Best Wetsuits for Women Surfers (That Actually Fit)
This time of year in Southern California, my full wetsuit lineup is on call to keep me comfy. Sunny October afternoon? I’m probably milking the last few days of shorty season. Sunset sesh? I need my 4:3 if I want to make it count. Since I find myself reaching for everything in my arsenal, I like to use fall as a reset to take stock of my gear.
No matter what I’m wearing, the most important thing in selecting a wetsuit is fit: if it doesn’t fit, you’re going to be cold. And with irresistible winter swells around the corner, that’s not something you want to compromise on.
But here’s the thing: so many wetsuits are not designed for women’s bodies. For me, the biggest problem is always a gap in the lower back, which literally feels like getting a bucket of ice water down your spine. Over the years I’ve found some winners that actually fit. Here’s our collective lineup of the best wetsuits for women surfers, recommended by me and my little surfer girl squad.
Best 4:3mm Wetsuit for Women: Feral
Boy, do I love this wetsuit. I love it so much I actually got engaged in it. If I could, I’d outfit my entire lineup with Feral. If you’re going to invest in one good wetsuit, let it be your 4:3, and for me, Feral takes the crown
- Fit: Snug, body-hugging, no lower back gap.
- Quality: I surf multiple times a week, 10 months of the year in a 4:3. My Feral lasted 4 years (most wetsuits last me one). The Yamamoto rubber also holds up against wind — it’s like wearing a leather jacket.
- Customer Service: Feral is run by two guys who just want to make really good wetsuits. When I tore mine on a rock, I emailed them. Days later, I got a handwritten note, a patch kit, and fit advice. That kind of care is rare.
👉 If you only buy one wetsuit, make it this one.
Best 3:2mm Wetsuits for Women
Confession: I don’t actually own a 3:2 anymore. My old Feral, now thinned out and leaky, fills the role perfectly for those in-between days. But I don’t want to leave you hanging, so I asked my surf girlies what they recommend.
Kassia Meador 3:2 Created by legendary longboarder Kassia Meador, these wetsuits are built by women surfers, for women surfers. They fit beautifully and hold up well.
Sisstr Evolution (pictured): Affordable, stylish, and designed specifically for women. Bonus: the prints are super fun.Shop Sisstr 3:2 here
Best Spring Suits for Women
Warm days call for spring suits, however I don’t always love breaking the bank on a limited use-case. These are my tried-and-true favorites at various price points:
Billabong Salty Dayz 2mm: I’ve owned two of these and they’re flattering, cute, and affordable. I love the bikini cut bottom (mid-thigh cut always feels juvenile to me), and it’s perfect for summer when I want my legs and butt tan. The texture variation in black also makes it look interesting even in a basic color.
Abysse 2mm (pictured) : The chicest option. Sexy cuts, unique colors (I’ve spotted Alexis Ren in the brown one in Malibu) and sustainable production. This is THE hot girl wetsuit, surfers and divers alike swear by it.
Kassia 1.5mm: Another gem from Kassia. Playful prints, and designed with women in mind. This suit is slightly thinner at 1.5mm, which may be preferable if you don’t tend to run as cold.
Final Thoughts
Finding a wetsuit that actually fits a woman’s body is hard. But once you find one that works, it completely changes your sessions. No more freezing water shooting down your spine, no more awkward gaps.
For me, Feral is the holy grail for a 4:3. My surf girlfriends swear by Sisstr and Kassia for 3:2s. And when summer comes around, I rotate between Billabong, Abysse, and Kassia spring suits.
Whether you’re a beginner or paddling out every week, investing in the right wetsuit will keep you surfing longer, warmer, and way happier.
Pssst — ready to ditch the wetsuit? I’ve got a list of the best bikinis you can actually surf in, here.
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