20 Brands Like Katin for Laid-Back Surf Style

Discover 20 brands like Katin offering relaxed surf style. Find durable boardshorts and casual apparel for that effortlessly cool coastal vibe you love.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're a fan of laid-back, rugged, and effortlessly cool beach style, then you're probably already familiar with Katin. This Southern California brand has been a go-to for durable boardshorts and casual surf-inspired apparel since the very beginning, perfecting that timeless, functional look for anyone who loves the coastal lifestyle.

Katin nails the balance between vintage surf aesthetics and modern comfort, which is why it's so beloved. But if you’re looking to expand your wardrobe with similar vibes, we’ve found 20 other brands that capture that same spirit of adventure and relaxation. Here are brands like Katin to check out for your next beach day or casual outing.

1. Patagonia

Patagonia is the go-to for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants their gear to reflect that. They offer incredibly durable boardshorts, tees, and outerwear with a strong focus on sustainability. Like Katin, their style is rooted in surf and outdoor culture, but Patagonia takes it a step further with an ironclad commitment to eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing. It's the perfect choice if you want reliable surf gear that also supports the planet.

Shop now at patagonia.com

2. RVCA

RVCA brings together the worlds of surf, skate, art, and streetwear. They have that same relaxed California feel as Katin but with a cooler, more urban edge. You'll find great graphic tees, versatile hoodies, and boardshorts that are designed to look just as good on the street as they do on the sand. If Katin is classic surf, RVCA is its artsy, modern cousin.

Shop now at rvca.com

3. Billabong

As one of the original names in surfwear, Billabong is a classic for a reason. They offer a massive range of boardshorts, swimwear, and casual apparel drenched in authentic surf culture. While Katin often sticks to more classic and heritage-inspired designs, Billabong isn't afraid to play with bold colors and vibrant prints. It’s perfect for when you want that functional, laid-back surf vibe with a bit more visual punch.

Shop now at billabong.com

4. Quiksilver

Another titan of the surf world, Quiksilver has built its reputation on functional, sporty apparel rooted in surf tradition. Their boardshorts and wetsuits are engineered for performance, making them a favorite among serious surfers. They share Katin's dedication to durability and comfort but often lean into more technical features, making them a great option if your beach day involves more than just lounging.

Shop now at quiksilver.com

5. RIP CURL

RIP CURL lives by the motto "The Search," and their gear is built for just that. They excel in high-performance surf apparel, especially wetsuits and technical boardshorts. Like Katin, their style is deeply connected to the surf lifestyle, but with a clear focus on function and innovation for those who are always chasing the next wave. It’s the perfect blend of style and pro-level utility.

Shop now at ripcurl.com

6. Outerknown

Founded by surf legend Kelly Slater, Outerknown is all about creating stylish, sustainable apparel. This brand elevates the classic surf aesthetic with premium, eco-friendly materials and a more refined, minimalist design. It captures Katin's laid-back ethos but with a sophisticated, conscious twist. If you’re looking for high-quality staples that are both cool and kind to the environment, Outerknown is your brand.

Shop now at outerknown.com

7. Banks Journal

Banks Journal offers a contemporary, slightly more polished take on surf culture. Their pieces are known for clean lines, subtle branding, and understated style, blending Japanese and Australian design influences. If you love Katin's authentic feel but prefer a more minimalist and modern look, Banks Journal delivers high-quality, surf-inspired essentials that are effortlessly cool.

Shop now at banksjournal.com

8. FCS

While legendary for their surf fins and premium hardware, FCS also offers a range of simple and functional apparel. Their clothing line is exactly what you'd expect from a brand that truly understands surfers: no-fuss, comfortable, and perfect for a life spent by the ocean. It’s less of a full-blown fashion line and more of an authentic extension of the core surf community, much like Katin's own origins.

Shop now at fcs.com

9. Hawaii Surf Co.

Want a look that screams "island time"? Hawaii Surf Co. delivers exactly that with its authentic, tropical-inspired designs. Their collections are filled with vibrant Aloha prints, relaxed-fit tees, and durable boardshorts made for warm-water adventures. They share Katin's relaxed, adventure-ready vibe but trade the classic California cool for a bold, Hawaiian spirit.

