Professional surfer Kelly Slater has spent most of his lifestyles smashing the opposition and prevailing a record eleven World Titles. But there’s some other challenge tied to his love for surf that has additionally been occupying his time.
In 2014, he left his sponsorship from surfwear large Quiksilver to start his very own surf brand, Outerknown.
The ideas that outline Outerknown
Slater, an established propose for sustainable residing, wanted to create a life-style emblem for every body that became rooted in correct design and sustainable production. He partnered with fashion designer John Moore to make this concept a fact. Moore says, “We’re surfers who grew up with surf manufacturers, but we grew out of emblems. And we need to wear clothing it is made higher and looks better.”
That method the usage of sustainable substances (over 90% of Outerknown’s merchandise are crafted from natural, recycled, or regenerated materials) in addition to using obvious and responsible production partners, who observe strict hints of safety and running situations through the Fair Labor Association (FLA), Bluesign, and Fair Trade.
This dedication to sustainability and transparency method you are going to pay extra than regular for the apparel. Men’s shirts, as an instance, variety from $seventy eight to $148.
Slater points out to Business Insider, however, that “conscious improvement takes time and investment. There are brought charges in developing quality product made to final, in locating and partnering with the proper factories that value employee nicely-being, and in sourcing and leveraging materials that cause much less damage.”
“At the give up of the day, we’re looking at the long run and what’s first-class ‘For People and Planet.’ We’re putting in the paintings to construct a actually sustainable model as opposed to zeroing in on quick-term tendencies or financials,” he says.
The vibe of its clothes
Casual, handy seaside style defines Outerknown. As you store its men’s and women’s patterns, you could nearly experience the cool and salty breeze run via your hair. They’re casual and occasional-upkeep, but they don’t appearance sloppy or haphazard.
Bestsellers from the emblem encompass the relaxed, heavyweight Blanket Shirt ($148, crafted from 100% organic cotton) and the easy, glossy Neptune Tank Dress ($ninety eight, crafted from hemp and Tencel Lyocell). Other offerings consist of sweaters, pants, and jumpsuits. They’re gentle, secure, and importantly, long lasting.
Senior reporter Owen Burke says: “Having spent a bargain of my existence in and amongst the browsing community, it is hard now not to want to like Outerknown from the start. Doing my quality to be an goal reporter, I’ve scrutinously worn Outerknown for over six months, and I’ve run the brand’s shirts and pants through my treacherously cheap washing gadget limitless instances. So a ways, I have not even grew to become up so much as a unfastened thread.”
Hightide Terry Polo and Seventyseven Cord Utility Shorts
Hightide Terry Polo, to be had in four colors, $seventy eight
Most polo shirts are more or less the same, save for the branding and colours, but Outerknown manages to offer a very precise take with its Hightide Terry Polo. Just like your favored beach towel, this shirt functions a terry cloth fabric, which is made from eighty% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester.
The fabric along with its secure suit make it one of the maximum cozy polos I’ve worn. It’s a bit thicker than an ordinary cotton or linen shirt, but you may respect the marginally heavier weight and moisture-wicking fabric in case you spend a whole lot of time on the seashore or outside.
Seventyseven Cord Utility Shorts, to be had in 4 colours, $88
Typically, I’d best put on corduroy in the fall or winter, however Outerknown’s capacity to take sudden materials and lead them to paintings properly gave me the self assurance to attempt those. It’s worth noting that the Seventyseven Cord Utility Shorts are made from a summer time weight corduroy, so they are now not heavy and heat like the corduroy you’re in all likelihood considering.
My favored part of those shorts is the outsized software-style the front pockets. The inseam duration is likewise best — it falls above the knee, however now not too high up. —Amir Ismael, senior reporter
Solstice Hoodie and Sweatpants
Solstice Cozy Hoodie, to be had in 3 shades, $138
If my closet caught fireplace and there has been only enough time for me to seize one outfit, this sweatsuit might be it. The oversized sweatshirt is as comfy as they arrive, with a terry-cloth-like internal that by no means overheats and a worn-in outer that gives it an extra relaxed contact. The sweatshirt has a pocket in your fingers, and the pants have a drawstring however lack the classic cumbersome pockets of most sweatpants.
Solstice Sweatpants, available in 4 shades, $98
If you ought to have wallet on your sweats, then skip this pair. But if it truly is not a dealbreaker, you might not remorse buying these. They’re made of the same fabric because the sweatshirt, which is wonderful for cool or warm days, and mainly best after popping out of the freezing bloodless ocean. I endorse sizing down in case you tend to be in-among sizes. I typically wear a size 8-10 and I opted for a massive in each patterns, however I without a doubt could have sized down within the pants. —Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Carnation Cami Dress
Carnation Cami Dress, available in three hues, $228
I in all likelihood wear this dress as soon as per week. It’s silky tender, breezy, and lightweight, no longer to mention flattering. It’s made from 63% organic cotton and 37% silk, making it long lasting enough for casual wear so you won’t have to worry about being too sensitive with it. At the identical time, it feels super and high-priced to your skin. I also love the look and airiness of the returned criss-move ties.
