Surf culture has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of streetwear, bringing along its signature laid-back vibe and coastal aesthetics. The result is a refreshing blend of bold graphics, relaxed silhouettes, and bright hues that capture the essence of both the beach and urban landscapes.
Brands like Vissla, known for its eco-conscious approach and youthful designs, exemplify this connection between surf and street. Deus Ex Machina, with its blend of motorbike culture and surf lifestyle, offers a unique twist, while Roark Revival channels a spirit of adventure and exploration that resonates with urban dwellers. Dive deeper into our curated list to discover more brands that beautifully embody this surf-infused streetwear aesthetic.
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Banks Journal is an apparel company inspired by coastal living and design. Their founders' Japanese-Australian heritage is reflected in the style they bring forth. From surf to city, from traditional to contemporary, the juxtaposition and blend are what make this brand unique.
Stockholm Surfboard Club is a clothing brand that is known for its relaxed and laid-back style inspired by the surfing culture. The brand offers a range of comfortable and versatile pieces that are perfect for a day at the beach or a casual day out.
Slowtide is a clothing brand that is known for its high-quality towels, blankets, and accessories that are designed for surfers, beach-goers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The brand is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices to create products that are both stylish and eco-friendly.
Quiksilver is an American surf and outdoor brand known for its high-quality surfwear and outdoor clothing. They are known for their wide range of surf-inspired clothing, including wetsuits, board shorts, and rash guards, as well as a variety of other outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, pants, and backpacks. They also offers a line of snowboard and ski clothing.
Vans is an American footwear and apparel brand that is best known for its skateboarding shoes. The company was founded in Anaheim, California, in 1966, and has since expanded to offer a range of casual footwear and clothing.
Outerknown is known for its sustainable and ethical approach to fashion, producing high-quality menswear using environmentally friendly materials and practices.
General Admission, founded by Gavin Dogan and Dooma Fahrenfort in 2015, is a Los Angeles-based brand that creates simple, elegant designs for a more inspired lifestyle. They are obsessed with minimalism and the fine details of their garments, which are made to be worn loose and casual. Their meticulous craftsmanship can be seen extended into their one-of-a-kind handmade home decor items.
Founded in 1973, Patagonia is an American clothing company that markets and sells outdoor clothing. The first store opened in Ventura, California selling bespoke mountain climbing gear before expanding its product line to include apparel created for other outdoor sports such as surfing. In addition to sportswear, Patagonia today also offers outdoor products such as camping food, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Discover more brands like Patagonia here.
Surf streetwear is a fashion style that combines elements of surf culture with urban streetwear aesthetics. It typically features relaxed fits, vibrant colors, and graphics that reflect surf lifestyle themes, such as waves, beaches, and tropical environments. Brands often use materials that are lightweight, durable, and suitable for both surfwear and casual urban wear.
Surf streetwear originated in the 1960s and 1970s alongside the rise of surf culture in California. As surfing became more popular, the culture shifted into fashion with brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and O'Neill creating clothing designed for both surfers and non-surfers. The evolution of skate culture in the 1980s further influenced streetwear, merging surf aesthetics with urban styles and lifestyles.
Some of the most recognized brands in the surf streetwear scene include Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Hurley, and Rip Curl. Additionally, streetwear brands like Stüssy often incorporate surf motifs and collaborate with surf brands, helping to bridge the gap between these two influential styles.
Essential pieces in a surf streetwear wardrobe include graphic tees that feature surf-related designs, boardshorts or cargo shorts for the warmer months, lightweight hoodies and jackets for layering, snapback or trucker hats, and stylish sneakers or slip-on shoes. Accessories like surf-inspired jewelry and backpacks also play a significant role in completing the look.
To style surf streetwear for everyday wear, start with a graphic tee paired with relaxed-fit denim or boardshorts. Layer with a lightweight hoodie or an open flannel shirt, and complete the outfit with comfortable sneakers or slip-ons. For colder weather, you can add a surf-branded jacket or windbreaker. Accessories like a snapback hat, sunglasses, and a canvas backpack can enhance the laid-back vibe while keeping it practical for daily use.
