
By Kate Flemma

Kate Flemma is a writer based between New York City and the Hamptons. Her interests are fashion, travel, language learning, fitness, and finance.