Some swimwear is designed to look beautiful on the beach. Other pieces are built purely for performance. Every so often, though, you come across a brand that understands these things don't have to be mutually exclusive. Soulti Surf is one of them.

I first discovered the brand through its Bengbeng Onezie, and it immediately stood out for all the right reasons. The vibrant orange print is impossible not to smile at - bold enough to turn heads without ever feeling loud. It's the sort of colour that somehow captures the energy of summer, the warmth of the sun and the joy of being in the sea.

But what really won me over wasn't the print, but how it made me feel.

The flattering cut-out back gives the one-piece a feminine silhouette that feels stylish without compromising practicality. Whether you're swimming in the sea, spending hours on a paddleboard or paddling out for a surf, it stays comfortably in place (no wedgies!). Instead, it moves with you, offering the kind of comfort that lets you forget about what you're wearing and simply enjoy being in the water.

That's no accident. Soulti Surf was founded by Australian surfer Maddison Rose, whose own experiences inspired her to create swimwear that helps women feel confident rather than self-conscious in the lineup. As a female surfer myself, I relate to this so much.

After discovering the confidence a practical long-sleeved surf suit gave her, she set out to design pieces that celebrate women's bodies instead of asking them to fit into someone else's idea of surf culture. Her mission is refreshingly simple: to help women feel comfortable, confident and empowered in the ocean, while respecting different cultures and encouraging more women to enjoy surfing.

That philosophy is woven into every part of all of Soulti Surf’s products. The Bengbeng isn't trying to be the most revealing swimsuit on the beach or the most technical piece of performance kit. Instead, it strikes a balance between elegance, function and confidence. It's designed for women who actually spend time in the water.

What also sets Soulti Surf apart is that it has grown into something much bigger than a swimwear label. Alongside its collections, the brand hosts women's surf retreats, creating welcoming spaces where women of all abilities can build confidence in the ocean, improve their surfing and connect with a supportive community. It's an extension of Maddison Rose's original vision: encouraging women not just to wear beautiful swimwear, but to experience the freedom and joy that comes from spending time in the sea together.

That sense of purpose extends to sustainability too. Products are made using regenerated nylon created from discarded fishing nets and other ocean waste, transforming materials that would otherwise pollute marine environments into durable, high-performance fabric. Soulti Surf also uses compostable packaging and actively looks for ways to reduce its environmental impact, recognising that protecting the oceans is inseparable from enjoying them. It's a thoughtful approach that feels genuine rather than performative.

After trying on my Beng Beng Onezie, it's easy to understand why the brand has developed such a loyal following. It's exceptionally comfortable, beautifully cut and supportive enough for active days in the water, yet stylish enough that you'll happily wear it from beach to café without a second thought.

In an industry that often asks women to choose between fashion, function and sustainability, Soulti Surf quietly proves you can have all three. So if you're looking for swimwear that performs as beautifully as it looks, Soulti Surf deserves a place on your radar.

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Emily King is a Media Planner by day and a Breathwork Teacher in her spare time. She is also the founder of The C Word Magazine, an online platform amplifying female voices. Connect with her on Instagram @_emnco.