Ocean & Earth Ladies Oceana Long Sleeve Back Zip Lycra Suit Apparel

A one-piece swimsuit cut like a wetsuit — the thing between a rash vest and neoprene. The point is coverage: back, shoulders, arms and thighs, which is everything a board leaves under the sun and everything that rubs on the deck.

The fabric is recycled polyester with elastane. Polyester isn't a cost saving here: it dries faster than nylon and holds its shape after a hundred soakings, and lycra that has lost its shape stops protecting — it gathers and opens up skin.

The zip is water resistant and runs the full length of the back, so the suit goes on without arm gymnastics. Inside there's light bust support — the detail that makes this an alternative to a rash vest over a swimsuit rather than an addition to it. Contour panelling, flat locked seams, UPF 50+.

Who it isn't for. No warmth at all — this is lycra, not neoprene, and you'll be cold in cool water. It doesn't work under a wetsuit; the back zip lands under the suit's own. And for a pool it's more suit than you need.