Surfing T-Shirts and Hoodies: When Did they First Start?
The History and Style Behind Surfing T-Shirts, Hoodies and the Soul of Surf Culture
For anyone who surfs, you know it’s more than just a sport. Surfing is a lot of things to a lot of people, including the anticipation of what each session may bring, the rush of that perfect wave, and the salty breeze in the air. It’s also about freedom.
Surfing t-shirts and hoodies have become visual markers of the lifestyle that surrounds riding waves. At 1923 Main Street® apparel, we design gear that moves from beach bonfires to boardwalks with ease, comfort and style. So it’s probably no surprise that we love to talk about surf style and how it has evolved over the years.
Listen to this Story on the 1923 Main Street Podcast
Where Surf Tees Came From: A Cultural Wave from the Very Beginning
Ever wonder where surf tees came from?
Surfing’s roots can be traced way back in Polynesian culture, but modern surf lifestyle and clothing really got its start in California and Australia in the mid-20th century.
Early surf graphics captured the endless-summer spirit. There were often screen-printed on soft cotton tees that reflected the carefree culture of the beach. These tees pretty quickly became part of the identity of surfers everywhere. They were sort of like wearable postcards of the vibe, attitude and joy of ocean life in different places.
The Blue Crush Surfer’s Hoodie
Wrap yourself in the warmth of coastal freedom. The Vertical Blue Your Wave unisex hoodie by 1923 Main Street® blends effortless comfort with surf-inspired style, keeping you cozy from dawn surf checks to sunset bonfires.
Designed with soft, breathable fabric and an easy, relaxed fit, this hoodie carries the energy of the ocean wherever your journey leads. For those who chase waves (and moments) beyond the shore.
Also available as a t-shirt.
• Base Item: Gildan 18500 • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching drawcord • Quarter-turned body to avoid crease down the middle • 1 × 1 athletic rib-knit cuffs and waistband with spandex • Front pouch pocket • Double-needle stitched collar, shoulders, armholes, cuffs, and hem • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras or El Salvador
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
What Makes a Great Surfing T-Shirt or Hoodie
When it comes to what goes into making a great surfing t-shirt, hoodie or any other graphic apparel, there are a few things that matter. We all have different tastes when it comes to graphics and styles, but there are some common denominators that we always look to as starting points for new designs at 1923 Main Street® Surfing.
Ocean-Inspired Graphics
Surf tees are inspired by just about anything ocean, including, waves, palm trees, sea creatures, sunsets and surfboards. It’s often the island vibe on a tee. Designs that capture motion or movement (like stylized swells or rippling typography) are popular as well because they have visual harmony with surf culture.
But it’s not all about the ocean. Just like with skateboarding tees and hoodies [link], surf tees can be fun, facetious and a little in-your-face at times. Something for everyone (just like the boards we ride).
Creative Use of Color
While color is a wide spectrum, surf apparel most often leans in to:
Ocean blues and turquoise hues
Sunset gradients (pinks, oranges, golds)
Natural neutrals (sand, driftwood, reef green)
These colors celebrate the beach palette and always look great when they’re given a distressed look.
Comfort First (this is surfing after all)
From t-shirts for warm days to hoodies for cool nights, comfort is essential in surf casual wear. That’s why surf tees here are almost always made from lightweight cotton or blends and breathable cuts. Hoodies and sweatshirts, on the other hand, are made for a little warmth after the ocean breeze cools at dusk, but they still need to be comfy and cozy.
Quality that Lasts
Saltwater and sun are particularly tough on clothing, so we aim to ensure our surf tees and hoodies are made using durable materials that stand up to repeated wear, washes, the elements and timeless style evolution. Nothing lasts forever, but getting your apparel to well-worn status is something we almost all love.
Soft lines, strong waves, and a flower that rides the tide.
The Surfer Blossom women’s micro-rib tank top by 1923 Main Street® blends coastal elegance with surf-ready confidence. Featuring the word Surfer paired with a tropical hibiscus blossom, this design captures the balance of strength and beauty that defines women who live for the water.
Designed for warm beach days, sunrise paddles, and laid-back coastal living, this women’s surf tank is lightweight, breathable, and easy to layer over your bikini or pair with denim shorts. Whether you are heading out for a session or strolling the boardwalk, the Surfer Blossom Tank Top makes a statement that is both feminine and fearless.
Perfect for surfers, ocean lovers, and coastal lifestyle enthusiasts, this tank top reflects a modern surf aesthetic rooted in freedom, movement, and natural beauty.
Also available as a lightweight t-shirt.
• Base Item: Bella + Canvas 1012 • 52% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Fabric weight: 5.4 oz./yd.² (183 g/m²) • Yarn diameter: 32 singles • 1 × 1 micro rib • Pre-shrunk • Stretch fit • Mid-length • Thick straps • Scoop neck • Side-seamed construction • Blank product sourced from Nicaragua
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Men’s vs. Women’s Surf Apparel: Fit & Expression
When it comes to men and women, our tastes and style preferences sometimes differ. There are a lot of unisex designs in surf wear, but there are also some that skew one way or the other.
Men’s Surf Tees and Hoodies
Traditional relaxed fit for airflow and movement
Bold graphic placement with beach-centric motifs
Hoodies sized for layering over boardshorts or tees
Women’s Surf Tees and Hoodies
Tailored fits that balance freedom and shape
Unique graphic layouts and lighter or pastel color combos
Options for cropped tees and tank tops, or soft mid-weight hoodies
At 1923 Main Street®, we design women’s surf gear with both flexibility and style in mind, because every female surfer deserves apparel that feels made for her, not just gear that’s sized down from men’s styles.
Your wave is out there. Find it. Ride it.
Chase that perfect wave—or whatever moves your soul.
This vintage style surfing vibe t-shirt by 1923 Main Street® blends the free-spirit of surf culture with the deeper call of personal adventure. Featuring a classic stylized wave graphic, this unisex tee speaks to both literal wave-chasers and those pursuing dreams across the map.
Crafted for comfort and movement, it’s a mindset and a reminder that your wave is out there, waiting for you.
Wherever you're going, wear the adventure.
• Base Item: Gildan 5000
• 100% cotton
• Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem
• Blank product sourced from Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bangladesh, Mexico
Disclaimers:
• Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
• Dark color speckles throughout the fabric are expected for the color Natural.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Surf Culture and Shirt Design Through the Decades
While surf apparel concepts have remained fairly fluid over the years when it comes to tee graphics, there have been some era variations.
1960s and ’70s: The dawn of surf tees. In this era, surfing t-shirts were often tied to music, beaches and surf movies.
1980s and ’90s: Iconic surf brands emerged in bigger numbers and graphic exploration pushed surf style right into the mainstream (for better or worse).
Today: Surf apparel blends classic vibes with modern expression, meaning your tee is as much a statement as your board or stance. There’s a little bit of everything out there—a global influence—which means you can always find something that matches your personal style.
The 1923 Main Street Surf Apparel Difference
Whether it’s a favorite surf t-shirt, a cozy hoodie for chilly dawn sessions, or a sweatshirt perfect for post-session hangs, 1923 Main Street® surfing apparel is created to capture things that truly feel like the surf life. As both surfers and designers, we look inward and outward for every design concept.
Originality is also very important in our design process. We believe that there’s no point in doing what’s been done a hundred times before. We don’t jump on trends or hot topics. Authentic graphics, intentional colors and premium comfort make every piece of 1923 Main Street surf apparel ready for the water—and life beyond it.
By Mike Belobradic
Learn more about the origin of the 1923 Main Street® apparel brand.