If your closet is full of essentials for catching waves and hanging out on the sand, you're probably well-acquainted with Rip Curl. Known for its world-class wetsuits and relaxed beachwear, the brand perfectly captures the spirit of surf culture with gear that performs in the water and looks great on the shore.
For those who love Rip Curl's authentic vibe but want to explore other brands with a similar feel, we've found some amazing alternatives. Whether you're looking for advanced technical gear, sustainable styles, or just some fresh beach apparel, here are 18 brands built for the surf and sun.
A true icon in the surf world, Billabong offers everything from high-performance wetsuits to casual beach apparel with a youthful energy. The brand is known for its vibrant, eye-catching prints and laid-back designs that feel ready for a music festival or a day at the beach. Think fun, bold, and always connected to the surf scene.
Like Rip Curl, Billabong is deeply rooted in surf culture, but it brings a more playful and fashion-forward twist. With a growing collection of eco-conscious pieces, it’s a great choice for surfers who want performance gear that doesn't hold back on personality. Expect boardshorts from around $50 and wetsuits in the $200-$400 range.
Shop now at billabong.com
Quiksilver is one of the original surf brands, offering a classic, laid-back aesthetic that never goes out of style. Their lineup includes technical boardshorts and wetsuits alongside everyday essentials like hoodies, tees, and caps, often featuring their iconic mountain and wave logo. The vibe is timeless SoCal surf cool.
Quiksilver shares Rip Curl's surf heritage but leans a bit more into mainstream casual wear, making it a go-to for those who want that authentic surf style for their day-to-day wardrobe. It's a reliable choice for quality gear that feels both classic and current.
Shop now at quiksilver.com
As Quiksilver's sister brand, Roxy brings that same authentic surf energy specifically to women's apparel. The collection is packed with bright swimwear, flowy dresses, high-performance wetsuits, and activewear in fun, feminine prints. It’s all about empowering women to get out there, whether on a surfboard or a yoga mat.
If you love the surf-centric performance of Rip Curl but want designs with a more playful and vibrant feel, Roxy is your brand. It perfectly blends serious function with fresh, youthful fashion that's impossible to miss.
Shop now at roxy.com
Famous for creating the world's first neoprene wetsuit, O’Neill is a legendary brand built on technical innovation. Their gear is designed for serious performance in the most challenging conditions, focusing on durability and advanced materials. Beyond wetsuits, they offer a full range of boardshorts, swimwear, and beachwear with a clean, functional aesthetic.
While Rip Curl balances technology and lifestyle, O'Neill leans more heavily into the high-performance side of things. It's the perfect brand for surfers who prioritize top-tier technical features to keep them in the water longer.
Shop now at us.oneill.com
Hurley sits at the intersection of surf, skate, and street culture, offering gear that is both technically advanced and trend-aware. Known for their innovative Phantom boardshorts and flexible wetsuits, their designs often feature modern graphics and an athletic, streamlined look. The style perfectly blends a laid-back beach vibe with a more urban edge.
Compared to Rip Curl, Hurley is known for its connection to youth culture and a slightly slicker, more contemporary aesthetic. It’s a great fit for those who want performance surf gear that looks just as good on the street as it does on the water.
Shop now at hurley.com
Embracing a more rebellious, art-driven spirit, Volcom caters to the surf, skate, and snow crowds. Their clothing is known for having an edgy attitude, featuring bold graphics, unconventional prints, and relaxed fits. Volcom isn’t just a brand, it’s a whole creative subculture.
Where Rip Curl is pure surf heritage, Volcom casts a wider net across board sports, infusing its surfwear with a distinct punk and streetwear influence. If your style is a little more alternative, Volcom offers a unique take on beach and street apparel.
Shop now at volcom.com
OluKai brings the spirit of Hawaii to its premium, island-inspired footwear. Specializing in high-quality sandals, flip-flops, and shoes, the brand focuses on exceptional comfort and craftsmanship. Every pair is designed to feel like you're walking barefoot on wet sand, using top-notch materials like full-grain leather and supportive footbeds.
While Rip Curl is focused on what you wear in the water, OluKai is all about what you wear on the sand and boardwalk. It’s the perfect brand for finding incredibly comfortable and stylish casual footwear to complete your beach-day look.
Shop now at olukai.com
Patagonia is famous for its commitment to environmental activism and creating incredibly durable outdoor gear, and its surf line is no exception. They offer high-performance, neoprene-free wetsuits, boardshorts made from recycled materials, and casual wear built to last. The brand's aesthetic is clean, functional, and timeless.
Patagonia shares Rip Curl’s passion for performance but places sustainability at the absolute core of its identity. If you're an eco-conscious surfer looking for gear that aligns with your values without sacrificing quality, Patagonia is the ultimate choice.
Shop now at patagonia.com
FCS (Fin Control System) is the go-to brand for high-performance surfboard fins, leashes, and board bags. While primarily known for its hardware, the brand also offers a curated selection of essential surf apparel, including wetsuits and hats designed for dedicated surfers who value technical precision above all.
