
Former
Independently run surf-rooted apparel and media brand founded by Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds, Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder.
We compared 18 brands like Deus Ex Machina, the closest alternatives on fit, price and aesthetic — across a range of price points, led by Former and Roark Revival.

If you're drawn to the unique blend of surf and skate culture that Deus Ex Machina embodies, you may find brands like Former, Roark Revival, and RVCA appealing. Each of these brands shares a commitment to vibrant designs, sustainable materials, and relaxed fits that complement an active lifestyle. Whether you're searching for fresh surf-inspired apparel or streetwear with artistic flair, these brands offer stylish yet functional choices that align with the laid-back ethos of Deus Ex Machina. Discover the perfect fit for your adventurous spirit with these like-minded labels.

Independently run surf-rooted apparel and media brand founded by Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds, Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder.

California travel-and-surf apparel brand founded by Ryan Hitzel, building each collection around real expeditions and illustrated storytelling.

Australian online womenswear label from Brisbane, founded by sisters as Verge Girl, selling trend-driven dresses and separates at accessible prices.
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California-born teen and young-adult retailer selling graphic tees, baggy denim, fleece and swim through roughly 300 US stores and pacsun.com.

Costa Mesa surf-skate-art label now owned by Authentic Brands Group, known for boardshorts, graphic tees and its "Balance of Opposites" logo.

Japanese-Australian surf label founded in Byron Bay in 2014; it shut down in October 2023 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Independent California skateboard brand founded by Jason Celaya in 2010, known for unconventional deck shapes and surreal, hand-drawn graphics.

European-run fashion offshoot of American workwear brand Carhartt, reworking Detroit jackets and duck canvas staples for skate and streetwear audiences.

American surf-and-skate label from Malibu known for neon Shark Bite graphics, boardshorts and low-priced tees sold through mass retail worldwide.

Abercrombie-owned teen label selling logo tees, denim and swim in a beachy, Y2K-leaning style, now the growth engine of its parent company.

Independent Los Angeles skate label built around Lord Nermal, the middle-finger-flipping cartoon cat, on graphic tees, hoodies and decks.

California headwear-turned-apparel brand founded in 2004, known for classic hats, flannels and workwear rooted in SoCal surf, skate and music culture.

Seattle outfitter founded in 1897, known for Mackinaw wool cruisers, waxed Tin Cloth outerwear and Rugged Twill leather-trimmed luggage.

Brooklyn menswear label mixing technical outerwear with American Northeast workwear and sportswear staples.

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.

American outdoor heritage label founded in 1830, now owned by BasicNet in Europe and China's Baoxiniao elsewhere, known for its Arctic Parka, buffalo check wool shirts and blankets.

New York menswear label founded in 2009, pairing minimal surf-influenced basics with café-and-surf-shop hybrid stores in the US and Asia.

Denver-based outdoor brand known for brightly colored, retro-leaning backpacks, travel bags and utilitarian apparel built for everyday use.
Disco ranks brand alternatives using style overlap, category overlap, price tier, fit, colour palette, and cultural context. Read the full methodology →
Maui and Sons sits below Deus Ex Machina on the Disco price scale ($ against $$).
Deus Ex Machina is famed for its unique blend of motorcycle and surf culture, distinguished by quality craftsmanship and an adventurous aesthetic in each collection.
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