Triple-Stitched Boardshorts
The founding product — Gordon Merchant's triple-stitched boardshorts built Billabong in 1973 and still anchor the range.
Explore boardshorts →Brand profile
Billabong
Australian surf brand from 1973, known for triple-stitched boardshorts, wetsuits and beach-print casualwear; now owned and licensed by Authentic Brands Group.
Gold CoastOrigin
UnisexFocus
StreetwearStyle
$$Price
25 brands like Billabong like Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Hurley →
What to know about Billabong
Australian surf label started in 1973 by Gordon Merchant, who triple-stitched boardshorts at home in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. The range covers boardshorts, wetsuits, graphic tees, boardshirts, denim, bikinis and backpacks, with beach-worn prints, washed colour and relaxed cuts. Authentic Brands Group bought parent Boardriders from Oaktree Capital, closing the deal on 1 September 2023, and now licenses production and distribution. US licensee Liberated Brands filed Chapter 11 in February 2025, shutting the American store fleet; the brand continues via wholesale and e-commerce.
The pieces that define Billabong
Shop Billabong →Cordoba Boardshirt
The relaxed short-sleeve boardshirt in washed prints is Billabong's post-surf uniform and the piece currently carrying the line.
Explore Cordoba shirts →Shop Billabong
Shop all Billabong ↗Available atREVOLVR Menswear
How Billabong fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most shoppers find Billabong roughly true to size with a relaxed, easygoing cut, though cotton tees and fleece can shrink slightly and boardshort waistbands are often reported as snug for their stated number.
Tip: Take your usual size for a relaxed surf fit, and only size down if you want tops to sit closer to the body.
Medium confidence · based on 14 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly large | relaxed, roomy through chest and shoulders in typical surf-fleece style | Stick to your usual size, or size down if you dislike a baggy hood-and-shoulder fit. |
| Jackets | slightly large | relaxed casual outerwear cut with space for a hoodie underneath | Stay with your usual size since there is already room for layering. |
| Jeans & denim | true to size | varies by block, from slim-taper to straight, generally with a comfortable rise | Go with your usual waist, and note that stretch denim may relax about half a size with wear. |
| Shirts & overshirts | true to size | relaxed boardshirt/camp-collar cut with a straight, unshaped body | Order your normal size; size down only if you want a trimmer silhouette in short-sleeve prints. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | true to size | regular to relaxed, fairly straight body with a wider sleeve | Buy your normal size, but consider sizing up if you want extra room after a hot wash since the cotton can shrink slightly. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | relaxed to straight, with elastic or drawcord waists that add some flexibility | Take your measured waist size and expect a relaxed leg. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Billabong
See all 25 brands like Billabong →
94% matchQuiksilver
Sibling Aussie surf label, same boardshort DNA
What changes: Broader snow/skate reach and bigger heritage-logo presence
89% matchRip Curl
Torquay rival leaning harder into wetsuit performance
What changes: More technical watersports focus, less print casualwear
85% matchHurley
California take, stretch-woven Phantom boardshorts
What changes: Less denim and heritage print, more athletic fabrics
84% matchO'Neill
Wetsuit originator with same beach casualwear mix
What changes: Slightly higher price and stronger neoprene pedigree
Billabong fit questions
Does Billabong run big or small?
Billabong fits true to size. Take your usual size for a relaxed surf fit, and only size down if you want tops to sit closer to the body. Most shoppers find Billabong roughly true to size with a relaxed, easygoing cut, though cotton tees and fleece can shrink slightly and boardshort waistbands are often reported as snug for their stated number.
How does Billabong fit?
Most shoppers find Billabong roughly true to size with a relaxed, easygoing cut, though cotton tees and fleece can shrink slightly and boardshort waistbands are often reported as snug for their stated number. Overall shape: relaxed, surf-casual cut with roomy chest and armholes rather than slim tailoring.
How do Billabong hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Billabong hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly large. Stick to your usual size, or size down if you dislike a baggy hood-and-shoulder fit. Shape: relaxed, roomy through chest and shoulders in typical surf-fleece style.
How do Billabong jackets fit?
Billabong jackets fits slightly large. Stay with your usual size since there is already room for layering. Shape: relaxed casual outerwear cut with space for a hoodie underneath.
How do Billabong jeans & denim fit?
Billabong jeans & denim fits true to size. Go with your usual waist, and note that stretch denim may relax about half a size with wear. Shape: varies by block, from slim-taper to straight, generally with a comfortable rise.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Origin
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Made in
- China, Vietnam, Indonesia
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Streetwear, Skatewear, Athleisure / Sportswear