Snug surf shorts for women that you'll love

Written by Emilia
Published November 9, 2024

Introduction

If you’re into the somewhat tight and snug surf short look then you’ve come to the right place. These snug surf shorts for women are probably the trendiest piece of surf wear in the longboard surfing community amongst women at the moment. This year I’ve started seeing shorts of this style in all kinds of colors and patterns.

Want to see who’s wearing them for inspiration, and find out what brands are selling them so you can get your own pair? Then keep on reading!

Wearing the “Lola short – gaia” in size S from ELCE Swim during a surf session in Uluwatu, Bali

Snug surf shorts for women

What do they look like?

The tighter, snug-style surf shorts for women are usually made from classic swimwear material. I’ve also seen some made from workout tights material, offering a stretchy and supportive fit. Even if they have a closer fit than traditional board shorts they’re really soft, comfy and easy to surf in. I love the combination of a more fashionable look compared to traditional board shorts, yet with the same comfort and flexibility that make them great for surfing.

Who's wearing them?

This is a surf short style that I have seen many longboard surfers wear. Although it has has been around for a couple of years, I have started seeing it a lot more in the past year. A few surf influencers who wear them that I follow are Josie Prendergast, Lo Lesya, Jolie Janine, Gypseagirl, Marina Alonso and Kelis Kaleopa’a. Check out some snapshots from their Instagram accounts below for inspiration!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josie May Tokong Prendergast. (@josie_prendergast)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by T A R A 🌺 (@gypseagirl)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelis Malia Lei Kaleopaʻa (@keliskaleopaa)

How to avoid getting a surf shorts tan

A little tip from me (learned from experience): if you care about having a pretty and even tan, then build up a base tan before you start wearing shorts during your surf sessions. Mix up your surf wear, too- alternate between surf shorts, bikinis, or legless surf suits. Otherwise, you might end up with an obvious shorts tan!

5 brands that sell the cutest snug surf shorts for women

1. Free People

Free People has lots and lots of pretty swimwear, including snug surf shorts for women in different colors and patterns. They’re designed for both fashion and functionality, many of them with a bohemian style.

Shop all swimwear bottoms from Free People here.

2. ELCE Swim

ELCE Swim is an Australian clothing brand. Their swimwear is sleek and modern with minimalist aesthetics that focus on flattering cuts and materials. They have a couple of stores in Bali which I visited frequently during my 7-week surf trip to Bali- it’s safe to say I became a regular here. One of the items that I got was the “Lola short – gaia“. While I do love them, the material is a bit sensitive to dried out and hard wax on the surfboard.

Shop all swimwear bottoms from ELCE Swim here.

3. Triangl

Triangl is a swimwear brand whose designs typically feature bold colors, contrast piping, and their signature neoprene material. They have a couple of different colors and patterns in their line of shorts, so if you want to stand out in the lineup and add a pop of color to your surf wear you’ll find some great options here.

Shop all surf shorts for women from Triangl here.

4. Ninefoot Studio

Ninefoot Studio is surfing activewear brand for women that value sustainability. Their designs are minimalistic with clean lines and comfortable fits. Their activewear is designed, made and tested by surfers, making sure it works well in surfing conditions. I really like their Gerupuk Shorts which feature a secure and waterproof pocket for storing smaller items, and the shorts can also be used for other workout activities outside of the water.

Shop all swimwear bottoms from Ninefoot Studio here.

Gerupuk Shorts in Mosaico | Image credit: Ninefoot Studio

5. Dippin' Daisy's

Dippin’ Daisy’s is a swimwear brand that focuses on sustainability, female empowerment, size inclusivity, and affordable luxury. I find that their swimwear has a feminine, flattering and very cute style. They’re also a bit more affordable compared to the other brands mentioned in this post.

Shop all surf shorts for women from Dippin Daisy’s here.

Comments

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!