85% matchRhythm
Australian surf label with the same anti-graphic bent
What changes: More retro-70s prints and resort styling than muted utility
Brand profile
Former
Independently run surf-rooted apparel and media brand founded by Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds, Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder.
United StatesOrigin
UnisexFocus
SkatewearStyle
$$Price
4 brands like Former like Rhythm, General Admission, Bianca Chandon →
What to know about Former
Founded by working surfers and skaters
Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds and Austyn Gillette started it in 2017 with skateboarder Dylan Rieder, who died in 2016; it remains independently owned and run.
Surf brand without the surf graphics
Tees, hoodies, wovens, pants, boardshorts and caps are cut muted and utilitarian rather than loaded with the usual surfwear logos and prints.
Films are part of the output
Former operates as an apparel and media company, self-producing surf films and video projects with its team alongside the clothing.
How Former fits
Overall fit
slightly large
Most wearers report Former runs close to true to size but drapes roomier than a standard fit, so garments read a little larger and boxier than expected.
Tip: Take your usual size for the intended relaxed look, or size down one if you want it to sit closer to the body.
Low confidence · based on 6 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly large | relaxed with dropped shoulders | Usual size works for a roomy fit; size down if you dislike extra volume in the body. |
| Shirts & overshirts | true to size | relaxed camp/utility woven cut, not slim | Order your normal size and expect a loose, easy drape rather than a tailored fit. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | straight to slightly loose through the thigh | Take your measured waist size and check the inseam, as legs tend to run long. |
| Jackets | slightly large | relaxed, layering-friendly outerwear cut | Usual size fits comfortably over a hoodie; size down if wearing over a tee only. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly large | boxy, wide-shouldered skate-style cut | Stay true to size for the intended boxy drape, or size down if you prefer a trimmer tee. |
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 Former
85% match
80% matchGeneral Admission
LA beach-and-print-media label, same DIY surf-skate world
What changes: Heavier on vintage sportswear cues and shop culture
68% matchBianca Chandon
Pro-skater-run label with an art-project mindset
What changes: Disco/nightlife references and higher price point
62% matchAwake NY
Independent, team-driven basics with a subculture core
What changes: Logo-forward NYC streetwear rather than muted surfwear
Former fit questions
Does Former run big or small?
Former fits slightly large. Take your usual size for the intended relaxed look, or size down one if you want it to sit closer to the body. Most wearers report Former runs close to true to size but drapes roomier than a standard fit, so garments read a little larger and boxier than expected.
How does Former fit?
Most wearers report Former runs close to true to size but drapes roomier than a standard fit, so garments read a little larger and boxier than expected. Overall shape: relaxed, slightly boxy through the chest and shoulder with a modern surf/skate cut.
How do Former hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Former hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly large. Usual size works for a roomy fit; size down if you dislike extra volume in the body. Shape: relaxed with dropped shoulders.
How do Former shirts & overshirts fit?
Former shirts & overshirts fits true to size. Order your normal size and expect a loose, easy drape rather than a tailored fit. Shape: relaxed camp/utility woven cut, not slim.
How do Former trousers & pants fit?
Former trousers & pants fits true to size. Take your measured waist size and check the inseam, as legs tend to run long. Shape: straight to slightly loose through the thigh.
Brand facts
Former is an independently owned and operated apparel and media company founded by surfers Craig Anderson, Dane Reynolds and Austyn Gillette with skateboarder Dylan Rieder, who died in 2016. The brand states its aim is to work against industry conventions and predictability, pairing a wardrobe of tees, hoodies, woven shirts, pants, boardshorts and headwear with self-produced surf films and video projects featuring its team. Design leans muted and utilitarian rather than traditional surfwear graphics.
- Founded
- 2017
- Origin
- United States
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Skatewear, Streetwear, Minimalist / Contemporary