I’ve accidentally thrown it within the washer and dryer and it got here out flawlessly fine, however I’d still err at the aspect of caution and hand wash it if you can. A piece like this, you may want to preserve for a while. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
Woolaroo Trunks
Woolaroo Trunks, to be had in 2 hues, $one hundred twenty five
I’m nonetheless ready to check Outerknown’s new Apex Trunks, however I’ve been surfing and fishing in those Woolaroo shorts for approximately a 12 months, and they’re worth knowing about.
If you are familiar with Birdwell Beach Britches’ conventional nylon baggies, which have been on the earth approximately twice so long as I even have, then you can quite thoroughly examine these to the ones in which sturdiness is concerned.
On the alternative hand, those are wool — 100% certified Australian Merino Wool — and they’re a whole lot, plenty softer. They’re additionally relatively breathable, and they dry a good deal faster, too (though they’re nonetheless a ways from quick-dry board shorts, mind you). The edges are nevertheless a chunk rougher and the seams are thicker than extremely-light-weight synthetic board shorts.
The Woolaroos are modestly reduce above the knee, scallop-hemmed, and diffused in all regards, that’s an technique that can be harder to discover than you may think. They’re additionally, as you might anticipate based on who’s behind them, flawlessly cut for browsing. A lot of board shorts are reduce under the knee, and while that style offers a piece greater safety from the sun, it may have a tendency to get for your way, too.
The Woolaroos don’t have any stretch, however because they’re reduce a little shorter, you definitely don’t want it. The most effective downside with those shorts is that there’s most effective one (again) pocket, so if you’re searching out extra of a hybrid pair, and less of a heavy-obligation pair, you might appearance some other place. But hold in mind extra wallet manner more drag within the water when browsing.
Otherwise, those are constructed to survive all of the relaxation, and surfers and seashore dwellers alike can do no better, specifically paired with the new Cheer X Outerknown non-neoprene wetsuit top (above), that’s what you’ll see me the use of all summer time on the beaches round New York. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
Sunny Sleeves Sweater
Sunny Sleeves Sweater, $118
As a ways as summer time sweaters move, you won’t find one better than this sleeveless tunic, which can be worn with denims, shorts, or even a washing match at the seaside. It’s light-weight and airy way to the aspect slits and loose-stitched knit, both of which allow the breeze to float thru the cloth. This is the piece I attain for after I want to look polished and easy, in place of my typical summer vibe which is not anything quick of Sweaty Swamp Monster.
I discovered this sweater to be genuine to length. I’m wearing a big above, and it is really got a swingy, outsized suit to it — however that is what I individually like. You may want to probable stand to size down in case you want a barely nearer suit. —Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Meander Beach Pants
Meander Beach Pants, to be had in 2 colorings, $118
Of direction, I had to take this pair of ‘Beach Pants’ to the seaside. I wore them as a swimsuit cowl-up when I went to Coney Island final summer season, and that they turned out to be the proper preference — light-weight, breathable, and cozy. My legs had masses of room to transport round in the wide pant legs and that they had a cozy high-upward push suit. The returned of the waistband has elastic, which is sensible thinking about I crammed my frame with Nathan’s warm dogs whilst on the boardwalk.
The white pair is slightly obvious, so I’m now not positive you could wear it outdoor of a beach, seaside city, or lounging placing, but it’s far a great preference in the ones casual environments. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
Blanket Shirt
Blanket Shirt, available in 22 colours, $148
While I’m a huge fan of its Transitional Shirts and the S.E.A. Jeans, my favourite pieces from Outerknown have been the Blanket Shirts. These are Outerknown’s iteration of a “paintings blouse” or “shacket,” as you please, however they keep their softness and don’t pill like many other higher-stop rivals.
There’s nothing like getting out of the water on a brisk nighttime and tossing any such on even as I trade out of a wetsuit. And, of path, I can stroll proper lower back into city feeling sparkling — and warm — as a daisy.
$148 isn’t any pittance, however this is not your fast-style, wear-for-one-season shirt, and you do get what you pay for with Outerknown. Bravo, Kelly Slater and John Moore, for creating a line of conscientiously sourced-and-made clothes from begin to finish. I’d say I’d preserve buying those shirts for years yet to come, but because of the craftsmanship that is going into them, I realize I’ll do simply quality with the 2 I’ve got for the foreseeable future. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
Blanket Shirt (persisted)
Blanket Shirt, to be had in 22 colors, $148
As thick and heavy as the Outerknown Blanket Shirt can be, it clearly has tremendous versatility all through the seasons. It’s appropriate for past due summer season nights on cool and breezy beaches, layering in the fall and winter, or maybe leaving at your table whilst it is bloodless in the workplace.
