The 7 Surf Brands You Need Know

Image via Complex Original

Surf culture never really goes away, as it’s just that, a culture. Chilling on the beach, eating seafood, fires, cold beer, awesomeness…yeah, it’s pretty good. The clothes are also great—a bunch of casual gear for hanging out with just enough class to keep you from being asked to leave a nice restaurant. We’re psyched that the style world is feeling this look right now, as the clothes are awesome and they give us an excuse to spend long weekends out at Montauk “doing market research”. We’re going to have to do a whole lot more research this summer, but for now, here are 7 Surf Brands You Need Know that are killing it with style cues from '50s and '60s surf culture.

Saturdays Surf, NYC

SINCE: 2009
FOUNDERS: Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen, and Colin Tunstall 
HOME BASE: NYC
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Besides designing dope surf graphic tees, Saturdays NYC brings the west coast vibe to the city streets of New York. Located in SoHo, the shop also sells La Colombe coffee, books, artwork, and surfboards. Make sure you check out the outdoor deck in the back of the shop, it's a great escape from the city.

Surf Slash T-Shirt
Buy It Now at Saturdays NYC, $35

Warriors of Radness

SINCE: 2008
FOUNDER: Rick Klotz
HOME BASE: Southern California
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Most recently nominated by GQ magazine for The Best Menswear Designer 2011, Warriors of Radness just launched the Beach Crew Collection with Opening Ceremony that channels the west coast '80s surfer vibe through bright colors.

Coast Pullover 
Buy It Now at Reserve LA, $122

RVCA

SINCE: Costa Mesa, CA
FOUNDER: PM Tenore
HOMEBASE: Costa Mesa, California

WHY WE CO-SIGN: More than a purveyor of affordable surfwear, RVCA reflects the facets of art and lifestyle by cultivating the real skater and surfer. So it's only natural for RVCA to establish Artist Network Program (ANP)—a venture established to showcase the talents of both accomplished and emerging artists who inspire the brand, including Danny Fuller, Barry McGee, and Leo Romero.

Sever Tank 
Buy It Now at Swell, $22

Howe/Hause of Howe

SINCE: 2001
FOUNDER: Jade Howe
HOME BASE: L.A., CA
WHY WE CO-SIGN: When Howe first hit the streets in 2001, many thought is was just another West Coast skate brand, but designer and founder Jade Howe quickly proved it to be more than just a tee brand. By crafting quality knits, skinny jeans in premium denim, and some of the best fitting suits on the market at an approachable price, Howe has become a staple in the category.


Switch Stance Plaid
Buy It Now at 80s Purple, $74

Trovata

SINCE: 2002
HOME BASE: New Port Beach, CA
FOUNDER: John Whitledge
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Trovata revamps the classic '60s and '70s American sportswear and combines the east coast prepster with the west coast surfer. Trovata has collaborated with Vans and Toms and also won the prestigious CFDA Swarovski Perry Ellis award in 2005. Not too shabby for the guy who first started out in college dorm.

Encinitas Short
Buy It Now at Blue and Cream, $140

Ando & Friends

FOUNDER: Andy Davis
HOME BASE: San Diego, CA
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Surf artist Andy Davis created this soulful collection for men, women and children with abstract art that reflects coastal waves. The funky brand recently extended its retro vibe by collaborating with Vans through a capsule collection. 

Scrub It 
Buy It Now at Swell, $15

Reyn Spooner

SINCE: 1956
FOUNDER: Reyn McCullough and Ruth Spooner
HOME BASE: Hawaii
WHY WE CO-SIGN: This brand is where preppy meets Hawaiian prints. Reyn Spooner has been in the Hawaiian shirt game since, "Ruth Spooner, who in 1956 had established Spooners of Waikiki, was cultivating a reputation for the best 'kine' custom surf trunks and shirts in the Islands." The traditional aloha shirts are a refreshing take on the tacky tourist stereotype.

Naho I'A 
Buy It Now at Reyn Spooner, $83