If you're a fan of the bold graphics and rebellious spirit of legendary skate and surf brand Santa Cruz, you already know the power of its authentic California style. It's the kind of stuff that perfectly blends punk-inspired designs with a laid-back boardwalk vibe, making it a go-to for anyone who loves skate culture.
But when you're ready to expand your wardrobe beyond the iconic "Dot" logo, there are plenty of other brands that capture a similar energy. Here are 18 brands like Santa Cruz that deliver on that skate and surf aesthetic.
RVCA offers a cool mix of skate, surf, and streetwear with a distinct artistic spin. They’re known for relaxed tees, boardshorts, and cozy hoodies that feel right at home with Santa Cruz's vibe, but RVCA puts a bigger emphasis on modern art and collaborations. This gives them a slightly more refined, contemporary look while still staying true to their board-culture roots. Expect prices to be in a similar mid-range, with tees around $40-$80.
Shop now at rvca.com
Born from street art and skater culture, Obey is all about rebellious graphics stamped on high-quality essentials. If you love Santa Cruz's edgy attitude, you'll feel right at home with Obey's hoodies, snapbacks, and graphic tees. The key difference is Obey's signature politically charged, thought-provoking designs from artist Shepard Fairey, giving it a more urban, street-art feel than Santa Cruz's surf-punk graphics. It’s a great alternative if you want your gear to make a statement.
Shop now at obeyclothing.com
As a classic surf brand, Billabong captures that effortlessly cool, laid-back beach vibe. They excel at high-quality boardshorts, wetsuits, and casual apparel that feels like it belongs by the ocean. While Santa Cruz mixes skate grit with its surf style, Billabong is pure, unadulterated surf culture. Think tropical prints and sun-faded colors. If you lean more towards Santa Cruz's surf side, Billabong is a must-see, with friendly prices often in the $20-$40 range for tees.
Shop now at billabong.com
Volcom flawlessly brings together the worlds of skate, surf, and snow with a distinctively rebellious edge. You'll find a similar vibe to Santa Cruz in their graphic tees and hoodies dedicated to board sports culture. However, Volcom often has a slightly more polished, fashion-forward sensibility, making their pieces easy to work into a wider range of streetwear looks. Look for their iconic stone logo on everything from boardshorts to durable outerwear.
Shop now at volcom.com
With its slick and slightly luxe take on skate culture, Diamond Supply Co. is for those who appreciate premium streetwear. Like Santa Cruz, it’s deeply rooted in the skate world but trades bold, punk graphics for a cleaner, more minimalist logo. Their high-quality tees and hoodies often sell out thanks to high-profile collaborations, making them a more exclusive choice. If you want that skate-inspired feel with a more refined twist, this is your brand.
Shop now at diamondsupplyco.com
Rip Curl is another surf pillar focused on reliable gear for catching waves right alongside casual beachwear. Their aesthetic shares Santa Cruz’s surf-inspired foundation but with a much greater emphasis on technical performance and functionality. This is the brand you turn to for a high-quality wetsuit or perfectly designed boardshorts, though their casual graphic tees and hoodies definitely check the box for everyday wear at an affordable price.
Shop now at ripcurl.com
While Santa Cruz has apparel and decks covered, Fallen Footwear zeroes in on crafting the perfect skate shoe. Their sneakers are built for performance but packed with enough streetwear style for everyday wear. They share the same rebellious, skate-all-day ethos as Santa Cruz, making them an ideal complement to your existing wardrobe. If you need durable, comfy shoes that can handle a beating and still look great, Fallen delivers.
Shop now at fallenfootwear.com
Started by skater Keith Hufnagel, HUF is deeply embedded in skate culture but has grown into a global streetwear staple. They nail the skate and streetwear crossover with clean graphic tees, hoodies, and sought-after accessories like their "Plantlife" socks. Compared to Santa Cruz's vintage art style, HUF often leans into a more modern or minimalist design, making it a great pick for those who love skate culture's attitude with a cleaner look.