Shop now at hawaiisurfco.com

10. Vissla

Vissla is a surf brand that champions a "creators and innovators" mindset, blending performance with a forward-thinking, artistic style. Their gear rocks colorful prints and eco-friendly fabrics, appealing to a youthful generation of surfers. It has the same practical surf foundation as Katin but with a more energetic and creative design approach.

Shop now at vissla.com

11. Rastaclat

Though mainly known for their signature braided bracelets, Rastaclat embodies a positive, skate-and-surf-influenced vibe that extends to their accessories and essential apparel. Their casual pieces are perfect for completing a laid-back look. Think of them as the perfect accessory brand to pair with your favorite Katin gear, adding a touch of streetwear flavor.

Shop now at rastaclat.com

12. Tropicfeel

Tropicfeel is all about gear for the modern traveler, with a focus on versatility, sustainability, and comfort. Their lightweight shorts, water-friendly shoes, and packable accessories are designed for adventure. This brand aligns with Katin's ready-for-anything spirit but extends it beyond the beach into all kinds of travel, making it perfect for the person who’s always on the move.

Shop now at tropicfeel.com

13. Salt Life

For those who love fishing, diving, and surfing - basically, anyone who lives for the ocean - Salt Life is a must-know. They offer practical and comfortable apparel designed to stand up to a day on the water. While Katin is firmly rooted in SoCal surf culture, Salt Life embraces a broader coastal, nautical theme that appeals to all kinds of ocean lovers.

Shop now at saltlife.com

14. Honolua Surf Co.

Direct from Maui, Honolua Surf Co. is steeped in authentic Hawaiian surf culture. Their apparel features laid-back fits and beautiful tropical prints inspired by the islands. Like Katin, they believe in creating high-quality gear for a life lived by the water, offering a vibrant, island-style alternative to Katin’s classic mainland surf look.

Shop now at honoluasurfco.com

15. Sunday Supply Co.

Sunday Supply Co. provides a clean, minimalist spin on surf essentials. Their collections include premium tees, relaxed shorts, and stylish swim trunks with a focus on high-quality fabrics and understated design. This brand is a great choice if you appreciate Katin's California vibe but want a more refined, less logo-heavy look that feels both classic and modern.

Shop now at sundaysupplyco.com

16. L*Space

Known for its chic and modern swimwear, L*Space captures the essence of a sun-soaked California lifestyle. While they are primarily a womenswear brand famous for bikinis that fit like a dream, their vibe is all about easy, confident beach style. They share Katin’s love for the coast, but translate it into sleeker, more fashion-forward silhouettes perfect for a resort vacation or a stylish beach day.

Shop now at lspace.com

17. Banks

Banks Surf Co offers understated and thoughtful designs perfect for the modern surfer. They focus on quality construction and classic comfort without flashy logos or loud graphics, making their shorts and tees incredibly versatile. They share Katin's approachable, everyday-wearable style but deliver it with a slightly more minimalist and contemporary aesthetic.

Shop now at bankssurfco.com

18. Matuse

Matuse is where high performance meets high style. They are best known for their premium wetsuits made from limestone-based geoprene, but their boardshorts and casual wear are equally impressive. They attract a style-conscious surfer who demands technical excellence from their gear. Think of Matuse as Katin's commitment to quality amped up with cutting-edge materials and a sleek, modern design.

Shop now at matuse.com

19. Sunday Afternoons

Comfort and sun safety are at the core of Sunday Afternoons. While they specialize in amazing sun hats, their range of UV-protective clothing is perfect for anyone spending long days outside. Their practical, relaxed pieces are a natural fit for the Katin lifestyle, acting as the essential protective gear you need to fully enjoy a sun-drenched day at the beach.

Shop now at sundayafternoons.com

20. Indosole

Complete your surf-inspired look with sustainable footwear from Indosole. Inspired by the Indonesian surf scene, they create comfortable, eco-friendly sandals and slides from recycled tires. It’s perfect for the Katin fan who cares about their environmental footprint and wants durable, relaxed footwear to carry them from the boardwalk to the beach and back.

Shop now at indosole.com

At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.