Fitness Fashion Find: Pants you wear on the water

To SUP in a swimsuit—or not? It’s one of summer’s age-old (okay, fairly new) questions.

Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) has become so popular that fitness fashion brands dedicated to the workout have started popping up, and bigger brands have added SUP-wear to their lines in order to protect you from the elements and brushes with the board.

While all of these paddleboarding pants are made to make your day on the waves even better (and more stylish), we can’t guarantee they’ll help you with your SUP yoga headstand. Though you’ll look really rad kicking up in these three pairs… —Molly Gallagher

(Photo: Instagram/Mahiku Activewear)

Mahiku Activewear Bora Bora Hybrid Kini, $84

This Hawaiian brand probably knows SUP and surf better than any of us—the founder, Ehiku Rademacher, has been surfing she was a toddler. The tricked out patterns and bright colors on capris, leggings, and headbands are pretty rad. This low-slung pair, with UPF+50, is made of a nylon-spandex blend that’s “designed to get wet without getting heavy.” A seafarer’s dream.

(Photo: Mahiku Activewear)

Athleta Ariel Swim Tight, $69

If you’re a diehard fan of black yoga pants and their flattering fit, you’ll love slipping into these ocean-ready capris. The ankle-length tights hold you in and have UPF+50 protection (save on sunscreen and time slathering it on again and again). And they’re super breathable—and chic—on the water.

(Photo: Athleta)

SUPMerge Padded Knee Pant, $74

Kimberly Schamber, the founder of SUPMerge, has paddled everywhere from Hawaii and Israel to the Hamptons—so she knows her SUP-wear. This water-resistant padded knee pant, which comes in coral and black, is cool and practical. The pads make it easy to drop down on your board—and there’s a hook in the back for your keys.

(Photo: Pinterest/Supmerge)

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