Rip Curl
Hotel Malibu Zipped Surfing One-Piece
This is the Rip Curl Hotel Malibu Zipped Surfing One-Piece, a women's long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit made from fully-lined stretch jersey. It features a mock neck, back zip with long tab, soft cups with removable foam padding, raglan sleeves, and a cheeky cut, with an all-over tropical print and openwork front cutout. User reviews note that the back zip lacks a velcro closure, which may cause it to come undone during active use; this design prioritizes aesthetics over functionality for surfing.
- Material
- Fully-lined stretch jersey
- Gender
- female
- Style
- sporty, activewear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Color
Size
Specifications
Ultra-feminine one-piece swimsuit with a summery pattern, fitted silhouette, and sporty details for surfing.
Fully-lined stretch jersey, mock-neck with back zip, soft cups with removable foam padding, long raglan sleeves, revealing cheeky cut.
- Material
- Fully-lined stretch jersey
- Style
- sporty, activewear
- Occasion
- vacation, beach-day
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Additional Attributes
- sporty piece
- ultra-feminine swimsuit
- summery pattern
- fitted style
- trimmed edging
- openwork cutout at front
- fully-lined stretch jersey
- mock-neck
- zip with long tab at back
- soft cups with removable foam padding
- long raglan sleeves
- revealing cheeky cut
Product Insights
The Rip Curl Hotel Malibu Zipped Surfing One-Piece (170 CAD) is a surf-specific swimsuit with four-way stretch and raglan sleeves that eliminate shoulder binding during paddling, plus a full lining for opacity and security through maneuvers. Its quick-dry fabric offers UV protection on covered skin. However, the back zipper lacks a velcro anchor and tends to slip down during surfing; sizing requires tradeoffs—size up for torso length or down for the cheeky cut, and the torso runs short with no strap adjustability. The removable soft cups may shift during vigorous activity, and the 82% polyamide/18% elastane blend demands immediate rinsing after chlorine to preserve stretch. Care includes hand washing and shade drying to maintain elasticity and print.
- Back zip
Back zip lacks a velcro anchor; slips down during surfing.
Why this is supported
Community sources confirm the Hotel Malibu back zip lacks a velcro fastener, causing it to come undone during surfing. A Reddit user observes the suit has
no velcro bit to hold the zip in place
u/brane-stormer in r/surfing. The product Q&A explicitly states:
No, it lacks a velcro fastener, which causes the zip to slip down.
Does this Rip Curl surf suit have a velcro to keep the back zip up?That same Q&A also advises against a safety-pin fix, warning:
Using a safety pin through the zipper pull and fabric could potentially damage the stretch jersey material.
Given the back zip lacks a velcro closure and tends to come undone, can the zip be secured with a safety pin or other method without damaging the suit's fabric?Instead, buyers are directed to front-zip or back-zip suits with a velcro closure.
- Sizing
Size up for torso length, down for the cheeky cut.
Why this is supported
Rip Curl women's swimwear runs one size small overall, and one-pieces run short through the body.
One-pieces: can run short through the body — if you're over 5'6″ and have a longer torso, check carefully before buying
tellar.co.ukThe fixed mock-neck eliminates strap adjustment, so those needing length must size up. However, the cheeky cut requires a taut fit:
it performs best when sized down rather than up to ensure the fabric stays taut across the seat.
Sizing and fit for active surfing — cheeky_cut_coverage- Back zipper
Back zipper lacks velcro and slips down during surfing.
Why this is supported
The back zipper lacks a velcro closure, so it can slide down during surfing.
No, it lacks a velcro fastener, which causes the zip to slip down.
Does this Rip Curl surf suit have a velcro to keep the back zip up?- Removable cups
Removable cups may shift during vigorous activity.
Why this is supported
The removable foam cups are only secured by the lining, so they can shift during vigorous activities like surfing or diving.
While they are designed to stay put, there is a possibility they could shift during vigorous activities like surfing or diving.
Are the removable soft cups likely to shift or fall out during vigorous activities like surfing or diving?- Material
82% polyamide/18% elastane blend needs immediate rinse after chlorine to preserve stretch.
Why this is supported
The polyamide fibers give this suit its elastic stretch, but the elastane component is vulnerable to chlorine and heat.
