About Us
Atmosea is an open invitation to celebrate freedom, inclusivity and community. We wear our armour with pride, liberating ourselves from expectations and intimidation while embracing comfort, practicality and flair. We design surfwear and post-surfwear: pieces made for in and out of the water, for anyone who shares our love of the ocean and the lifestyle it inspires. More than apparel, Atmosea is a culture that unites women across the globe, empowering one another and shaping a more progressive, all-encompassing community.
Founded in Byron Bay in 2016 by Maria Nilsson, a snow-loving Swede who traded ski slopes for surf breaks and never looked back.
After moving to Australia over 15 years ago, Maria spent years working in surf shops, experiencing firsthand—both as a customer and a sales assistant—the intimidation many women felt in a male-dominated industry and the lack of individuality in women’s wetsuits. At the time, women’s surfwear was often an afterthought to men’s designs: black, ill-fitting and uninspired.
Frustrated by the lack of fun and creativity in the industry, and eager to offer something different, Maria set out to create a brand that celebrates the unique journeys of women and embraces the creative culture that so often flows through the surfing community. Women designing for women, with suits that fit like a glove and reflect the pure joy that surfing brings.
Design & Material Ethos
Environmental Responsibility
We are an independent surf label in an inherently environmentally challenging industry. We don’t take our impact lightly and are committed to keeping the door of our brand’s evolution wide open. Atmosea recognizes that the time to act on climate and the environment is now—for our sake and for future generations.
Existing in this industry requires big changes and bold moves. Along our journey, we’ve taken major steps forward, but we’ve also faced barriers that have slowed our progress. We want to be open and transparent about where we are now, the seeds we’re sowing for the future, and the continual progression we aim to achieve. There is no endpoint—just ongoing evolution. [Read more about our material choices here.]
Design Philosophy
Empowered Women Empowering Women
At Atmosea, we lift each other up. Our community celebrates stories of resilience, joy, and connection—embracing the diverse experiences of women who make waves both in and out of the water.
We want women of all ages to feel invited into our world. When you spot someone in Atmosea, we hope it feels like there’s an unspoken friend in the water with you.
In 2025, we took a step toward greater inclusivity by expanding our wetsuit range to XXS–XXL, as well as Small Tall and Medium Tall sizes. We’re always listening, and your feedback shapes our future designs. If you ever feel we’re not catering to your needs, please reach out—your voice helps us make Atmosea a place for everyone.
Campaign Imagery
We celebrate authenticity. Our campaigns feature real surfers and everyday adventurers who embody our ethos of freedom, inclusivity, and community. Customers can see themselves in our imagery and feel part of the world we are building.
Supporting Artists & Creatives
Maria Nilsson, our founder, is deeply committed to nurturing creativity. Atmosea actively supports artists by commissioning artwork for t-shirts and other products. In our flagship store, we rotate exhibitions of artists’ work, with 100% of original artwork sales going directly to the creator. This initiative reinforces our belief in collaboration, talent development, and community. [Read more about our artist collaborations here.]
Creating a Hub
Our flagship store is more than a retail space—it’s a community hub. With a flexible back area for events, workshops, talks, and celebrations, the store provides a vibrant environment for sharing ideas, stories, and experiences.
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