Shop now at hufworldwide.com
No list of skate brands is complete without Thrasher. As the iconic skate magazine's merch line, it's about as authentic as it gets. Their classic flame logo tees and hoodies scream raw, unapologetic skate culture, sharing Santa Cruz's rebellious energy. While Santa Cruz champions a California surf-and-skate lifestyle, Thrasher is pure skateboarding grit. It's less a fashion brand and more a badge of chaotic honor for skaters and fans.
Shop now at thrashermagazine.com
Zion offers seriously comfortable skate-inspired apparel designed with clean lines and premium fabric. While a bit newer to the scene, their relaxed fits and high-quality materials resonate with fans of classic skate culture. If you like the Santa Cruz ethos but are looking for gear with less aggressive graphics and a more versatile, minimalist style, Zion is an excellent brand to check out for understated hoodies and tees.
Shop now at zionsupply.com
As a go-to retailer for California-inspired teen style, PacSun is an accessible way to get that skate and surf look. They carry a mix of well-known brands and their own in-house lines that emulate the surf and skate culture seen in brands like Santa Cruz. It’s definitely a more budget-friendly, mass-market alternative, perfect for rounding out your wardrobe with trendy, casual pieces without breaking the bank.
Shop now at pacsun.com
Element is a core skateboarding brand that shares space with Santa Cruz but carves its own path with a deeper focus on environmental consciousness. Their style often incorporates earthy, nature-inspired graphics and colors alongside classic skate staples. If you love skate culture but are also drawn to brands with a sustainable-minded approach, Element provides a fantastic alternative without sacrificing durability or style.
Shop now at elementbrand.com
While known for footwear, Vans also has a massive apparel line rooted in decades of skate and surf history. Collaborations like any between Vans and a brand like Volcom bridge two icons into one can't-miss collection. A collaboration is the perfect place to find exclusive, limited-edition pieces that totally capture the rebellious heart of skating. It’s what happens when you combine classic footwear heritage with bold apparel design.
Shop now at vans.com
Famous for creating some of the most comfortable flip-flops on the planet, Reef lives and breathes the beach lifestyle. While their main game is footwear, their apparel line of boardshorts and casual tees lines up perfectly with Santa Cruz’s surf side. Reef keeps things comfortable, casual, and ready for sun and sand, making it a stellar brand for rounding out your warm-weather wardrobe.
Shop now at reef.com
A true OG of streetwear, Stussy was born from Southern California's surf scene and remains a hugely influential brand today. It shares that laid-back, creative spirit with Santa Cruz but elevates it to high-end street fashion. Known for its iconic scrawled logo and groundbreaking collaborations, Stussy sits at a higher price point and is for those who view skate and surf as a serious style movement.
Shop now at stussy.com
Brixton draws its inspiration from music, culture, and a classic vintage aesthetic to create timeless pieces with skate and surf undertones. Instead of the loud, in-your-face graphics of Santa Cruz, Brixton favors quality craftsmanship, great fits, and designs that endure over seasons. It's a bit more grown-up and refined, perfect if your style is moving towards a classic, Americana-inspired look that still nods to board culture.
Shop now at brixton.com
As the inventor of the surf wetsuit, O'Neill is pure surf heritage. This legendary brand aligns with Santa Cruz's coastal roots but focuses more on providing innovative gear for the water. Their wetsuits, boardshorts, and rashguards are trusted by surfers worldwide, while their casual wear offers that beachy, comfortable style perfect for off-days. If your connection to SC comes through the surf, O'Neill is an essential brand to know.
Shop now at us.oneill.com
Hollister offers an accessible, mall-friendly version of the quintessential Southern California image. They translate that casual surf and skate style into affordable denim, graphics, and comfy hoodies aimed at a younger audience. While not a core skate brand, it reflects the same laid-back vibe on a budget, making it an easy option for getting the look without a specialty shop investment.
Shop now at hollisterco.com
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