Elastane/spandex delivers the snap-back, but it’s also the component that tends to degrade fastest in aggressive conditions (chlorine, heat, body oils).
fuyuan-knitting.comTo counteract this, the manufacturer and fabric experts recommend a mild detergent free of bleach and fabric softeners, hand washing or a gentle cold machine cycle, and flat drying in shade to avoid UV breakdown of elastane fibers.
Opt for a mild, liquid detergent free from bleach and fabric softeners, as these can break down fibers and reduce elasticity.
knowingfabric.comThe 82% polyamide, 18% elastane blend offers a supple, stretchy feel, as explained:
Polyamide fibers are built with hydrogen bonds that allow for significant natural elasticity. This is why it feels so much more supple and “stretchy” than polyester.
darlon-garment.comHowever, the elastane component is the weakest link in terms of durability:
This means the suit holds up well in ocean surfing but degrades faster in chlorinated pool water, positioning it as performance-oriented rather than a multi-purpose swimsuit.
- Stretch
Four-way stretch with raglan sleeves eliminates shoulder binding during paddling.
Why this is supported
The smooth stretch jersey is engineered with four-way stretch, and the raglan sleeves are designed to reduce bunching at the shoulders.
The smooth stretch fabric hugs comfortably, delivering supportive flexibility that moves naturally through every paddle and dive.
sunandski.comThis combination allows a full range of motion without restrictions, similar to a performance wetsuit top.
- Opacity & support
Full lining keeps the suit opaque and secure through surf maneuvers.
Why this is supported
The swimsuit is fully lined, which prevents the fabric from becoming translucent when wet.
Fully lined for a secure feel, this suit blends structure and softness in all the right places.
sunandski.comThe lining also adds structured support, keeping the suit in place during duck-dives and wipeouts.
- Quick-dry & UV
Rip Curl quick-dry fabric dries rapidly and provides UV protection on covered skin.
Why this is supported
The suit uses a proprietary quick-dry finish that speeds evaporation after water exposure, and the fabric weave adds a layer of UV protection to covered areas.
Rip Curl Quick-Dry Performance Fabric with UV Protection
lyst.co.uk- Care
Rinse after each swim, hand wash with mild detergent, and dry in shade to preserve elasticity and print.
Why this is supported
The suit's 18% elastane can lose roughly 50% of its stretch after 50–80 hours in chlorinated water if not rinsed after swimming.
After 50 to 80 cumulative hours of contact with chlorinated water (without rinsing), a standard swimsuit loses roughly 50 % of its original elasticity.
laveries-speed-queen.frA 30-second cold rinse after each swim flushes chlorine and salt, preserving elasticity. For washing, use a mild liquid detergent free of bleach and fabric softeners; avoid optical brighteners that strip colour. Gentle hand washing is ideal, and the suit should be dried flat in the shade, as UV radiation degrades elastane and fades the print.
Elastane is known to lose strength when exposed to UV radiation for long periods, and direct sunlight while the garment is drying can break down the fibres, leading to loss of stretch and faded colours.
theconversation.comSunscreen and body oils also accelerate elastane degradation. Even though the fabric is claimed to have UV protection, shade drying remains essential to prevent damage during drying.
- Fit
Cheeky cut reduces coverage; torso runs short with no strap adjustability; runs small—size up.
Why this is supported
The fit prioritizes aesthetics over performance: the cheeky cut exposes more skin, and the fixed mock-neck design eliminates length adjustment. A sizing guide notes:
Rip Curl women's sizing runs slightly smaller than standard UK sizing across clothing and swimwear, so as a general rule you'll want to size up one
tellar.co.ukAnd the one-piece design tends to run short in the body, particularly for taller women:
if you're over 5'6″ and have a longer torso, check carefully before buying
tellar.co.ukThe cheeky cut is described as:
deliberately exposing the lower curve of the buttock
Sizing and fit for active surfing — cheeky_cut_coverageAnd the lack of adjustable shoulder straps further limits fit customization:
the absence of adjustable shoulder straps (replaced by a fixed long-sleeve mock-neck design) removes the usual length-adaptation workaround
Sizing and fit for active surfing — torso_length_fitOverall, the suit tends to run small and short, requiring a size up for most women, especially those with longer torsos or who prefer more coverage.
- Cup stability
Soft cups may shift during vigorous surfing or diving; stretch fabric and lining reduce movement but no strap adjustment.
