We love that there is a flourishing independent women's surfwear culture happening at the moment. As advocates for style in the lineup and alternative women's surf labels, this is an exciting time in the development of our global oceanwomen community, with new brands popping up left, right and center.
That said, with how many options there now exist for us to shop from and support alternative, indie surfwear designers, there are still only a small handful of labels producing unique & sustainable collections for discerning waterwomen.
Enter Tuulikki NYC: designed in Rockaway and made in New York City, Tuulikki NYC launches from the heart of the Rockaway female surf community. The first East Coast women’s surf-wear brand of its kind, Tuulikki is committed to delivering high performance surf apparel and serving the environment in equal measure. Addressing sustainability at every level of the supply chain, Tuulikki uses the most progressive innovations in recycled fabrics and are a ‘1% For the Planet’ certified brand.
Taking its name from a mythical Finnish goddess responsible for preserving the harmony between man and nature, Tuulikki adopts a layered, “more than a bikini, less than a wetsuit” approach to swimwear, with considered detail afforded at every point of each garment’s life cycle. Using the highest quality, environmentally responsible fabrics – Tuulikki has partnered with cutting edge New York based manufacturers to deliver premium surf apparel to a broader demographic of female surfers currently served by the US market.
The launch collection is comprised of a strong offering of both first and second layer surf activewear, designed to be worn together but with the choice to acquire separately. The first layer of surf bikinis are offered in a range of cuts, tailoring to different levels of desired exposure and bust-support. The second layer suits are designed to ensure added coverage and are made with sun-safe fabrics for heightened skin protection.
The high manufacturing costs associated with first-rate sustainable fabrics, uncompromising craftsmanship and US based production has led Tuulikki to adopt a direct-to-consumer model – sparing their customers unnecessary markups and allowing a percentage of their profits to be put towards a diverse range of environmental organizations dedicated to ocean conservation.
The collection ranges from $60-$250 USD and is available online at TuulikkiNYC.com, as well as the Tuulikki pop-up shop at the 68th Street boardwalk by the surf schools on Rockaway beach through to September 15th.
Salt Gypsy's picks for the lineup: Riis Surf Suit | Cyclones Tops & Bottoms | Brighton Top