Think of FCS as the brand that fine-tunes your ride. While Rip Curl decks you out from head to toe, FCS is focused on the specialized gear that directly impacts your performance and control on the wave. It's a must-know brand for any serious surfer wanting to upgrade their setup.
Shop now at fcs.com
Vissla represents a modern approach to surf culture, championing creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Their collection features boardshorts, wetsuits, and casual apparel with a distinctively artistic vibe - think retro-inspired prints and earthy color palettes. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like recycled coconut husks and plastic bottles to create its fabrics.
Vissla is the perfect alternative to Rip Curl for those who appreciate surf style with a creative, eco-conscious edge. It's all about subtle, stylish designs that feel both classic and forward-thinking.
Shop now at vissla.com
A true heritage brand, Birdwell Beach Britches has been handcrafting its iconic boardshorts in California since 1961. Renowned for its unparalleled durability, the brand uses its proprietary SurfNyl™ fabric and a two-layer construction to build shorts that last a lifetime. The style is classic, minimalist, and built for function.
Unlike Rip Curl's wide range of seasonal styles, Birdwell focuses on a timeless design ethos. If you appreciate American-made quality and want a pair of boardshorts that are tough as nails and classically cool, Birdwell is in a class of its own.
Shop now at birdwell.com
RIPTIDE LAB focuses on surf-inspired casualwear that feels effortlessly cool. Think comfortable graphic tees, stylish boardshorts, and relaxed hats designed for everyday life by the coast. The brand serves up simple, easy-to-wear pieces at an accessible price point, making it great for stocking up on beach basics.
While Rip Curl offers a lot of technical gear, RIPTIDE LAB sticks to the essentials of laid-back beach style. It’s an awesome choice for anyone looking for affordable and stylish apparel perfect for post-surf hangouts or casual beach days.
Shop now at instagram.com/riptide.lab/
As one of California's original surf shops, Katin carries a rich history rooted in purpose-built surf trunks. The brand is celebrated for its incredibly durable "Kanos" shorts and has expanded to offer a full range of apparel with a vintage, sun-faded aesthetic. Their pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia for the golden era of surfing.
While Rip Curl delivers modern performance, Katin excels at heritage style and unmatched durability. If you love timeless designs and the story behind legacy surf brands, Katin offers authentic pieces with a classic soul.
Shop now at katinsurf.com
Mollusk feels less like a brand and more like a creative hub for surfing. Operating out of shops in California, Mollusk offers a thoughtfully curated collection of apparel, accessories, and surfboards that blend vintage vibes with a modern-cool aesthetic. Their pieces often feature quirky graphics and unique designs from local artists.
While larger brands like Rip Curl have a global reach, Mollusk offers a more boutique, community-focused feel. It’s the perfect shop for finding something special and thoughtfully designed that not everyone on the beach will be wearing.
Shop now at mollusksurfshop.com
Founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, Outerknown is built on a mission to create great clothing with sustainability at its heart. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fishing nets to make a range of surfwear and casual essentials. Its aesthetic is minimalist, elevated, and incredibly versatile.
If you're inspired by Rip Curl's connection to professional surfing but looking for a more eco-conscious and high-end option, Outerknown is a perfect match. Their pieces are designed to be timeless essentials both in and out of the water.
Shop now at outerknown.com
Faherty blends an easygoing, coastal vibe with a serious commitment to premium, sustainable fabrics. Expect incredibly soft flannels, comfortable hoodies, and versatile beachwear made from materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. The vibe is laid-back luxury, perfect for a bonfire on the beach or a casual brunch.
Compared to Rip Curl’s performance focus, Faherty is all about comfort and elevated, everyday style. It’s the ideal brand when you want clothing that feels as good as it looks, capturing a relaxed yet polished beach-town aesthetic.
Shop now at fahertybrand.com
Inspired by the rugged surf scene of Tofino, British Columbia, this brand offers cozy and casual wear perfect for cooler coastal climates. Their lineup includes comfy hoodies, graphic tees, and warm beanies with a classic, vintage-inspired vibe. This is the gear you'd wear around a campfire after a long surf session.
Where Rip Curl caters to waves worldwide, Tofino Surf Co. captures the unique feel of the Pacific Northwest. It's a great choice for laid-back, comfortable essentials that reflect a love for adventure and the outdoors, all at an accessible price point.
Shop now at tofinosurfco.com
Reef is practically synonymous with the beach lifestyle, thanks mostly to its ultra-comfortable sandals and flip-flops. While footwear is its claim to fame - think supportive soles and a classic relaxed look - the brand also carries a line of casual beachwear and surf-inspired apparel. It’s all about creating easy, comfortable style for sunny days.
Reef is the perfect companion to a brand like Rip Curl. After you’re done with your high-performance surf session, you can slip into a pair of Reef sandals for supreme comfort. It’s an essential brand for building out your complete beach wardrobe from the ground up.
Shop now at reef.com
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