Why this is supported
The brand's Q&A acknowledges that
However, the design features that help counter this include a fully lined construction and four-way stretch fabric. As stated,
Fully lined for a secure feel, this suit blends structure and softness in all the right places.
sunandski.comand
The smooth stretch fabric hugs comfortably, delivering supportive flexibility that moves naturally through every paddle and dive.
sunandski.comA potential complication is the lack of adjustable shoulder straps, as noted:
the absence of adjustable shoulder straps (replaced by a fixed long-sleeve mock-neck design) removes the usual length-adaptation workaround.
Sizing and fit for active surfing — torso_length_fitThis means a poor torso fit could affect cup positioning and stability.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit with a high neckline and a large front midriff cutout; all-over multicolor tropical print including large chest lettering and script below.
- SilhouetteOne-piece swimsuit with long fitted raglan sleeves, high crew neckline, and a large horizontal cutout across the upper abdomen exposing the midriff; briefs-style bottom attached to the same piece.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.08 · w 0.66 · h 0.84 (high) - Fabric and finishSmooth, stretch swim fabric with a printed, slightly shiny surface visible from highlights on the torso and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.08 · w 0.66 · h 0.84 (high) - Front graphicLarge multicolor graphic across the chest with prominent uppercase letters reading MALIBU in bold block style and a cursive script word directly below.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.20 · w 0.56 · h 0.20 (high) - Chest text“MALIBU”
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.22 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Script text under chest“California”
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.30 · w 0.40 · h 0.06 (medium) - Lower front motifSunburst graphic centered on the lower front panel with radiating rays and palm tree elements integrated into the print.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.42 · w 0.44 · h 0.28 (high) - Sleeve printAll-over continuous print on both sleeves showing beach, palm, and floral elements; right sleeve (viewer left) shows part of the word 'SU' in block letters near the upper arm.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.48 (high); x 0.63 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.48 (high) - Partial sleeve lettering“SU”Partial
1 region
x 0.71 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (medium) - Visible seamsFlatlock or topstitched seams run along raglan sleeve lines and around the cutout and neckline.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio portrait of a model wearing the swimsuit against a plain light background with soft directional lighting that creates a faint shadow at the left edge; cropped at mid-thigh.
- Model and poseFemale model standing facing slightly toward the camera with head tilted, left arm relaxed down and right arm cropped partly out of frame; torso centered in frame.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.00 · w 0.80 · h 0.98 (high) - BackgroundSolid off-white or very light gray seamless background with a soft shadow cast to the left of the model.
2 regions
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.20 · h 1.00 (high); x 0.80 · y 0.00 · w 0.20 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowEven soft studio lighting from camera-right producing mild highlights on fabric and a soft left-side shadow on the background.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.10 · w 0.80 · h 0.80 (high) - Image cropImage cropped slightly above the knees; hands and lower thighs visible at the bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.70 · w 0.66 · h 0.28 (high)
Colors
pale sun yellow· sunburst lower front panel#F2BD92sky blue· upper chest and sky areascoral red· large chest lettering#D49463tropical green· palm leaves and small foliagepastel pink· floral accents and gradient areas- SilhouetteOne-piece swimsuit with long fitted raglan sleeves, high crew neckline, and a large horizontal cutout across the upper abdomen exposing the midriff; briefs-style bottom attached to the same piece.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit with a centered back zipper and an allover multicolor tropical print including palm trees, lifeguard tower imagery, and large vertical text.
- Overall silhouetteClose-up rear view of a fitted one-piece garment covering the torso and full-length sleeves, visible from upper back to waist, with the model's arms raised and hands touching the head.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.05 · w 0.90 · h 0.90 (medium) - Back zipperA visible centered back zipper runs from the neckline down past the mid-back; zipper tape is a pale yellow and the zipper pull is at the lower end of the visible zip.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.18 · w 0.08 · h 0.55 (high) - Sleeve constructionLong, close-fitting sleeves with the same printed fabric as the body and visible seam lines running along the underside of the arms.