The comfy suit makes it cozy to put on, however if you need it to be greater fitted, I’d propose sizing down. I’m 5-foot-5 and approximately one hundred forty kilos, and the scale small changed into slightly oversized (I had to cuff the sleeves for a better fit). Here, I styled mine with a Brooklinen T-shirt, black jeans, and Tread through Everlane shoes.
At $148, the Blanket Shirt is at the better stop of what I’d spend on a blouse, however it’s so well made you may be capable of wear it for years on end. —Amir Ismael, senior reporter
Oasis Dress
Oasis Dress, to be had in three colours, $148
I generally do not wear shade, but something approximately this inexperienced midi get dressed sincerely stuck my eye. I love that the straps are adjustable — I’m five-foot-1, however I even have a massive chest that frequently requires me to size up, this means that straps are usually too lengthy for me. The ties on this dress permit me to get a custom in shape, and the duration is perfect on my frame. —Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Station Jumpsuit
Station Jumpsuit, available in 3 colorations, $178
The Station Jumpsuit is utilitarian, cool, and really amusing to style way to its the front zipper, sleeves that you can roll up or go away down, and tapered silhouette. It’s hard and practical, but you may additionally make it look more casual or dressed up, making its $a hundred and eighty fee tag sense more justified.
It’s crafted from fifty one% natural cotton and forty nine% linen, ensuing in an instantly cozy feel from the first actual put on. Right now, NYC weather is a little too warm and muggy for me to wear the healthy with out overheating, but I can not wait to live in it for the duration of fall and iciness. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
S.E.A. Jeans
Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge S.E.A. Jeans, to be had in 2 colors, $168
Having worn masses of denims through the years, I went into testing Outerknown’s $168 Selvedge denim with high expectancies — and they surely exceed them. The denims have that hefty weight and pressure you’ll assume from well-made selvedge denim and handsome brass and nickel hardware at the rivets and buttons. The fact that Outerknown became able to attain excellent this sizable while nevertheless being considerate of the environment is definitely staggering.
Craftsmanship aside, the S.E.A Jeans are really terrific-fitting pants, and for me, it really is notable essential. I had no problem styling those denims with informal footwear like the Wu-Tang x Clarks Wallabees I’m wearing or sportier shoes.
The denims are available in every waist sizes from 28-38 and inseams 30, 32, and 34, so maximum men will find a pair that suits them well with out a changes. —Amir Ismael, senior reporter
S.E.A. Jeans (continued)
Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge S.E.A. Jeans, available in 2 shades, $168
The S.E.A. Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans have, some distance and away, emerge as my preferred raw denim jeans. They’re robust but tidy, and I can pull them off dressed up or down for just about everywhere and whatever as wished, short of a black tie dinner (not that you’d ever find me at one). —Owen Burke, senior reporter
The Folk Top
The Folk Top, to be had in 7 colours, $98
This top is so flowy and ideal for summer season. It’s crafted from natural cotton spun to be pretty thin and lightweight, so that you can feel the breeze even when you’re fully included up. I love tucking it into denims for a casual appearance I can pull off at paintings or on the weekends.
It comes in six colorings, however I will say the lighter ones are barely sheer, so select your undergarments for this reason. —Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Stringer Seersucker Pants
Stringer Seersucker Pants, to be had in three colorings, $ninety eight
Featherlight and ethereal, these pants will serve you properly on a scorcher. The coloration additionally does wonders to conceal any spillage that would take vicinity at an out of doors barbeque, even though it is some other story that probable says extra approximately me than those pants.
There’s nothing like seersucker in summer, and the slight bit of linen (20%) worked into them primarily will pay off. I’d select them to be 100% linen, mainly at this rate, but the reality that they are sourcing organic cotton (as a minimum for 64% of the pants — the relaxation is 16% pesticide-reliant cotton) and corozo (tagua palm nuts) for buttons frequently makes up for it.
In the stop, they may be sturdier than my all-linen pants that ring up the equal bill, and I consider they will last longer. Again, you get what you pay for with Outerknown. —Owen Burke, senior reporter
Oasis Top
Oasis Top, available in four shades, $78
This cropped pinnacle is good, breezy, and smooth to put on. You can tuck it into a skirt or pair of pants, or let it glide loosely over your frame. It capabilities touches that are each elegant and realistic, like the shoulder ties, which allow you to get a custom designed match, and the elastic at the pinnacle, which prevents the chest region from gaping. —Connie Chen, senior reporter
