Summer Melts! Here’s Five Vests:

There’s nothing better than weather that requires only trunks and a surf craft. But, it isn’t always realistic. Sometimes you just need something a little extra – something for that cross-shore wind, or to protect your ribcage after a week of paddling, or to keep the sun at bay, or provide a little protection from that reef. And that little something extra, which’ll cover all aforementioned needs, is the wetsuit vest. As summer begins to melt in Oz, here are five of our favourite choices for some upper-body neoprene… 

Revolution Re Issue 202 LS Jacket, by Billabong

And may the good Laird bless surf companies who recognise the value of looking to their past, to remake those heritage classics that first made us adore them. The 20-year trend loop dictates that the 90s are very much swinging right now, and this re-issue of Billabong’s Revolution, which comes in a versatile 202, is a bridge between last night and this morning. Features? Glide skin, Sublimated fade art undersleeve, GBS slued and blind stitched sealed seams, and contour collar.

Get at it here.

Mens High Dye 1mm LS Jacket, by Quiksilver

This is a piece for those chasing the lightest offering in market. Quiksilver’s 1mm jacket is ideal for the tropics. It’s more than a rash guard but less than a wetsuit. The inclusion of Quik’s acid-wash is a nice aesthetic touch, but the real hero is the material: FN lite neoprene packed with air cells for the lightest of lightweight warmth. Don’t argue.

Get at it here. 

Jumbled Jacket, by The Critical Slide Society

For a company who built their house on trunks, The Critical Slide Society sure do a fine job of summer neoprene. The 2mm Jumbled Jacket is self-described as their stock standard black on black number, but what that really translates to is a minimalist aesthetic and finesse. The Ultra Flex Smooth Skin (hiding glued and blind stitched seam construction) offers a Zissou-esque look, though a black take on it. V stealth. Good for shark dodging. Maybe.

Get at it here. 

B1 Wetsuit Vest, by Banks

Banks sure do it well. Here’s a vest for those who adore a subtle look that drips with detail. The B1 Vest is made for warm water – 18 celsius or more – and sports a half-back zip, and no smooth skin. Which, depending on your needs, might be just what you’re after. This one’s great for reef protection and won’t overheat.

Get at it here. 

3/4 Full Neo vest, by RVCA 

This stretch 2mm RVCA number really shines when it comes to colourways: There’s a black/army option, as well as this navy/wine version which your Stab fruit correspondent is particularly partial to. All the necessary features are in play, too: 3/4” back zip, glued and blind-stitched sealed seams, and raw cuffs and neck. RVCA even offer care instructions: Hand rinse in cold water and dry in shade. Who knew?

Get at it here.