2 regions
x 0.00 · y 0.05 · w 0.45 · h 0.50 (high); x 0.55 · y 0.05 · w 0.45 · h 0.60 (high) - Fabric print motifsAllover colorful tropical print including palm trees, stylized ocean waves, a lifeguard-tower-like structure, abstract sun shapes, and blocky vertical letters forming a stacked word.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.25 · w 0.44 · h 0.60 (high) - Vertical text on back“MALIBU”
1 region
x 0.31 · y 0.28 · w 0.22 · h 0.36 (high) - Neckline finishShort stand collar finished in the same printed fabric with the zipper emerging at its center back.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.14 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (high) - Seam detailsVisible princess seams or panel seams run along the sides of the back and down from the armholes toward the waist, sewn with contrasting stitch lines that follow the print panels.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.28 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (medium)
Other
Studio shot showing the model from the back against a plain light background; even, soft lighting with minimal shadows; model's hands and head appear and slightly occlude the upper back.
- Model pose and occlusionModel is photographed from behind with both arms raised and hands placed on the head, partially covering the upper back and neckline area.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.00 · w 0.50 · h 0.24 (high) - Background and lightingUniform off-white studio background with soft, diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows and no visible props.
- Model detailsShort curly dark hair gathered near the crown and a small hoop earring visible on the right ear.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.06 · w 0.22 · h 0.16 (high) - Image qualitySharp focus on the garment and model with natural color rendering and no visible motion blur.
Colors
pale yellow· zipper tapevibrant yellow· printed background areas#DAB36Csky blue· ocean and sky printpalm green· palm treessoft pink· accent pink panels and shapesturquoise· turquoise lifeguard tower- Overall silhouetteClose-up rear view of a fitted one-piece garment covering the torso and full-length sleeves, visible from upper back to waist, with the model's arms raised and hands touching the head.
- 03
Product
Long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit viewed from the rear showing an exposed back zipper with a long yellow pull; all-over multicolor tropical print with palm trees, waves, lifeguard-tower graphics and vertical 'MALIBU' text panels.
- SilhouetteOne-piece swimsuit with long sleeves and a high-cut legline, shown from the back in a three-quarter right-facing pose.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.84 (high) - Back zipperExposed vertical zipper running from upper back to lower back with a long yellow fabric or cord pull extending past the neckline.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.07 · w 0.06 · h 0.52 (high) - All-over print motifsPhotorealistic tropical print including palm trees, ocean waves, a lifeguard-tower-like structure, and stylized sun/cloud elements covering the entire garment.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.18 · w 0.52 · h 0.62 (high) - Vertical text panel“Large vertical block text reading MALIBU printed along the left back side of the suit.”
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.28 · w 0.22 · h 0.46 (high) - Fabric finishSmooth, slightly shiny knit typical of swim fabric with printed graphics; seams visible along sleeve raglan lines and side panels.
- Sleeve constructionLong fitted sleeves extending to the wrist with continuous print matching the body pattern.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.18 · w 0.32 · h 0.62 (high)
Other
Studio photograph of a model wearing the swimsuit against a plain light beige or off-white background, three-quarter rear pose, soft even lighting with mild shadow to the left.
- Background and stagingPlain light beige or off-white seamless background with no props.
- Model pose and framingModel standing and turned to show the back and right profile; image crops near mid-thigh and top of head.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.00 · w 0.88 · h 1.00 (medium) - Lighting and shadowSoft, even studio lighting with a subtle shadow cast on the background to the model's left.
Colors
bright yellow· zipper and pull#F2AA8Eocean blue· wave graphic on lower backpastel peach· background panels and sky areaspalm green· palm tree foliage- SilhouetteOne-piece swimsuit with long sleeves and a high-cut legline, shown from the back in a three-quarter right-facing pose.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/surfingThe back zip on this Rip Curl surf suit lacks a velcro fastener, causing it to come down, and users recommend returning it or choosing front-zip alternatives.
Comments criticize the lack of a velcro closure on the back zip, deeming it a design flaw that prioritizes style over function, with some users suggesting the suit is not fit for purpose.
Themes
Use Cases
- Surfing in warm water (25+ degrees C)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs front-zip wetsuits
Front zips are generally preferred as they don't have the issue of the zip coming down.
vs Mollusk spring suit
One user recommends a Mollusk spring suit with a back zip and velcro closure as an alternative.
Source Threads
Back zip design issue on Rip Curl surf suit
was really curious and googled the ripcurl op talks abt. surprisingly enough there is no velcro bit to hold the zip in place and seems like it is designed to look like a bathing suit - that's my impression at least. i am afraid it's looks over function for this wetsuit... sorry em...
u/brane-stormerView thread →