Surf Collabs We Love: Birdwell, Pendleton Keep it Classic

If what’s old is new again and some things never go out of style, then the latest collab between iconic boardshort brand Birdwell Beach Britches and masters of flannel Pendleton Woolen Mills makes perfect sense. Birdwell’s first pair of boardshorts rolled off the sewing machine in Newport Beach in 1961, while can date its origin story back to 1863. And now, in 2024, the two long-established brands have come together to create something special.

“Our recent collection with Pendleton has been a fantastic journey, opening hearts and doors for both brands, just as it should be,” shared Birdwell CEO Eric Crane on LinkedIn.

So, what does this fantastic collaboration consist of? Created around Pendelton’s Rancho Arroyo diamond motif, the line includes men’s and women’s boardshorts (Birdwell is currently in the process of expanding their women’s boardshort offering), tees, hats and a rad changing poncho, which to be honest, looks comfy, cozy and ideal for the itinerate wanderings of a surfer. And in a world of high-priced boardshorts, these limited edition Birdwells are being offered at a hair under $60. The poncho’s a cool $100.

“I think we’re on the front side of another surf renaissance in the fashion cycle,” Crane told California Apparel News, “and the lines are blurred between surf culture and mainstream beach culture. So I think Birdwell is going to grow into America’s beach brand.”

“A lifetime customer is the holy grail. We offer an iconic, classic American style that is actually made in the U.S., and it taps into a zeitgeist of people feeling nostalgic,” Crane continued. “When things feel uncertain and trends get too far out, people fall back on basics, and Birdwell is the beachwear equivalent of a time-tested trendless staple that everyone can count on when things feel uncertain.”

One of the original boardshort manufacturers, perhaps predated only by Kanvas by Katin, which was started in 1954, Birdwell’s trunks, made with durable nylon, rust-proof rivets and indestructible stitching, has stood the test of time over the generations. Preferred attire for those that live in the sand and salt day in and day out, from surfers to lifeguards, Birdwells are as timeless as SURFER Magazine.

And the relationship between wave-riders and Pendleton goes back even further. No doubt, John Severson had a few Pendleton shirts in his closet when he was producing the first issue of SURFER back in 1960. Adopted by pioneering surfers in the ‘50s because of their warmth and comfort, especially after chilly sessions sans wetsuit, by the ‘60s The Beach Boys were rocking their Pendletons and the wool and flanel tops had become the defacto uniform for beach bums around the U.S.

In a world that’s ever changing, where fashion and style come and go with the breeze, it’s cool two see two legendary brands coming together and embracing the history and heritage of true surf culture. The new collab is available online on Birdwell and Pendleton’s sites, as well as in Pendleton retail stores.

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