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?

Using a safety pin through the zipper pull and fabric could potentially damage the stretch jersey material. We recommend against modifying the suit; instead, consider a front-zip alternative or a back-zip style with a velcro closure as noted in our community discussion.

Are the removable soft cups likely to shift or fall out during vigorous activities like surfing or diving?

The suit features soft cups with removable foam padding that are typically held in place by the suit's lining. While they are designed to stay put, there is a possibility they could shift during vigorous activities like surfing or diving.

Does this Rip Curl surf suit have a velcro to keep the back zip up?

No, it lacks a velcro fastener, which causes the zip to slip down.

Rip Curl

Hotel Malibu Zipped Surfing One-Piece

CA$99.95CA$170.00-41%

In Stock

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

Assorted

Size

SMALLMEDIUMLARGE

View on merchant site JSON

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.

Verified claims

Back zip: Back zip lacks a velcro anchor; slips down during surfing.
Sizing: Size up for torso length, down for the cheeky cut.
Back zipper: Back zipper lacks velcro and slips down during surfing.
Removable cups: Removable cups may shift during vigorous activity.
Material: 82% polyamide/18% elastane blend needs immediate rinse after chlorine to preserve stretch.
Stretch: Four-way stretch with raglan sleeves eliminates shoulder binding during paddling.
Opacity & support: Full lining keeps the suit opaque and secure through surf maneuvers.
Quick-dry & UV: Rip Curl quick-dry fabric dries rapidly and provides UV protection on covered skin.
Care: Rinse after each swim, hand wash with mild detergent, and dry in shade to preserve elasticity and print.
Fit: Cheeky cut reduces coverage; torso runs short with no strap adjustability; runs small—size up.
Cup stability: Soft cups may shift during vigorous surfing or diving; stretch fabric and lining reduce movement but no strap adjustment.

Product record

Title: Hotel Malibu Zipped Surfing One-Piece
Brand: Rip Curl
Price: 170 CAD
Availability: In stock

Deep Research

Sizing and fit for active surfing

Rip Curl one-pieces habitually run short through the body, making the suit a gamble for women over 5′6″ with a long torso — the 178cm model’s XS fit can mislead because her build is unusually lean, and while the stretch fabric buys a little forgiveness, the absence of adjustable shoulder straps (replaced by a fixed long-sleeve mock-neck design) removes the usual length-adaptation workaround.
The ‘revealing cheeky cut’ sits somewhere between a low-rise bikini and a traditional one-piece in rear coverage, deliberately exposing the lower curve of the buttock; this leg-lengthening effect is visually flattering but means that in active surf conditions, the narrow elastic trim along the leg is the only thing keeping the suit in place, so it performs best when sized down rather than up to ensure the fabric stays taut across the seat.
Rip Curl women’s swimwear runs noticeably small, a consequence of the brand’s Australian/US size architecture that is narrower and shorter than standard UK sizing; ordering one size up from your usual one-piece will prevent this fitted long-sleeve surf suit from feeling restrictive through the bust and torso, especially because the stretch jersey moulds to the body rather than floating loosely.

Care for long‑term elasticity and color

To clean the Hotel Malibu’s stretch jersey without compromising its elasticity, use a mild liquid detergent free of bleach, fabric softener, and optical brighteners — standard laundry products that strip color from the placement print and coat the elastane fibers, reducing stretch recovery.
A 30-second rinse in cold fresh water immediately after every swim flushes away the chlorine and salt that degrade the suit’s elastane fibers, preventing the progressive loss of elasticity that can halve its stretch in just 50 to 80 cumulative pool hours.
Elastane can stretch to 600% of its resting length, giving the Hotel Malibu suit its supportive, body-hugging fit; this same material is the most vulnerable component in the fabric, so protecting it directly preserves the suit’s performance shape and cheeky-cut coverage.
Gentle hand washing in cold water is the ideal method for this fully-lined stretch jersey; if machine washing, place the suit in a mesh bag on a short, delicate cycle to minimize agitation that can snag threads and permanently stretch the elastane — and never wring or twist the fabric, which breaks elastic bonds.
Drying the suit flat in the shade rather than in direct sunlight prevents UV rays from breaking down the elastane — which would cause the fabric to lose its stretch and the placement print to fade — and avoids the deformation that comes from hanging a wet, heavy stretch jersey.

How the fabric holds up in surf conditions

The 18% elastane gives strong snap-back that resists bagging during long days in the water, but elastane is the component most susceptible to chlorine, heat, and sunscreen — so a freshwater rinse after each wear helps lock in that just-bought recovery for more seasons.
The nylon-dominant composition leans into polyamide’s inherent suppleness and hydrogen-bond-driven elasticity for a second-skin fit that flexes through surfing movements, while the 18% elastane gives the suit the snap to recover after every wave — a material choice that values mobility and touch over the prolonged chlorine resistance of polyester-heavy suits.
The double-layer design maintains opacity when wet and adds a secure, structured feel without stiffening the suit, so it stays supportive through duck-dives and wipeouts without turning see-through.
The Hotel Malibu collection uses Rip Curl’s quick-dry performance fabric that sheds water rapidly after a session and includes UV protection, cutting down the post-surf cling while adding a layer of sun defense in the areas the suit covers.
The knit jersey is engineered to move in four directions, so it won’t bind across the shoulders during paddling — and paired with the suit’s raglan sleeves, it delivers the unrestrictive range a surf suit needs.

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
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
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

Documents & Data

Q&A

3 answered

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?: Using a safety pin through the zipper pull and fabric could potentially damage the stretch jersey material. We recommend against modifying the suit; instead, consider a front-zip alternative or a back-zip style with a velcro closure as noted in our community discussion.
Are the removable soft cups likely to shift or fall out during vigorous activities like surfing or diving?: The suit features soft cups with removable foam padding that are typically held in place by the suit's lining. While they are designed to stay put, there is a possibility they could shift during vigorous activities like surfing or diving.
Does this Rip Curl surf suit have a velcro to keep the back zip up?: No, it lacks a velcro fastener, which causes the zip to slip down.

Reddit Insights

1 threads · r/surfing

The 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.

negative sentiment80% match

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

Back zip design flawnegative

Use Cases

Surfing in warm water (25+ degrees C)

Watch Out For

mediumThe back zip has no velcro closure, so it may come undone during surfing; the design prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.

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 →

Provenance

Merchant Link: https://www.simons.ca/en/swimwear/all-our-swimsuits/hotel-malibu-zipped-surfing-one-piece--8525-2614?colourId=0
Updated: July 31, 2026