Surfing in Style: What to look for in performance bikinis

There's nothing quite like that moment when you paddle out into perfect waves, feeling completely confident that your bikini will stay exactly where it should be. No adjusting, no worrying, no wardrobe malfunctions – just you, your board, and the ocean.

We've all been there: you're having the session of your life when suddenly you're more focused on keeping your top in place than reading the next wave. Or worse, you come up from a wipeout only to realize your bikini bottom decided to take a little adventure of its own.

Here's the thing – you shouldn't have to choose between looking good and performing well in the water. The right surf bikini does both, and once you know what to look for, you'll never go back to regular swimwear for your sessions.

Let's start with the most important part – support that doesn't quit when the waves get serious. Your everyday triangle bikini might look cute poolside, but it's not built for the dynamic movement of surfing.

What you need is a top that moves with you, not against you. Look for adjustable straps that you can customize to your body – not just tie-on strings that loosen with every duck dive. The best surf bikini tops have multiple adjustment points, so you can dial in the perfect fit for your unique shape.

Under-bust bands are your secret weapon. They distribute support across your ribcage instead of putting all the pressure on your shoulders and neck. Trust me, after a two-hour session, you'll feel the difference. Our Parla bikini top was designed exactly with this in mind – that secure, supportive feeling that lets you focus on your surfing, not your swimwear.

Here's something nobody talks about enough: coverage isn't just about modesty, it's about performance. When you're constantly adjusting your bikini, you're not fully present in the water. You're thinking about everything except the wave you're riding.

Medium coverage bottoms are often the sweet spot for most surfers. They give you enough coverage to feel secure during wipeouts (and let's be honest, we all have those days), while still allowing the freedom of movement you need for pop-ups and maneuvers.

The key is finding bottoms with the right amount of stretch and recovery. The fabric should move with you when you're paddling, but snap back into place when you surface. Cheap swimwear loses its shape after a few sessions, leaving you with saggy, unflattering coverage that doesn't do its job.

Not all swimwear fabrics are created equal, especially when it comes to salt water, sun, and sand. Quick-dry properties aren't just convenient – they're essential for comfort during long sessions and preventing that clammy feeling when you're sitting on your board between sets.

This is where sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® really shine. Made from regenerated ocean waste, it's not just better for the planet – it's actually superior performance-wise. It maintains its shape session after session, resists fading from UV exposure, and handles salt water like a champ. Plus, knowing your bikini is made from ocean waste that's been transformed into something beautiful? That's the kind of story you can feel good about.

UV protection is non-negotiable if you're spending serious time in the water. Your bikini should be working to protect your skin, not just cover it. Look for fabrics with built-in UPF ratings – your future self will thank you.

Ever had a bikini that looked perfect but felt terrible after an hour in the water? It's usually the construction details that separate the good from the great.

Flat seams are everything. Regular seams create pressure points and chafing when you're lying on your board or moving dynamically through the water. Flat seams lie smooth against your skin, eliminating hot spots and irritation.

Pay attention to stress points – anywhere the fabric experiences extra tension during movement. Quality surf bikinis reinforce these areas so they don't become the weak link that fails when you need your swimwear most.

And let's talk hardware. Cheap metal hardware corrodes in salt water, leaving you with rusty, sharp edges that can actually cut your skin. Invest in bikinis with quality hardware that's designed to handle ocean conditions.

Here's something that might surprise you: the way you surf affects how your bikini should fit. If you're a longboarder who spends a lot of time cross-stepping and hanging ten, you need different coverage and support than someone who's charging heavy waves on a shortboard.

For bigger, more powerful waves, you might want to size up slightly in the top for extra security. For mellow longboard sessions, you can prioritize comfort and style. The key is being honest about the conditions you surf most often and choosing accordingly.

Always test your bikini in smaller waves first. Do a few duck dives, practice your pop-up, spend some time sitting on your board. If anything feels loose or uncomfortable in mellow conditions, it's going to be a problem when the waves get serious.

Here's what we believe at Tumla: performance and style aren't mutually exclusive. You can have a bikini that performs flawlessly and still makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Color choices matter more than you might think. Darker colors tend to be more forgiving if your bikini shifts slightly during a session, while brighter colors can be great for visibility and expressing your personality in the lineup.

The best surf bikinis have clean, streamlined designs that look intentional and athletic without being boring. You want something that looks as good in your post-surf coffee shop photo as it does in the water.

A quality surf bikini is an investment, and like any good gear, it deserves proper care. Rinse immediately after every session – salt water is harsh on fabrics and hardware, and the longer it sits, the more damage it does.

Avoid wringing or twisting your bikini when you're getting the water out. Instead, gently squeeze and lay flat to dry. Heat is the enemy of elastic fibers, so skip the dryer and avoid leaving your bikini in a hot car.

Rotate between multiple bikinis if you surf regularly. This gives each one time to fully dry and recover between sessions, extending their lifespan significantly.

The right surf bikini should make you forget you're wearing it – in the best possible way. It should move with you, support you, and make you feel confident enough to charge that wave you've been eyeing from the lineup.

You deserve swimwear that works as hard as you do in the water. Whether you're a dawn patrol regular or a weekend warrior, investing in a proper surf bikini isn't just about looking good (though you absolutely will) – it's about performing your best and feeling completely comfortable in your own skin.

Ready to find your perfect surf bikini? Our collection is designed by women who understand exactly what you need in the water, because we're out there too, chasing the same waves and living the same ocean-centered life.

Because when your gear is dialed, you can focus on what really matters – the pure joy of surfing.