Waves of Change: How Outerknown Sets the Standard with Sustainability at Its Core

Image courtesy of Ryan Foley

When we think of Los Angeles fashion, we picture sun-kissed beaches, casual luxury, and an effortless cool that comes with the territory. But at the heart of LA’s evolving style scene is something deeper, something with purpose. Enter Outerknown, the sustainable apparel brand born from the soul of the ocean and powered by innovation, ethics, and iconic design.

Founded by 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown isn’t just dressing the West Coast, it’s reshaping what it means to wear your values. Based right here in Los Angeles, Outerknown is more than a clothing label; it's a movement. It’s a call to action to reimagine fashion through the lens of sustainability, transparency, and environmental stewardship.

Apex Evolution: Surf Wear That Cleans the Ocean

Outerknown’s latest launch—the Apex Evolution Trunks—perfectly encapsulates the brand’s ethos. These are the world’s first four-way stretch boardshorts made from Bureo's NetPlus®, a cutting-edge material crafted from recycled fishing nets. These nets, once destined to wreak havoc on marine life as one of the ocean’s most dangerous pollutants, are now being transformed into high-performance surf wear. That’s LA Living: style that saves the sea.

The Apex trunks were three years in the making, born from Kelly Slater’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Every detail was considered: no-slip braided drawcords, a cinch-perfect waistband that avoids uncomfortable bunching, and seamless stitch-free construction to prevent chafing. They’re not only the most advanced boardshorts on the market—they’re also the most meaningful.

Image courtesy of Bureo- Ian Kasnoff

Fashion Meets Environmental Action

The release of the Apex trunks wasn’t just a product drop, it was a celebration of community and environmental impact. Outerknown, along with Firewire Surfboards, Bureo, and the Surfrider Foundation, hosted a beach cleanup and surfboard demo at Dockweiler Beach. Volunteers came together for a day of sand, sun, and sustainability, gathering ocean litter and collecting data that the Surfrider Foundation will use to influence legislation and fight plastic pollution at its source.

This wasn’t just a cleanup. It was a living embodiment of Outerknown’s mission: real people, taking real action, right here in Los Angeles. That’s the kind of fashion activism that deserves to be front and center.

Circular Style: Where Nothing Goes to Waste

Outerknown isn’t just cleaning up beaches, it’s also cleaning up closets. Through Outerworn, the brand’s resale platform for pre-loved garments, over 1,800 items have been kept out of landfills and given new life. They’ve partnered with Project Vermont to transform 960 lbs of denim and 400 lbs of wool sweaters into stylish bags, mittens, and blankets. It's circular fashion at its finest.

This approach to circularity isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s a core pillar of the brand. Outerknown is rewriting the rules of fashion by designing for longevity, not landfill.

Image courtesy of Bureo- Jürgen Westermeyer

From Farm to Fabric: Building a Better Supply Chain

Outerknown doesn’t just talk the talk—they lead by example when it comes to ethical sourcing. Through their partnership with Bergman Rivera, they’ve transformed 28 acres of farmland to grow Regenerative Organic Certified™ cotton, producing 10 tons of clean, climate-positive fiber. These regenerative practices go far beyond traditional organic standards—revitalizing ecosystems, supporting soil health, and uplifting farming communities. It’s a powerful reminder that fashion can be both beautifully made and deeply responsible.

LA Style, Global Impact

In Los Angeles, style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about what you stand for. Outerknown has tapped into that deep truth, delivering not only sustainable innovation but a refined, relaxed aesthetic that perfectly matches the LA lifestyle. This is fashion that respects the ocean and elevates your look at the same time. It's luxury living with a conscience.

Gone are the days when sustainability meant sacrificing sophistication. Outerknown proves that you can have both. Their commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical production doesn’t just align with trends—it sets them. From the surfboard to the sidewalk, from the farm to the front row, this brand is the future of elevated, purpose-driven fashion.

For those of us living the LA lifestyle—where wellness, culture, and design intersect—Outerknown offers a wardrobe that reflects our values and vision. It's not just about looking good; it’s about feeling proud of the choices we make and the impact they have.

IG @kaseycahen