Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It
IntroLet’s be clear: the best surfer look is standing atop a board, catching waves. However, if you’re new to the sport or simply want to take surf style cues without actually surfing, start with these beach bum wardrobe staples. Borrowing from a subculture that has perfected ‘laid-back coastal cool’ is guaranteed to put you in a summer mood.
0/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
trunksWetsuits aside (weather permitting), the essential surfer garments are swimsuits or trunks. Today, swimming shorts of varying length and tightness are the go-to beachwear for most men (at least until the dreaded Speedo banana hammock makes a comeback), but they were invented by surfers in 1950s Hawaii. The very first board shorts, known as M.Nii’s Makaha Drowners, were made by a local tailor in the beachside town of Mākaha, near Honolulu, and popularised on the US mainland by visiting Californian surfers. Today’s M.Nii surf trunks are no longer custom-made one-offs, but the recently revived brand is basing its designs and construction of garments on vintage items and pictures. mnii.com/collections/trunks
1/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
SuitsThe first image conjured up of a female surfer usually involves a tan, lithe beach babe in a tiny bikini. However, female pros are increasingly calling out surf brands for the sexism inherent in these depictions of scantily clad athletes. In reality, a skimpy two-piece is the least practical thing to wear for a session, what with all the slipping, riding up, chafing and – worst-case scenario – getting washed away. Plus, even a sun-loving surfer chick knows that too much exposure causes sun damage. When it comes to surf style, more fabric is the way to go, so find a stylish one-piece with a high back and sleeves or, alternatively, surf leggings and a rash vest. theseea.com/collections/surf-suits, saltgypsy.com
2/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
SarongsNo matter how warm you are when you wrap up a surf session, once the blood stops pumping and the beach breeze starts catching your wet hair, you’ll feel the chill, so a fuss-free cover-up is essential. These are usually inspired by garments from global surf destinations, like the Indonesian sarong, the Indian tunic or the Moroccan caftan. It’s not impossible to find men’s versions, but thanks to the ongoing boho fashion trend, women in particular can take their pick from countless traditional and contemporary interpretations of similar après surf gear. Bonus brag points for wearing a djellaba you picked up in Agadir or a pareo you brought back from your last surf trip to Tahiti. simplesarongs.com, samudra11.com, maisondemarrakech.com
3/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
Aloha ShirtIn a nod to the Polynesian origins of the sport, surfers have long embraced the Aloha shirt. The colourful fabrics and relaxed cuts are perfect for a day at the beach, but also popular for semi-formal occasions and even smart casual weddings. If you aren’t buying vintage, seek out authentic brands like Tori Richard, whose Hawaiian shirts have been made in Honolulu for over 60 years and are worn by the likes of George Clooney and Barack Obama. Another classic is the Pataloha shirt, perfect for free spirits who admire the values-driven Patagonia brand. toririchard.com, patagonia.com
4/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
Baja HoodieIf you need something a bit warmer, the Baja hoodie is the surfer scene’s go-to comfort. Based on a Mexican style of jacket discovered by surfers in Baja California, the traditional large front pouch, combined with the modern addition of a hood, makes it practical, while the hard-wearing fabric and muted pattern are ideal for a fuss-free outdoor lifestyle. The fact that it’s also known as “drug rug” points to other things visiting Americans may have discovered on early surf trips to Mexico. To avoid that more seedy association and give this hippie-dippy garment a 21st-century update, stick to the brighter colours or even pastels that have recently become available. mexicanthreads.com
5/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
SandalsObviously, the surfer’s preferred mode of walking is barefoot in the sand, but when footwear is called for, there are two distinct categories of acceptable shoe. First and foremost, the thong sandals most commonly known as flip-flops, loved by beach goers of all ages and backgrounds. Surfers who practically live in flip-flops year round usually look for a durable model made by a brand with ties to the surfing scene. A step up from the thong, the huarache is a slightly more dressy sandal. Another Mexican import, these were namechecked by the Beach Boys in Surfin’ USA and come in variations ranging from cheap and cheerful street-stall souvenir to modern designer upgrade. rainbowsandals.com, reef.com, malibusandals.com
6/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
VansEven in a surfer’s life, there comes a time when closed-toe footwear is no longer optional. For those moments, there is no shoe more closely associated with surfer style than the Vans sported by Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli, the ultimate 1980s surfer dude. The classic slip-on with checkerboard pattern was a skater shoe, made by the then-fledgling Southern California brand. Thanks to inextricable links between the two subcultures and that now-iconic appearance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, it has earned its place in pop culture history as the shoe for people who prefer to go shoe-less. vans.com
7/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
AccessoriesEssential to the surfer look are the accumulated accessories that come with a globetrotting lifestyle. Wear layered necklaces with pendants handmade by beachside artisans, a stack of bangles picked up for a song at markets around the world, or beaded and woven bracelets, gradually fading from constant exposure to the elements. If jewellery isn’t your thing, souvenir t-shirts from the world’s best surf beaches, a small-town surf shop or your favourite Bali beach bar help keep the memory of an amazing holiday alive. surfgirlbeachboutique.com, nintaanzi.com, novica.com
8/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
PendletonEven more than authentic keepsakes, what’s likely to earn you admiring glances on a surf beach is gear by legendary brands, especially now-defunct ones. A vintage Gotcha t-shirt, old-school Stubbies shorts or a retro surf club hoodie says, “This ain’t my first rodeo.” If you can’t get your hands on second-hand rarities, go for heritage brands like Pendleton. Their board shirt, greased up with petroleum jelly, was the precursor to wetsuits (and somehow people managed to surf in them – the mind boggles). Today, they look good and keep surfers warm on dry land. pendleton-usa.com
9/10
Style
The Surfer Look: What You Need To Nail It.
Poll surfer look10/10
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.