Surf fashion has undoubtedly become a huge part of mainstream culture, despite surfing itself being a more niche interest. This disparity between sport popularity and fashion popularity makes this explosive popularity all the more interesting, and raises some very interesting questions. It’s often the case that those wearing popular surf clothing brands have never even touches a surfboard in their lives – instead, they wear surf brands as they would any other fashion brands. So, given this strange exception, where did it all start? In this blog, we have a look at the history of surf fashion to give you an idea of how from humble origins these clothing brands became such a big success with regular people.

Where surfing began

Although now a sport regularly shown on television and one that attracts large prize money for top-tier surfers, surfing is supposed to have its origins in ancient Polynesian culture. It was only in the 1950s that surfing became a popular pastime in the United States. Just before this, as its popularity was steadily increasing, this new surfing subculture influenced many people to demonstrate their own new, unique styles. This included a variety of little touches that have become standards in modern surf clothes, such as including drawstrings that are now standard in something like a pair of Billabong or Roxy bathers. There were also many companies set up to produce highly affordable clothes for this new scene – Jack O’Neill of O’Neill fame was the first to design a wetsuit specifically designed for surfing during the 1950s. This brand new design included the classic vest silhouette combined with neoprene material which allowed for greater heat retention while surfing, as well as being much more waterproof than traditional garments. From this template the surf industry eventually grew.

Surf clothing becomes mainstream

After surfing became big in the 1950s, the 1960s paved the way for surfing to become a culturally mainstream activity. Now added to surf culture’s collective wardrobe were items that still remain popular, such as white t-shirts, Hawaiian aloha shirts, and trucker caps. Slowly these fashion items migrated from the beach to the streets, where surf fashion was becoming a recognisable trend. Soon followed brands boasting pastel colours, floral prints, V-necks, board shorts and denim shorts. The surfer look was about more than an aesthetic, though. It also represented rebellion by demonstrating the carefree nature surfers had. Much of this carefree attitude came from a DIY approach that accentuated individuality, such as the incorporation of tears and rips in certain pieces of clothing. Now, many of us are extremely familiar with a variety of surf brands, and there’s a very good chance we have at least one piece from such a brand in our wardrobes.

Surf clothing into the future

With the popularity of surfing still going strong, there’s no end to the popularity of surf-wear in sight. Whether you consider yourself a surfer or not, there’s a lot to like in the attitude that was encouraged in the surfing community – as a way to express freedom and relaxed vibes, the surfing aesthetic arguably goes unchallenged. So, next time you pick up a pair of boardshorts to take to the beach, make sure to remember all of the interesting people that made your fun, colourful pair of bathers possible!