Gender May Play A Role
What to consider before purchasing a new wetsuit
Technically, a wetsuit that fits your body and desired surfing experience is best decided by the individual, but women surfers want wetsuits that fit and perform beyond the idea of a unisex, one size fits all guideline.
Surfing maybe recognised as a unisex sport, and a surfer's performance in the water is driven by how well someone reads waves, positions themselves, and moves on the board. Your core gear such as surfboards, leashes, wax, and fins is universally functional. However, when considering gender in surfing, one item that can enhance both your performance and duration in the water is a well fitted wetsuit.
Wetsuits Were Primarily A Thermal Necessity
With performance and functionality secondary.
A male-dominated surfing market evidently manufactured a unisex styled fit, often without consideration for a woman's anatomy. In the last 20 years, female participation in surfing has jumped to approximately 35% of the estimated 35–40 million surfers worldwide. A new era in surfing is advancing the cultural representation of women in the sport. With more feedback from the growing female surf community, the wetsuits are changing.
Improvements In Flexibility And Mobility
Can be seen in the contouring.
Women's wetsuits are tailored to fit the chest, waist, and hips. Women's waist-to-hip ratio, torso length, and arm and leg proportions all vary in comparison to male anatomy and are considered in the fabrication of the wetsuit. A narrower shoulder span and smaller neck opening are formed to prevent gaping and keep its thermal aesthetic intact.
Some brands offer women-specific zip and seam placements (e.g., diagonal front zips) to account for bust comfort and ease of entry/exit. While both genders use chest or back zips, fit tweaks vary. Women's wetsuit sizing uses a separate scale (e.g., 6, 8, 10) versus men's (e.g., S, M, L, XL) and accounts for different body ratios and fit expectations. Some brands also offer "tall" and "short" versions to fine-tune the fit.
Through Tailored Gear, Storytelling and Advocacy
Surf brands are actively supporting female surfers.
Surf brands are actively supporting female surfers. Roxy, the first original women's surf brand, focuses entirely on the female surf lifestyle, with surf-specific wetsuits, bikinis, and outerwear and sponsoring identities such as Stephanie Gilmore and Brisa Hennessy. Strong support from major brands means these visions have come to fruition and are represented in the bricks and mortar retailers of the surfing industry.
Championing Diversity at a Grassroots Level
A surfing legacy that spans 3 decades.
Melbourne Surfboard Shop in Thornbury, Victoria, Australia has a full range of wetsuits, hoods, gloves, and booties and we support 5 major wetsuit manufacturers who are leaders in equality in surfing: Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, C-Skins, and Xcel. These leading surf brands have helped drive the change for female surfers. We have a comfortable wetsuit area with change room facilities, and while not being painted Barbie pink, will definitely cater for all surfing needs.
