South Bay Surf Girl Style: What We're Actually Wearing This Season
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Last Updated: September 2026 | Verified for the 2026 Surf Season
TL;DR: As the school year kicks back in after a full summer of taking our daughter surfing around Los Angeles, here's the exact rotation of surf apparel, beach essentials, and everyday pieces I've watched my teen daughter and her friends actually wear this season.
I'm grateful to live near some of the best surfing spots in Los Angeles. With school back in session, winter surf season is starting up, and my daughter is moving from summer surf to team sport practices — surf style shows up in everything she wears.
I love watching what she gravitates toward — the rash guards that double as a top out of the water, the hoodie in constant rotation. Some of it's already in her closet. Some of it's from her friends. It's just what these girls are actually wearing.
If you've got a teen who lives at the beach too — or you just love the look — here's everything that's actually earning its spot in our rotation this season.
(paid link) Explore My Surf Chic Staples on Amazon →
Surf Apparel & Swimwear
Favorite picks from my daughter and her friends — the pieces that consistently make it into the beach bag and my everyday rotation.
(paid link) Roxy Women's Long Sleeve Compression Fit RashGuard — protective yet stylish, keeps sun off during hours in the water without feeling bulky.
Tainehs Women's Halter Bikini Set Triangle Top — sporty, stays put under rash guards and while paddling out or swimming through the break, and looks cute worn with shorts.
EFAN Women's Hoodies Oversized Sweatshirt — my teen's non-negotiable staple for post-surf warmth, early mornings, and late beach sunsets; my daughter lives in these all the time.
SUN CUBE Surf Poncho Changing Robe with Hood — an essential; keeps you warm, helps you change out of wetsuits, and is highly absorbent.
SOLY HUX Women's Knit Micro Shorts Striped Y2k Mini Shorts — every teen girl is wearing these lounge shorts paired with a tank top.
That covers her essentials — now here's what I'm reaching for on the mom side of the beach day.
Beach Gear, Bags & Skincare
(paid link) HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack with Phone Case — my daughter has had the same wet/dry waterproof surf backpack for at least four years, so I read the reviews for you and found a similar bag.
Abib Airy Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ — broad-spectrum, stays on in salt water without stinging eyes.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm, Banana — sunscreen isn't just for the face and body; lips need protecting too. I keep these in all our beach bags and surf bags.
Solar Recover After Sun Moisturizing Spray — I use this as both an after-beach moisturizer and an everyday moisturizer, zero sticky feel.
Surf Mom Outfit
My go-to surf mom outfit that I wear as practices get started in September:
(paid link) Electric Visual Gaviota Polarized Sunglasses — lightweight, UV-blocking, cut water glare but look sleek enough for everyday wear. I bought these to wear in Maui and I wear them every single day.
Langwyqu Womens Oversized T Shirts V Neck Short Sleeve — I love v-neck t-shirts, and for surf mornings the bigger the better; layers great under a hoodie or sweater for fall weather.
Anti Theft Crossbody Bags for Women Travel Chest Sling Bag — crossbody bag for hands-free hangout during beach mornings; vegan leather, so no worries about a little sand or salt spray.
Sidefeel Women's Wide Leg Jeans High Waisted Stretchy Denim Pants — comfortable, flattering, stretchy. Can be worn with sneakers, boots, or flip flops.
OluKai Ohana Women's Sandals — waterproof, great for sandy walks. I wear these in Maui, too, such a great non-slip flip-flop.
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket — mornings at the beach are warmer than you think in August; this lightweight, packable jacket is great for cooler weather when you need an extra layer.
(paid link) Shop all the Surf Style →
Quick Answers
What's the "surf girl" style trend called?
It's called Surf Chic — the combination of technical surf gear and everyday streetwear, rash. guards, slides, and oversized hoodies worn on and off the sand, native to South Bay beach culture.
How can I wear the surf girl chic trend as a daily outfit?
A cute tank top paired with low-rise lounge shorts — that's what every teen girl is wearing right now, both in California and all over the U.S.
How can I wear a surf mom outfit as a daily outfit?
Wear your favorite t-shirt, jeans, and sandals. Add a baseball cap and you're good to go. Remember, style is also about adding your own personal touches.
What should I pack for a few hours at a South Bay beach?
A waterproof bag, mineral sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, water bottle, food, and layers — mornings run cold, midday runs hot.
At the end of the day, though, style is really just one small piece of a bigger picture — the intentional life I'm trying to build for my family, one everyday choice at a time. If that idea resonates, grab my free Life Scripting Kit — it's the framework I use for making choices that actually match who I desire to be.
About Nicole — Nicole is a Southern California girl through and through — wife, surf mom, equestrian mom, swim mom, drama mom... and the founder of California Pointe. Her life looks a lot like the one she once wrote down on paper: beach mornings, ringside seats, and a lifestyle built around the things that matter most. She started California Pointe to share what she's learned about living with intention — the habits, environments, and mindset shifts that make the difference. Want to start writing your own story? Grab the free Life Scripting Kit here.