Suffice to say: surfing is a sport that requires you to act cool, as well as look it. Your tight muscle t-shirt and Louis Vuitton belt will have you standing out like a sore thumb at after-surf beers, as everyone will usually be wearing an oversized t-shirt and some board shorts or relaxed-fit jeans. Shoes are optional.
Unfortunately, there’s little we can do to improve your lineup awareness. What we can do, is help you look the part, with these brands that prove performance is no longer an affront to surfer fashion.
After all, to get into that laidback mindset, there’s nothing like rocking a few on-trend (or carefully chosen retrograde) threads; something the coolest brands below are more than happy to provide.
From Outerknown to Vissla to RVCA to TCSS to Former, these are the only brands the insides of your thighs will ever need to know when it comes to surfer clothing.
How we selected these brands…
We’ve gone for a mixture of old and new, some local and some international. Brands like TCSS are relatively new and happen to be 200 meters from my house, the others are emerging and getting lots of attention on the WSL.
Why trust us? James has surfed his whole life and Luc has been surfing for 3 years.
Outerknown
Pros
- They offer an eco-friendly solution
- Ideal for men who want to party after a surfing day
- They offer 15% off your first order when you join their mailing list
Cons
- You must place an order over $135 to enjoy free shipping
Despite being the promised love child of 11 time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and acclaimed designer John Moore, Outerknown’s first designs were a bit too vanilla for most surfers’ liking. However, they have gradually become masters of eco-friendly, understated style, perfect for the man who wants to shred Hossegor beachies by day and hit exclusive Biarritz disco-theques by night.
A newcomer and heavy-hitting in the surf brand space.
RVCA
Pros
- Clothing that combines fashion, music, and art
- Ideal for surfers of all ages
- They have decently-priced clothing
Cons
- Not all pieces are available in multiple colours
A subculture that has risen out of the ashes of iconic surf brand’s Billabong and Quicksilver, RVCA is a surf brand for the twenty (or thirty) year old who hasn’t lost his teenage spirit and appreciates clothing that combines art, music, fashion, and a desire to disrupt the ordinary.
The Critical Slide Society
Pros
- Affordable clothing
- They have very cool and unique designs
- High-quality pieces that will last for a long time
Cons
- They may be trickier to take care of
A surf brand that was founded in 2009 on Australia’s surf central coast, The Critical Slide Society has come into it’s own over the last few years, providing everything from dark and brooding to bright and sunny threads for on-trend surfers. Located to Bondi, we love this surf company and their morning coffee.
Edit: We have purchased their t-shirts and can vouch for their quality. Their most recent Rising Sun collection was a winner.
Haydenshapes
Pros
- 4-way stretch for more comfort and movement
- Cool colours and prints
- Zip pockets that secure your belongings
Cons
- They don’t have a lot of design variety
Hayden Cox, the founder of Haydenshapes, has always been intrigued by how fashion could become an extension of the Haydenshapes brand. He recently collaborated with Mr Porter to launch an elevated clothing line, which is quite different to most surf brands’ offerings of t-shirts and board shorts.
Rooted in surf culture, the line combines utilitarian and sportswear influences with a savvy approach to design, taking on high profile collaborations with the likes of visual artist Mr Daniel Arsham and luxury Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. His first line is made up of 35 mostly unisex pieces including a $100 cotton tee shirt and a crinkled shell jacket.
Saturday's NYC
Pros
- Ideal if you want a more casual look
- They’re easy to adjust
- Made from high-quality materials
Cons
- You cannot return international orders
The surf brand for the surfer who doesn’t want to look too much like a surfer, Saturday’s NYC is as appropriate at a New York art show as it is in a Sydney cafe or a Torquay pub. An international surf brand that’s turned mainstream but still cool.
Vissla
Pros
- They have more affordable options
- They’re classic and comfortable
- They use recycled materials
Cons
- They only offer a 90-day warranty
Founded by Billabong’s former America’s chief, Paul Naude, Surf brand, Vissla is the result of flagship surf company execs smelling the roses and giving the youth what they want—eco friendly, innovative designs that the ‘surf dads’ are yet to catch on to.
