Surfing is a sport synonymous with Australia but also has strong roots in North and South America, along with European countries such as Spain and Portugal. The popularity of surfing has required more and more surf brands to release products that not just cater to surfers when in the water – such as wetsuits, boots and rash vests – but out the water too.
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 To Wear Surf Brands
It helps if you surf, but you really don’t need to! In fact, most branded clothes are bought by people who’ve never put feet to wax. So all you need to do to is to bin the snapback, throw the trucker cap in the trash and purchase a Mikey Wright style Akubra (if you’re not brave enough to go all out and rock the mullet).
Pair this with some naturally bleached hair, trashed jeans, an oversized scoop neck, sockless Vans, a stupidly comfy jacket, and you’ve got yourself a surfer. Bonus tips include: avoiding tacky accessories and talking about the weather like an overqualified meteorologist.
And never washing your board shorts.
You could also, if you’re so inclined, dress like a skater (a la Craig Anderson) with chinos, button-ups and crew-neck tees or like a nue-age golfer (a la Kelly Slater) if you like to come off as a sophisticated globetrotter with enough dinero not just to travel the world, but also to plant enough trees to counteract the carbon emissions in your wake.
Also worthy of note, for those who emigrated to Mexico 20 years ago and just got back ‘on-grid’, is that legacy brands like Billabong and Rip Curl, despite sponsoring some of the hottest surfers on tour (Griff Colapinto, Italo Ferreira, Gabe, etc.) have lost their sheen in the eyes of the younger audience (in some cases by a magnitude of 40%) creating space for up and comers surf brands like Former, Rhythm, Outerknown and TCSS to heat up the market.
Outerknown
1/26Price: From $58
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Hands down! Quality, looks, feel everything.”
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
2/26Price: From $28
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “True to size, great quality, looks very good!”
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
3/26Price: From $40
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “This T-Shirt is a simple style and a perfect fit. You’ll want one of our Band Tee’s in every colour.”
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.
Haydenshapes
4/26Price: From $110
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Fist and feels as described. Great quality material.”
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
5/26Price: From $40
Sizes: XS-XXL
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
6/26Price: From $30
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “The sizing was accurate and the fabric/construction appears of good quality. Appropriate for ‘dudes’ of all ages.”
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.
Banks Journal
7/26Price: From $40
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “I’ve found the quality of the clothes is excellent for the price. Cuts and materials are top notch.”
For the surfer who owns a French Press and doesn’t mind a retro throwback, Banks Journal, designed by Chris Schulstad, have an epic range of fashion-conscious prints, most notably their latest boardshort range, which takes you back to the 60’s in style.
The Howler Brothers
8/26Price: From $35
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “I’ve worn this shirt a few times now. As expected, the material is light, so it breathes well and dries quickly.”
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
9/26Price: From $49
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Flattering fit, lightweight material that is extremely comfortable.”
Australian-born brand Rolla’s is dedicated to all things surfing and denim. With 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
10/26Price: From $28
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “You can’t go wrong with the Hurley One & Only. They are very comfortable. I have at least 5 pairs.”
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.
Volcom
11/26Price: From $22
Sizes: S-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch.”
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
12/26Price: From $49
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Got it as a gift for my brothers birthday. He is very happy with it. I will get one for myself too! Excellent quality and perfect for the Autumn season.”
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
13/26Price: From $79
Sizes: 5-13
Customer Reviews: “I love these sneakers, my mom buys ME a pair for my birthday 🎂 🎂 every year this is pair #6 since March 2020. I highly recommend getting these sneakers for family and friends they will love them !!”
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
14/26Price: From $60
Sizes: S-XXL
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
15/26Price: From $49
Sizes: XS-XL
Customer Reviews: “They are versatile and comfy. My son loves the way they feel.”
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
16/26Price: From $35
Sizes: S-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “Great quality product like everything I’ve purchased from SWELL. Most of all I appreciate the customer service.”
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
17/26Price: From $40
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Great quality shirt! Love the soft feel and the graphics look and feel authentic versus something that looks ironed on.”
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
18/26Price: From $35
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Perfect fitting shirts for a tall skinny guy.”
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
19/26Price: From $55
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “Great t-shirt, good fit, nice quality and sized accurately. Recommended.”
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
20/26Price: From $40
Sizes: S-XXL
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
21/26Price: From $50
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Out of all the different t-shirts that I own, this is easily one of the most comfortable. The material is super soft and feels great on body.”
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
22/26Price: From $55
Sizes: S-XXL
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
23/26Price: From $50
Sizes: S-XXL
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
24/26Price: From $30
Sizes: S-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “The Rip Curl Plains range is perfect for bulking out your wardrobe, especially when loud tees aren’t your thing. Made from comfy 200g carded cotton in a relaxed fit, these epic men’s basics are best bought in pairs to ensure you score a great deal.”
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.
Halska
25/26Price: From $32
Sizes: S-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Great fit and print quality. The fabric feels premium too. Strongly recommended!”
Score one for the underdog. Who doesn’t love to support small, local businesses? Well, it’s even easier to do so when the brand in question is one of quality, eco-consciousness and sustainability. Enter, Halska, an Australian surf wear label founded in Cronulla, Sydney (a hotspot for big waves) that promises to deliver simple, minimalist clothing (so far encompassing t-shirts, hoodies and accessories) with a prominent focus placed on ensuring as much of the production process takes place in Australia itself.
That means greater control over quality, which ultimately means a bigger smile on your face. Best of all, this fledgling brand already ships worldwide, so it’s not just us Australians who get to benefit.
Sideways
26/26Price: From $27
Sizes: S-XL
Customer Reviews: “Grabs your eyes with its bold colours. The comfy fabric lets you breeze through the day without sacrificing style. Perfect for rocking a casual look.”
Sideways is known for delivering unmatched quality surfboards. With an unwavering commitment to perfection, they pride themselves on their reputation for crafting 100% quality-made surfboards. Based in East Java, Indonesia, their state-of-the-art factory produces the highest quality boards for leading brands worldwide. Combining time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge technology, Sideways’ dedicated artisans transform raw materials into works of art that defy performance and durability limits.
Beyond surfboards, the shop offers a vibrant space filled with curated gear, apparel, and accessories. Welcoming all surf enthusiasts, Sideways embodies a community united by a shared love for the ocean and the pursuit of the perfect wave. Whether a seasoned pro or a novice, Sideways is the go-to destination for exceptional surfboards and a sanctuary where passion for surfing thrives.
