Fashion is a big part of surf culture, and whilst every surfer has their own individual style, there are certain staples that should form the basis of your closet. Surfer style is all about functionality and durability, you want items that you can transition from the beach to the pub and vice versa. You should channel an adventure-ready aesthetic – think classic Tee’s, warm hoodies, on-trend boardies, and of-course, the humble flip-flop. With an abundance of traditional and up-and-coming surf brands, surfers now have a tonne of choice when it comes to their wardrobes. Luckily, with the help of surf-fashion veterans, Ann’s Cottage, we’ve pulled together a list of fashion essentials that are must-have’s to nail the look.
The Retro T-shirt
Add to your t-shirt collection with an iconic retro design. Choose vibrant colours, like purple and red, decorated with old-school surf graphics – an ode to the ‘endless summer’ style. Real salt-water seekers might prefer a traditional surf competition inspired print. The ultimate surfer wardrobe essential, this style gives a nod to the vintage vibe, whilst channelling that relaxed surfer attitude.
The Everyday Hoodie
No surfers wardrobe would be complete without a warm hoodie to pull on after a summers evening riding the waves. The everyday hoodie offers comfort and warmth, choose a style with soft, cosy fabric in a dark grey shade, so it can be easily transitioned from day to night. The Billabong ‘All Day’ hoodie is a great transitional style – the name says it all, trust us, you’ll de waring this all day, everyday!
The Boardshorts
Surf style is all about comfort and feeling free, with the wind in your hair and the sand in your toes. We say ditch your jeans in favour of the boardshort. Perhaps not a practical choice in the winter months, but ideal for the summer season. These lightweight shorts are a true statement surfer look, perfect for everyday beach-wear. Go classic with a pair of Animal walk shorts, or embrace summer style with something a little more colourful like Billabong’s ‘Currumbin’ volley shorts, these tropical prints in pastel shades are key summer wardrobe essentials.
The Cap
No need to worry about hat-hair when you’re rocking surf-style, chances are if you aren’t wearing your hat, you’ll be in the water. The classic trucker-style snapback is ideal for a beach day. There are so many colours and designs to choose from, pick a monochrome design for a minimalistic look, or go all out with a bold floral pattern. If you’re keen to embrace the season’s retro trend, then a corduroy cap is a fashion-forward choice. Your cool-factor will be determined by which way round you wear your hat, but we’ll leave that decision up to you!
The Flip-Flops
True beach-lovers, and die-hard surfers will know that flip-flops are the best footwear choice, regardless of the season! There are tonnes of styles to choose from, the ‘thong’ style is a firm choice, but recently the slider has become more prominent. You can go neutral, with a muted grey slider. Or, embrace that tropical print once again, with floral printed soles.