The Howler Brothers
Pros
- You get 15% off your first order when subscribing to the newsletter
- Quirky designs for surfers who like to stand out
- Good ventilation offered by the mesh materials
Cons
- International sales are final and cannot be returned or exchanged
For something a little offbeat (and for the man who ain’t averse to a little fly fishing), The Howler Brothers are a quirky little brand based out of Texas, run by two mates who grew up surfing together in Florida.
Rolla's
Pros
- They offer increased comfort
- Great for men who want a more laidback vibe
- You can get the clothing in various fits
Cons
- Some people may not be fans of the simple designs
Australian-born brand Rolla’s is dedicated to all things surfing and denim. Created by former Redhead’s doorman, Andy Paltos, the brand has a heavy focus on stripping denim back to its clean, simple basics, Rolla’s produces jeans and denim jackets in the classic silhouettes any surfer would froth over, from skinny to straight-cut fit, and in various shades of blue and black.
Comfort is a precedence for Rolla’s too, with the majority of its jeans featuring some hint of stretch. Rounding out its clothing range is a selection of shirts and t-shirts, all offering cool, laidback vibes.
Hurley
Pros
- Perfect for men who like bolder and more rebellious looks
- Made sustainably
- You can choose from a variety of cool designs and colours
Cons
- You must spend over $150 for free shipping
Let’s be honest: real surfers go to the Hurley surf brand for two garments. Boardshorts and wetsuits. And although this sporty brand were initially predicted to crash and burn in the ‘rebellious’ surfer market (Hurley is a subsidiary of Nike), it turns out all of surfing’s cool cats, from John John to Julian Wilson, are huge fans.
Their Phantom shorts are the best, we have them in 19″ and can’t recommend them enough.
Volcom
Pros
- Used by some of the surfing world’s biggest names
- They have more accessible prices
- 4-way stretch for more freedom of movement
Cons
- The availability is limited
Noa Deane is now to Volcom what Craig Anderson used to be for Quicksilver: instant surf cred. Not that they really needed it—of all the legacy surf brands, Volcom is probably the only one that has stayed cool all this time, sponsoring some of the industry’s biggest legends and wildcards like Ozzie Wright and Ryan Burch.
Barney Cools
Pros
- Great for people who have a rebellious spirit
- Alternative styles available
- You get $25 off your first order over $125 when subscribing to the newsletter
Cons
- The clothing may run large
Barney Cools is an Australian based surfing brand that has built a reputation for having a rebellious spirit and open mind. It’s this ethos defines their clothing which you’ll find no where else, it’s all super cool, laid back and somewhat alternative. It’s the perfect surf companion.
Cariuma
Pros
- They are a vegan-friendly brand
- Low and high-top styles
- The materials are lightweight and ensure comfort
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest
Founded by two friends from Brazil who have a love for all things boardsport-related, Cariuma is a footwear brand that places an emphasis on comfort and sustainability. The entire range of canvas sneakers (it’s only canvas you’ll find here) are made from materials that include bamboo, naturally-obtained rubber, organic cotton and ethically-sourced sugarcane, along with a number of recycled materials. Almost half of the company’s footwear range is 100% vegan (a percentage it is continually striving to increase) and best of all, the sneakers are surprisingly handsome.
You’ll find a range of styles encompassing low and high-top, along with an extensive selection of colours to suit any casual outfit. And, for every pair of Cariuma sneakers bought, the company will plant a pair of trees in Brazil to combat deforestation.
McTavish
Pros
- Amazing laid-back clothing
- Comfortable fabrics for a better surfing experience
- They’re easy to take care of
Cons
- They don’t have the most extensive collection of clothing
Founded by two friends from Brazil who have a love for all things boardsport-related, Cariuma is a footwear brand that places an emphasis
Founded in Australia’s famous Byron Bay in 1962 by an equally famous Bob McTavish, McTavish has built a reputation for not only making some of the finest surfboards to grace the water, but also for creating a selection of super cool laid back clothing to complement. Their surf clothing is the perfect beach companion and will comfortably take you from the beach to any coffee shop or cafe.
A surfer’s kind of brand.
Patagonia
Pros
- They are more accessible in terms of costs
- Fused waistbands for more comfort
- They are very light and stretchy
- Made from eco-friendly materials
Cons
- The interior liner isn’t that comfortable
Not just a fair-weather surfer? Patagonia, which was originally a climbing brand, now makes some of the classiest outdoor gear around for any surfer who needs to keep himself warm with sustainable threads. They have also recently started doing a cool summer collection (especially the flannel shirt range), which has their trademark durability and automatically (we reckon) invokes you with the bumbling charm of a British adventurer of old. Our conclusion?
