Surf streetwear is a vibrant celebration of coastal culture, effortlessly merging functionality with an adventurous aesthetic. With lightweight materials that breathe during those sun-soaked days and silhouettes that offer ease of movement, this style is perfectly suited for both beach outings and urban exploration. Expect a range of fits, from relaxed tees and swim trunks to expertly tailored joggers, each piece designed to capture the essence of a laid-back lifestyle while maintaining stylish flair.
Brands like Vissla and Deus Ex Machina embody this ethos beautifully, each showcasing craftsmanship that honors the ocean's spirit. Roark Revival brings a touch of wanderlust to their designs, while Saturdays NYC reflects a sleek, modern edge that resonates with the surf community. Dive into our curated list to discover the best in surf streetwear, where each brand offers a unique take on this dynamic style.
Every brand in our lists earns a Similarity Score, showing how closely it aligns with the featured label. We evaluate each through four core pillars outside of certain intangible traits:
• Style (40–50%): overall aesthetic and silhouette
• Fit (20–30%): tailoring, proportion, and ease
• Color (10–20%): tone and palette choices
• Price (10–20%): accessibility and value
Think a brand feels off on our list below? We’d love your take [share feedback →]
DEUS EX MACHINA ("GOD FROM THE MACHINE") launched in Australia’s 2006, with some badass customised motorcycles and a quaint notion that doing something is more fun than just owning something. From there, they've blended surf and motorcycles to create a style unique to them.
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.
Some of the top surf streetwear brands of 2023 include Vissla, Deus Ex Machina, and Roark Revival, all known for their unique blend of coastal and urban styles. Each brand offers a distinct take on surf culture while incorporating elements of street fashion to create versatile collections.
Yes, there are affordable options within surf streetwear. Brands like Billabong and Quiksilver offer a range of budget-friendly pieces without sacrificing style. These brands provide quality clothing that embodies the surf lifestyle at a more accessible price point.
Sig Zane Designs stands out for its strong cultural connections, focusing on Hawaiian heritage and motifs. The brand is renowned for its intricate patterns and storytelling through clothing, which brings a unique cultural perspective to surf streetwear.
Vissla is often regarded as a worthwhile investment due to its commitment to creativity and sustainable practices. Known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials, Vissla pieces are perfect for those who appreciate a blend of functionality and style in their surf streetwear.
You can purchase surf streetwear online from various platforms, including the official websites of featured brands like Saturdays NYC and Banks Journal. Additionally, online retailers such as ASOS and Backcountry offer a wide selection of surf streetwear brands.
We hope this list of surf streetwear brands pointed you in the right direction. If we missed one, let us know — we’re always updating these lists to keep them fresh and useful.
