Surfing wetsuits are essential gear for any enthusiastic wave rider, providing warmth and protection against the elements. With numerous brands vying for attention in the surf market, choosing the right one can be daunting. Renowned names like Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, and Xcel have consistently delivered high-quality wetsuits designed for performance and comfort. To explore the top contenders and discover which brand suits your surfing style and needs best, have a look below.
Illustration of surfing wetsuits
Best brands of surfing wetsuits in 2025
O'Neill
O'Neill is a pioneering and highly regarded brand in the wetsuit market, particularly for surfing enthusiasts. Founded by Jack O'Neill in the early 1950s, the company revolutionized the industry by introducing neoprene wetsuits, which provided superior comfort, flexibility, and insulation. O'Neill's wetsuits, such as the Hyperfreak series featuring Technobutter, dominate the market with their high performance and comfort. The full sleeves wetsuits segment, which O'Neill is a part of, is expected to hold around 70-71% of the total market share. O'Neill continues to be a major player, with surfing applications accounting for approximately 37-38% of the total market share.
Rip Curl
Rip Curl, founded in 1969, is a leading global brand in the surfing industry, renowned for its high-quality wetsuits and surfwear. The company has seen significant growth, particularly through its optimized ecommerce strategies, which resulted in a 20% increase in revenue from search and a 15x higher revenue from targeted wetsuit campaigns using the Lexer platform. Rip Curl's commitment to innovation and customer engagement has made it a powerhouse in the market, with its digital team focusing on enhancing the customer experience across various channels. The brand's wetsuits are popular among surfers, contributing to the overall growth of the wetsuit market, which is expected to reach US$ 3.64 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.05%.
Quiksilver
Quiksilver is a leading brand in the surfing wetsuit market, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company uses advanced materials such as F'N Lite neoprene, which is more flexible and lighter than traditional neoprene, as seen in their Highline Lite Zipperless wetsuits. Quiksilver's wetsuits, including the Highline Pro and Roxy Syncro Plus, are designed for superior warmth and flexibility, making them popular among surfers. The brand has also made significant strides in sustainability, using recycled car tires and solution-dyed linings to reduce environmental impact. In the global wetsuit market, Quiksilver is one of the key players, contributing to the market's anticipated growth at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2031. For more insights, visit Quiksilver and Roxy Wetsuits.
Billabong
Billabong is a leading brand in the surfwear industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality and eco-friendly wetsuits. With a market share of 7.49%, Billabong surpasses its competitors, including Quiksilver and Rip Curl. The company has made significant strides in sustainability, introducing wetsuits made from 100% natural rubber, exclusive to Billabong, and featuring innovative materials like Graphene for enhanced warmth and flexibility. Since 2009, Billabong has been incorporating upcycled materials and eco-friendly technologies into its products, solidifying its position as a top brand in the market. The global wetsuit market, in which Billabong is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.05% from 2023 to 2033. To learn more about their eco-friendly wetsuits, visit Billabong's new eco-friendly wetsuits.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a leading brand in the production of surfing wetsuits, renowned for its innovative and environmentally friendly approaches. Since 2008, Patagonia has been working to replace neoprene with natural rubber from hevea trees, reducing carbon emissions by up to 80 percent. In 2014, the company released its Yulex wetsuits, which perform as well or better than conventional neoprene wetsuits and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Patagonia's wetsuits also incorporate recycled materials, such as recycled nylon and polyester, further enhancing their sustainability. This commitment to sustainability has significantly impacted the global surf industry, despite Patagonia holding a small market share. For more information on their eco-conscious wetsuit offerings, visit Patagonia's wetsuit shop.
XCEL
Xcel Wetsuits, founded in 1982 by Ed D'Ascoli, is a leading producer of high-performance surfing wetsuits, renowned for their exceptional quality and sustainability. The company, headquartered in Haleiwa, Hawaii, has achieved significant milestones, including reducing CO2 emissions by 72% and water usage by 104L per kilogram of material produced. Xcel wetsuits are currently comprised of 80% eco-friendly components and aim to be neoprene-free by 2026. The brand has been voted Surf Industry Manufacturer's Association (SIMA) "Wetsuit of the Year" four times and is favored by athletes such as the Hawaiian Water Patrol. With a revenue of $4.1 million and 32 employees, Xcel continues to innovate and expand its product lines. For more information, visit their official website.
Vissla
Vissla is a prominent brand in the surfing wetsuit market, known for its creative freedom, forward-thinking philosophy, and commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The brand is part of a market anticipated to reach US$ 3.64 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.05% from 2023 to 2033. Full sleeves wetsuits, a segment where Vissla excels, are expected to hold a significant market share, with this type accounting for around 71.4% of the market in 2022. Vissla's focus on performance surfing and craftsmanship aligns with the increasing demand for high-quality sports equipment, driven by a rising standard of living. The brand's products cater to a market where surfing holds a substantial share, anticipated to be around 38.1% of the overall market in 2022.
Hurley
Hurley, a prominent brand in the surfing industry, is recognized for its high-quality wetsuits that cater to various surfing needs. As part of the wetsuit market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.65% to reach USD 6.77 billion by 2030, Hurley contributes significantly with its innovative designs and materials. The brand is known for its full wetsuits, which are anticipated to dominate the market, capturing a notable share of the global wetsuit market. Hurley's wetsuits are popular among surfers due to their durability and thermal insulation, making them a preferred choice in the industry. The brand's inclusion in the global wetsuit market report highlights its importance in the surfing equipment sector.
Roxy
Roxy, a global lifestyle brand, has established itself as one of the leading producers of surfing wetsuits, particularly catering to the women's market since its inception in 1990. Born out of Quiksilver's vision to tap into the untapped women's surf market, Roxy has achieved immediate success and continues to grow. The brand offers a wide range of wetsuits that are known for their quality, comfort, and performance, appealing to both professional athletes and casual users. Roxy's products, including wetsuits, are part of a broader lifestyle brand that encompasses various aspects of an active girl's life, from handbags to tide watches. With its strong presence in the surfing community, Roxy contributes significantly to the global wetsuit market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5-7% in the coming years.
O'Neill Blueprint
The O'Neill Blueprint wetsuit is a pinnacle of innovation in surfing gear, renowned for its high-performance and sustainable design. Introduced in 2021 and enhanced in 2022, this wetsuit features TechnoButter 4X and TB4 Air Firewall technologies, making it 20% lighter and with 30% less water absorption than competitor brands. Made from recycled oyster shells and carbon black extracted from scrap rubber tires, the Blueprint is O'Neill's most eco-friendly wetsuit to date. It offers exceptional warmth and flexibility, suitable for water temperatures ranging from 53-60 degrees F for the 4/3+ model and 58-65 F for the 3/2+ model. With its durable PK zipper and minimal seam design, the Blueprint ensures long-lasting performance. Discover more about the O'Neill Blueprint 4/3mm Chest Zip Full Wetsuit for men.
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