93% matchBillabong
Fellow Australian surf label, boardshorts and wetsuits
What changes: Weaker wetsuit tech focus, more fashion-print casualwear
Brand profile
Rip Curl
Australian surf brand from Torquay, Victoria, known for performance wetsuits, boardshorts and beach apparel, owned by KMD Brands.
TorquayOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$Price
22 brands like Rip Curl like Billabong, Quiksilver, O'Neill →
What to know about Rip Curl
Wetsuits came before the T-shirts
Founded in Torquay, Victoria in 1969 by two surfboard shapers, the brand specialised in neoprene early on and still builds its Flashbomb and E-Bomb wetsuits.
Competition surfing is the credential
Rip Curl runs the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach on the World Surf League tour and sponsors competitive surfers, which is where its technical reputation comes from.
Most of the range is beachwear basics
Beyond wetsuits and the Search GPS surf watch, the bulk is boardshorts, swim, tees and casual beach clothing for men, women and kids at low-to-mid prices.
How Rip Curl fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most shoppers report Rip Curl casualwear fitting true to size with a relaxed, non-restrictive surf cut, though a minority find tops slightly generous and boardshort/short waistbands snugger than expected.
Tip: Take your usual size for a relaxed surf fit, and only size down if you want a trimmer, closer cut on tees and fleece.
Medium confidence · based on 14 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | true to size | regular to relaxed with roomy sleeves and body | Take your normal size; only size up if you plan to layer heavily. |
| Shirts & overshirts | true to size | casual regular fit, generous through chest and armhole | Order your usual size; slim-build wearers may prefer one size down. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | straight to slightly relaxed leg, casual walkshort and chino cuts | Stick with your measured waist size, and consider one up if you sit between sizes as waistbands can feel snug. |
| Jackets | true to size | regular, layering-friendly cut through chest and shoulders | Take your usual size — there is usually enough room for a hoodie underneath without sizing up. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly large | relaxed, straight-cut body; not fitted | Size down if you prefer a closer fit, otherwise stay true to size for the standard relaxed surf look. |
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 Rip Curl
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What changes: US-based, slightly higher price, smaller apparel range
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California performance boardshorts with Nike-era stretch tech
What changes: No wetsuit heritage, more graphic-tee driven
Rip Curl fit questions
Does Rip Curl run big or small?
Rip Curl fits true to size. Take your usual size for a relaxed surf fit, and only size down if you want a trimmer, closer cut on tees and fleece. Most shoppers report Rip Curl casualwear fitting true to size with a relaxed, non-restrictive surf cut, though a minority find tops slightly generous and boardshort/short waistbands snugger than expected.
How does Rip Curl fit?
Most shoppers report Rip Curl casualwear fitting true to size with a relaxed, non-restrictive surf cut, though a minority find tops slightly generous and boardshort/short waistbands snugger than expected. Overall shape: relaxed, casual surf-brand cut with room through the chest and body.
How do Rip Curl hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Rip Curl hoodies & sweatshirts fits true to size. Take your normal size; only size up if you plan to layer heavily. Shape: regular to relaxed with roomy sleeves and body.
How do Rip Curl shirts & overshirts fit?
Rip Curl shirts & overshirts fits true to size. Order your usual size; slim-build wearers may prefer one size down. Shape: casual regular fit, generous through chest and armhole.
How do Rip Curl trousers & pants fit?
Rip Curl trousers & pants fits true to size. Stick with your measured waist size, and consider one up if you sit between sizes as waistbands can feel snug. Shape: straight to slightly relaxed leg, casual walkshort and chino cuts.
Brand facts
Rip Curl is an Australian surf company founded in Torquay, Victoria in 1969 by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer, who began by shaping surfboards before specialising in wetsuits. Its core products are neoprene wetsuits such as the Flashbomb and E-Bomb, boardshorts, the Search GPS surf watch, and casual beach apparel for men, women and kids. The brand runs the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach on the World Surf League tour and sponsors competitive surfers. New Zealand-listed KMD Brands, owner of Kathmandu and Oboz, has held it since 2019.
- Founded
- 1969
- Origin
- Torquay, Australia
- Made in
- China, Thailand
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Streetwear, Skatewear