discoWe compared 14 brands similar to Banks Journal on fit, price and aesthetic — skewing more premium (2 of 14), led by Saturdays NYC and Assembly Label.
If you're a fan of Banks Journal's coastal-inspired apparel, you might also appreciate brands like General Admission, Element, and Deus Ex Machina. Each of these labels offers a unique twist on surf and skate culture, combining sustainable practices with stylish, relaxed silhouettes. Whether you prefer the minimalist vibe of General Admission or the adventurous spirit of Deus Ex Machina, these brands provide excellent options for anyone looking to expand their wardrobe with pieces similar to Banks Journal.
New York menswear label founded in 2009, pairing minimal surf-influenced basics with café-and-surf-shop hybrid stores in the US and Asia.
Why it's similar. Both brands utilize a neutral color palette and focus on contemporary designs for casual wear.
What changes. Urban New York styling, less boardshort-technical
Australian minimalist label making relaxed cotton and linen wardrobe essentials in muted, coastal-inspired neutrals.
Why it's similar. Both brands emphasize a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with minimalist designs that focus on comfort and high-quality materials.
California travel-and-surf apparel brand founded by Ryan Hitzel, building each collection around real expeditions and illustrated storytelling.
Why it's similar. Both brands are inspired by adventurous lifestyles and focus on relaxed silhouettes.
What changes. Rugged expedition mood rather than muted gallery prints
The weekly disco
Like these brands? Keep discovering.
One email a week — new brands worth knowing and the markdowns actually worth clicking.
Free · One email a week
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.
Why it's similar. Both brands emphasize a laid-back style using organic materials, appealing to a similar audience.
What changes. Grittier vintage-shop aesthetic, narrower range
American skate brand founded in 1992, making decks and nature-themed casual apparel; now licensed under Authentic Brands Group after its 2023 Boardriders deal.
Why it's similar. They both embrace a surf culture aesthetic and prioritize sustainability in their designs.
Brooklyn label known for breezy linen shirts and drawstring pants in natural, largely biodegradable fibers built for warm weather.
Why it's similar. Both brands prioritize comfort and quality with a focus on natural materials, embodying a coastal lifestyle ethos.
What changes. No prints or surf function; linen resortwear only
Australian moto-and-surf label founded in Sydney in 2006, pairing custom motorcycles and surfboards with graphic tees, fleece and riding gear.
Why it's similar. Both brands share a surf/skate orientation and embrace a relaxed, boxy silhouette.
What changes. Moto/logo-tee branding much louder
Independent Southern California surf brand making boardshorts, wetsuits and casual apparel with recycled and plant-based materials.
Why it's similar. Both brands are committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the surf culture.
What changes. More core surf hardware, less fashion styling
California surf label founded in 1952 that pioneered the neoprene wetsuit, now making wetsuits, boardshorts, swimwear and snow outerwear.
Why it's similar. Both brands cater to surf and skate enthusiasts with relaxed fits and mid-range pricing, emphasizing comfort and casual styles.
Australian surf brand from 1973, known for triple-stitched boardshorts, wetsuits and beach-print casualwear; now owned and licensed by Authentic Brands Group.
Why it's similar. Both brands have surf and casual styles with mid-range pricing and relaxed fitting clothing.
Montauk-based men's coastal lifestyle label from ex-Ralph Lauren designer Adam Marc Gittleman, pairing fabric-led basics with a curated surf shop.
Grayers is an American men's smart-casual label built on 1950s British grey-flannel style, making shirts, knitwear and soft blazers.
Kelly Slater's California surf label making relaxed men's and women's staples from organic, recycled and Fair Trade-certified materials.
Independently run surf-rooted apparel and media brand founded by Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds, Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder.
Accessories, eyewear and adjacent labels with the same sensibility as Banks Journal — a complement, not a substitute for the clothing.
Costa Mesa surf-lifestyle brand making artist-printed beach towels, blankets, changing ponchos and coastal apparel since 2015.
Disco ranks brand alternatives using style overlap, category overlap, price tier, fit, colour palette, and cultural context. Read the full methodology →
| # | Brand | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturdays NYC | Minimalist | Similar |
| 2 | Assembly Label | Minimalist | Similar |
| 3 | Roark Revival | Contemporary | More premium |
| 4 | General Admission | Contemporary | Similar |
| 5 | Element | Surf / Skate | Similar |
| 6 | Alex Crane | Minimalist | Similar |
| 7 | Deus Ex Machina | Surf / Skate | Similar |
| 8 | Vissla | Surf / Skate | Similar |
| 9 | O'Neill | Surf / Skate | Similar |
| 10 | Billabong | Surf / Skate | Similar |
| 11 | Adam Mar | Similar | |
| 12 | Grayers | Similar | |
| 13 | Outerknown | More premium | |
| 14 | Former | Similar | |
| 15 | SlowtideAccessories & adjacent | Similar |
General Admission is the most similar. It shares a focus on sustainable materials and minimalist style, appealing to similar eco-conscious consumers.
General Admission, Assembly Label, and Element all offer mid-range pricing (marked $$), providing affordable alternatives for those who value style and sustainability.
While General Admission excels in minimalist aesthetics, Banks Journal stands out for its unique surf culture influences. Both offer quality, but style preference will guide your choice.
Banks Journal is recognized for its surf-inspired fashion, crafted from sustainable materials. Its designs reflect a harmonious blend of casual elegance and environmental commitment.
For more affordable options, consider General Admission, Assembly Label, and Element, all positioned within the mid-range price tier.