Sunglass Brands Inspired by Surf Culture

Born on the rugged coast of Western Australia, it’s only natural that surf culture is deeply ingrained in OTIS’s DNA. Embracing this way of life in true Aussie fashion, OTIS eyewear is all about encompassing the relaxed surf lifestyle through easy-to-wear sunglasses that excels in both style and technical excellence. OTIS has long been involved in the Australian and US surf industry as well as partnering with esteemed surfers Imogen Caldwell and Eric Geiselman as brand ambassadors. OTIS not only celebrates their achievements within the surfing industry but also recognises Caldwell and Geiselman as jacks of all trades with talents that extend beyond the water. OTIS bridges the gap between art, innovation and surfers needing the best in polarised eyewear; it is a brand that celebrates not only surf culture but creative talent in all shapes and form.

With a collaborative surf movie up their sleeves and their very own surf team who create, wear and represent the brand’s youthful sunglasses, Epokhe is an undeniably cool surf lifestyle and fashion brand made for creatives. Designed in Byron Bay, Australia’s hot spot for surf, art and fashion, Epokhe has a collected and carefree vibe that isn’t easily matched. Epokhe’s unique brand presence has created a special place in the surf industry. Not only do they create premium eyewear that protects from the harsh sun, but they also put great emphasis on creating fashionable eyewear that the brand’s representatives and like-minded friends want to wear on and off the beach. A focus on quality, design and ethical production methods have set a solid foundation for Epokhe, solidifying their place as a go-to brand for talented and trendy surf enthusiasts.

Rip Curl is an Australian company built by surfers for surfers and remains one of the biggest names in the industry 50 years since its creation. As one of the world’s most recognised and respected surf brands, Rip Curl’s presence is in every aspect of surf culture, from boards and equipment to headlining the biggest championship tour contests. It’s only fitting that Rip Curl created a range of protective and durable eyewear designed to combat all the elements surfers and beachgoers might encounter near the water. Rip Curl sunglasses feature premium polarised technology while being cool and casual in style. Rip Curl is all about striving for greatness, which is why they have created lightweight eyewear so you can focus on what matters.

Von Zipper is a Californian-based brand that began in 2000 as a group of friends who shared a mutual magnetism to freedom and an alternative mindset. Today, Von Zipper is associated with a range of lifestyle and sports industries, one of the biggest being their place in the surf culture. Von Zipper’s involvement in the surf industry is not only stemmed from their collection of surfing, skateboarding and snow accessories, the brand’s executives are active members of the non-profit Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest network focused on coastal conservation. Von Zipper’s passion for surf culture extends beyond the sport by embracing diversity and individuality within the industry, making them a fresh and youthful surf-inspired brand for individuals and freethinkers.

With an impressive global surf team that includes surfing legends Mick Fanning, Owen Wright and Rob Machado, Dragon has well and truly solidified its presence in the surf industry. Will Howard, the founder of Dragon, aimed to build a company that encompassed his affinity for surfing which is evident in Dragon’s approach to design, image and eyewear functionality. The active youth lifestyle brand has introduced innovative technologies into their sunglasses, including H2O frames that float in water and premium polarised lenses that combat harsh glare surfers might encounter at the beach. With their growing partnership team of the world’s most influential and talented surfers, Dragon has proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with.