Patagonia proves sustainability doesn’t have to be an affront to style, and can actually embellish it.
Swell
Pros
- You can choose from several great colour options
- It’s easy to find a size that suits you
- They can make anyone look stylish
Cons
- Some designs are a bit boring
Swell was founded in 1999 as an “action sports retailer” to deliver clothing and accessories that deliver on both style and substance. The surf brand has expanded into offering surf hardware products such as board bags and leashes, and has since been taken over by online retailer SurfStitch where it has become an exclusive brand.
Rhythm
Pros
- Great for men who like more alternative options
- They mix art, surf, lifestyle, and music
- They use recycled materials
Cons
- Not all pieces let you choose from different colours
The definition of an alternative brand, Rhythm is a globe-trotter’s colourful best friend, launched on Anzac Day 2003 by a crew of surfing creatives who saw a gap in the market for a melding of surf, art, music and lifestyle.
Katin
Pros
- Robust and durable surf clothing
- They use clean-finished interior seams
- Stylish and comfortable options are available
Cons
- They don’t have the cheapest items
Katin started life in 1954 in Surfside, California as Kanvas by Katin, a company selling boat covers. Walter & Nancy Katin expanded into clothing when Corky Carroll asked for a pair of robust surf shorts, which the Katins made from their durable boat cover material. Both Walter & Nancy have since passed away, but their seamstress continues to run the company to this day, including the original shop in California. The Katin ideal of selling high-quality, durable goods remains.
Deus Ex Machina
Pros
- Perfect for surfing or a casual day at the bar
- Great for anyone who is a fan of the retro look
- You get 10% off for your first order when joining their mailing list
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side
Whilst originally founded for revved-up motorbike enthusiasts, Deus Ex Machina has dabbled in the surf world to complement their bikes and ultra cool clothing line. Their ‘surf’ offering includes a selection of retro ‘rubber’ that looks at home on any longboard or single fin. They also have a great selection of clothing that will keep you looking fresh when you’re by the beach or out at a bar. Whatever you’re in need of Deus is well worth a look, they have one of the best-curated aesthetics around.
Thrills
Pros
- A brand that is inspired by motorcycle and music cultures
- Crafted from organic materials
- The pieces can make anyone look stylish
Cons
- They don’t offer a lot of diversity
Thrills describes itself as a “culture defining lifestyle fashion brand”. Lifestyle most certainly, as it’s not just surfers who have flocked to the company’s music and motorcycle culture-inspired designs. The brand is the brainchild of three friends who share a love of music, art and culture. They got their Aussie-inspirations after moving from the USA to Byron Bay and in the past 10 years, has seen exponential growth.
Quiksilver
Pros
- A large variety of clothing inspired by the sea
- You will stay comfortable all day
- The clothing makes you look relaxed and professional
Cons
- Not everyone can enjoy free returns
Founded in 1969, in Tourquay, Australia, Quiksilver is known as on of the top brands all over the world. They have a broad selection of sea fearing and land oriented clothing that will keep you comfortable and looking chilled out wherever you are.
Former
Pros
- Perfect brand for people who like grunge styles
- Clothing that performs just like athletic brands
- They use spacious pockets for storing your belongings
Cons
- The items are quite expensive
When Craig Anderson ended a multi-million dollar contract with Quicksilver to join who many regard to be the best freesurfer in the world, Dane Reynolds, and the most stylish skaters in the world, Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder, to found an indie new brand, it marked a pivotal moment in the surf industry (it was also around the same time Kelly Slater left Quicksilver to start Outerknown). Inspired by surfings old (or ‘former’) anti-establishment spirit and skating’s grunge-y style (which never went anywhere), Former makes clothes and surfwear that performs like athletic brands like Hurley, but doesn’t make you look like a jock.
