Born in 1969, The Original was the first boardshort to blend style with performance to create something that represented the raw, progressive energy of surfing. It won World Titles. It broke rules. It inspired individuals while connecting them to something bigger, becoming a patch of honor on the beach and beyond. It’s been ripped-off, updated, evolved and amplified. But The Original has maintained its status as an icon of surfing.
It’s been the common thread of a thousand stories, and it’s got plenty more to tell.
The Original DNA
Comfort, performance and sustainability. The Original is a boardshort like no other. Here are a few of the things that make it, well, original.
Arch Construction
The design that changed everything: Quiksilver’s 1981 Arch panel, which follows the body’s lines, increasing flexibility and allowing for better surfing.
Contrast Stitching
When boardshorts were born, we didn’t have the luxury of matching stitch color to fabric color. Turns out it looks good, so we kept it around.
Patch
It wouldn’t be complete without an iconic logo. Ours is on a lurex patch woven into the short — you won’t find this anywhere else.
Recycled Fabric
A 4-way stretch fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. It feels good in the water, out of the water and everywhere you want to take it.
An icon in full color
The Original has been the common thread of a thousand stories and it’s got plenty more to tell. So, pick your flavor and get busy.
Rio Waida
IN THE ORIGINAL
Bali – one of surfing’s most iconic locations and home to Rio Waida, one of surfing’s rising superstars. Surfing in Bali year-round means perfect waves and consistent performance, all in boardshorts. So it’s no surprise that Rio knows exactly what he’s after in terms of performance and style combined: our Original boardshorts. An Iconic short, for iconic surfing - in an iconic location. It simply doesn’t get any purer—scope Rio’s favourite shorts starring in his latest video edit.
Iconic for a reason.
Quam
Mikey Wright
IN THE ORIGINAL
The Original is an icon of surfing. And Mikey Wright’s surfing is supremely original. This short film was shot on the iconic North Shore of Oahu, where Mikey spent nearly all of his waking hours wearing The Original.
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Andy Nieblas
IN THE ORIGINAL
Riding a single fin at Desert Point. Going leash-less at Pipe. Nose rides, soul arches and shades of Gerry Lopez. Andy Nieblas’ new film can be enjoyed without a shelf-life — just like The Original itself.
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Celebrating Pride Month
“Icons Are For Everyone” is a celebration of Pride and the leaders from the LGBTQ+ surfing community creating a more inclusive surfing culture. We believe that we make surf culture better when we make it together, so please join us in supporting these leaders in their work—this month, and every month.
Stephen Miller
Stephen Milner didn’t set out to be a “surf artist” in the traditional sense. The California-based sculptor, photographer, painter and printmaker (to name a handful of Stephen’s many skills) has long loved riding waves.
Bennys Club
“Benny” is a slang term for a non-local—not exactly the type of person traditionally held in high esteem in surf culture. So the decision by Johnny Cappetta and Momo Hudes to name their new collective “Benny’s Club”.
Queer Surf Club
Aside from being Pride Month, this June holds special significance for English surfer Frazer Riley for another reason—it marks the 1-year anniversary of Queer Surf Club.
The Original short
A boardshort like this can go far beyond the beach. Which is why we also make The Original with an elastic waist, giving an iconic boardshort a fashion-forward twist.
Elastic Waist In style, in and out of the water. This is the main feature that separates this short from The Original boardshort.
Side PocketMost boardshorts don’t have side pockets. These do. Your keys, phone, wallet, etc can thank us later.
Choose Your Original Short
The Original Collection
The Original is just a starting point. You can dress it up, or simply get down in it — up to you.
Original Boardshort Collection for Men - Shop Online
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