The Roxy x Rowley Chest Zip Wetsuit. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia
In a sea of black neoprene, it can be nice to have a wetsuit that stands out. For decades, wetsuits all looked the same. Eventually, wetsuit manufacturers learned that customers wanted variety and began adding pops of colors. These days, wetsuits come in a wide array of prints and color, but the Roxy x Rowley Chest Zip Wetsuit ($399) is one of the boldest suits I have ever seen.
When I first saw the Roxy x Rowley Chest Zip Wetsuit on Roxy’s website, I was intrigued by its fun and eye-catching pattern. However, looks can be deceiving and I was curious about its construction and performance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made from recycled materials | Print may be too much for some |
| Mock neck | Some water seeps in from the back |
| Comfortable from day one |
First Impressions
I don’t know how, but the Roxy x Rowley Wetsuit is even brighter and bolder in person. My mom and sister thought the pattern was too much, but I liked it. My sister and I suited up in the parking lot and I was impressed with how easy it was to get the suit on and how comfortable it felt out of the gates.
Unlike most new wetsuits, the neck portion went on easily and didn’t feel like it was strangling me. Before I even hit the water, I received a compliment on my suit and flashed my sister a grin. She might sneer at my bold choice, but some people clearly were fans.
Check Price on Roxy
Surf check in the Roxy x Rowley wetsuit. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia
Notable Features
Thickness: 3/2 mm
Entry: Chest zip
Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
Roxy has been in the business of making wetsuits for years but Cynthia Rowley is to thank for the bold design here. Rowley is an American fashion designer and has worked on a few collaborations with Roxy. I tried her last fullsuit collaboration with Roxy and although the suit performed well, the design wasn’t for me. But this one I like.
Whenever I get a new wetsuit, it often feels like I ordered a size too small: It’s difficult to get on and feels stiff. This wasn’t the case with the Roxy x Rowley wetsuit. As I mentioned, getting it on was a breeze and it didn’t feel stiff in the slightest. When I hit the water, I felt like I had full range of motion while paddling. I was blown away by the out of the gates comfort it delivered.
The Roxy x Rowely wetsuit is made from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane. Recycled polyester and nylon are used for the linings and allow the suit to feel comfortable against your skin.
The wetsuit has a mock neck, which means it hits a little higher on your neck than your average wetsuit for added warmth and sun protection. I worried it might feel like the suit was chocking me, but the higher neckline wasn’t even noticeable. The glued and blind stitched seams further work to keep water out and seal in the warmth.
The Roxy x Rowley wetsuit features Supratex kneepads, which are much lighter and more durable than other wetsuits I’ve tried. I didn’t have any crazy run-in with rocks during my testing so I’m not sure if they’re as protective, but they seemed reliable enough and certainly more comfortable.
I did all of my testing in Southern California in the spring when the water was roughly 63-degrees Fahrenheit. The 3/2 mm Roxy x Rowley suit proved to deliver the perfect amount of warmth while providing plenty of stretch and flexibility for paddling and surfing.
The chest zip entry is easy to get on and is comfortable. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia
Drawbacks
The print on the Roxy x Rowley suit is loud and may not be for everyone. I wish that they offered another edition of the suit with a more subdued pattern or one where the pattern was on a small portion of the suit for those who don’t wish to make as big of a statement with their wetsuit.
Although the Roxy x Rowley wetsuit features a neck seal, I found that water did seep into the back portion of the suit easily. It wasn’t a huge deal and something that probably could be prevented by ordering a size down, but if you run cold, it’s something to note.
The Roxy x Rowley Wetsuit was comfortable out of the gates. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Roxy x Rowley 3/2 mm Chest Zip Wetsuit is a colorful wetsuit that’s sure to make a splash in any lineup. Made from recycled materials, it’s stretchy, flexible, and warm, making it a great suit when water temperatures sit in the mid to low 60s. With no break-in period, it’s comfortable from day one.
Check Price on RoxyEditor’s Note: Looking for a different wetsuit? Check out The Best Women’s Wetsuits of 2024. Water a little warm? Grab yourself one of The Women’s Best Springsuits of 2023. Just need a top? We’ve got The Best Women’s Wetsuit Jackets of 2024. Simply need some sun protection? The Best Surf Suits for Women will do the trick. Bikini weather? Check out The Best Women’s Swimsuits for Surfing (That Will Stay Put). For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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