Misfit Shapes
Pros
- Clothing for surfers who are not afraid to be different from the crowd
- The brand is not too pricey
- Clothes that mix art, individuality, and design
Cons
- You don’t have many colour options
Misfit Shapes represents a gritty response to a corporrate era. An OG ‘surf’ movement that allows art, design and individuality to co-exist, as they put it, “within a realm more commonly dominated by conformity and observation.” Misfit Shapes is fast becoming known as a rare collective of mildly deranged but high-powered surfers and designers with threads to match. Not luxe, but not bad looking, and not too pricey either.
Rip Curl
Pros
- They have clothing that suits multiple styles
- Superior wetsuits for surfers of all experiences
- They use organic materials
Cons
- Some pieces can become pricey
What would any surf related article be without the legend of surf, Rip Curl? The famed Bells beach born brand invented the wetsuit and has been improving on it ever since. They also offer an extensive selection of other clothing and water wear that will suit anyone.
Billabong
Pros
- Uses eco-friendly materials
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Difficulty in untying laces
Headquartered in Queensland Australia, Billabong caters to surfers of all stripes, offering both gear and dependable clothing for guys and gals. With its debut in the 70s, Gordon and Rena Merchant, its founders, first traded it on the Australian Securities Exchange. Billabong now offers a wide array of clothing and accessories including watches, backpacks, skateboard, and snowboard products under other brands.
You can shop by gender or items such as wetsuits and shorts. Sandshrew sweatshirt, crayon wave short sleeve tee and all day pullover hoodie are a few of the handfuls available for men. Also, surfboards and other surfing equipment are available for purchase on the site.
When you sign up, snag a sweet 50% off orders and get round-the-clock customer service to help you pick just what you need. Plus, you’ll find a physical store locator, size guide, loyalty programs and many more.
O'Neill
Pros
- Comfortable inner lining
- Clothes have relaxed beachy vibe
Cons
- Focused on majorly swim/surf wear
- A little heavy
O’neill is a brand that’s deeply rooted in the wet sports community. A decade after its debut, its founder Jack O’Neil moved it to Santa Cruz from San Francisco. For the love of waves, tides and surfing, there’s varieties of swimwears, surfwear, and snow wear.
Ever heard of the Hyperfreak series? It includes menswear such as shorts, hoodies, and trousers. With an oversized font logo on the chest, the Cali original t-shirt is made from 100% cotton jersey. It’s suitable for after-surf relaxation and hangouts. Crafted from 88% recycled polyester, the hybrid logo tee is fully treated with innovative technology Polygiene, which requires less frequent washing and Polygiene OdorCrunch™ treatments so, you don’t gotta sweat it.
Signing up gives you 10% off your first shopping. Each product has customer reviews attached and detailed descriptions. There’s a feature for a live chat 24/7 and order tracking.
Brixton
Pros
- Features distinct designs
- Inspired by culture and art
- Lots of varieties
Cons
- Inconsistent sizing
Brixton is located right in the center of Oceanside, California. Birthed by David Stoddard, Jason Young, and Mike Chapin with the aim of uniting diverse cultures with clothes. From their first piece in 2004, the Hooligan cap, to their Heritage shorts and Coors polo, these guys have been getting it right.
Unwinding after a long day at the beach, nothing beats kicking back in the builder’s shirt, straw hat, and a pair of shorts made from the softest cotton. Treated with enzyme wash for a soft feel, the linen blend shirt is made with a breathable linen-blend. The western-inspired details are evident in the front chest pockets and a button-down collar.
Another dynamic piece is the black fedora hat with a metal crest pin, a grosgrain band, and authentic feather detail. For dinner dates, The Bowery flannel long-sleeved shirt comes in handy with two pockets. The button-up shirt is made from an anti-scratch vegan wool tri-blend.
Roark Revival
Pros
- Backpacks have great padding
- Quick-dry technology
Cons
- Loose hems and finishing
If you’re a fan of outdoor sports like running, climbing, skating, and of course, surfing, Roark should be your first stop. Inspired by the adventures of Ryan Sirianni and Alex Cohn, the fictional character Roark is a wanderer whose journey makes up the seasonal collection.
As one of California’s best, their debut line was a mix of shirts, pants, jackets, and accessories. The Mathis Tie-Dye Tee is designed for optimal performance and perfect if you’re going on a quick trail run. It’s lightweight and crafted to keep you warm and cozy. It also dries 4x faster than your regular tee. As its name implies, the journey shirt has also gained ground for good comfort during long road trips and while camping.
