The Origins and Evolution of Surf Fleece Apparel

The Origins and Evolution of Surf Fleece

Fleece jackets and pullovers have become ubiquitous among surfers and beachgoers alike. But where did this popular fabric come from? How did it become so closely associated with surf culture? Here's a deep dive into the origins and evolution of surf fleece.

What Is Fleece?

Fleece refers to a type of synthetic knit fabric that is designed to mimic soft wool. It is lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and provides warmth without a lot of bulk. These properties make fleece ideal for keeping surfers comfortable before and after their time in the ocean.

The Invention of Polar Fleece

Polar fleece as we know it today was invented in the late 1970s by Malden Mills Industries. Building on earlier synthetic fabrics, the company developed a knitted polyester fabric designed to mimic sheep wool. It quickly began being used in jackets and pullovers.

In 1981, Patagonia launched their iconic Synchilla fleece pullover. Made from recycled plastic bottles, Synchilla fleece was durable, fast-drying, and perfect for wearing to and from the beach. Its funky patterns and colors stood out from traditional wool sweaters and caught on among surfers.

Surf Fleece Gains Popularity

As surf brands like Patagonia, O’Neill, and Rip Curl continued innovating with fleece in the 1980s and 90s, the fabric became a ubiquitous part of surf culture. Unlike most wool sweaters, fleece was lightweight enough to wear in the water and perfectly suited to combatting ocean winds.

Both professional and recreational surfers took to wearing fleece pullovers before and after hitting the waves. Beachgoers and coastal tourists also increasingly donned fleece while strolling along the shore. They were perfect for throwing on during coastal walks or bonfires at night.

Technical Improvements

Since fleece first emerged, fabric manufacturers have continued finding ways to improve its functionality for surfers.

Some key innovations include:

• Wind-resistant fleece that incorporates spandex and tighter knits
• Stretchy fleece that allows for better movement paddling out or hanging ten
• Faster-drying microfleece suited for wearing under wetsuits
• Plush high-pile fleece for maximum comfort and warmth

These developments have secured fleece’s reputation as a must-have part of every surfer’s kit.

Surf Brands Showcase Fleece

Walk into any surf shop, and you’re guaranteed to find racks stuffed full of fleece apparel from leading brands. The fabric has become deeply intertwined with coastal casual fashion and culture.

Patagonia

As pioneers in fleece apparel, Patagonia has continued releasing new colorful and creative fleece designs every season while championing sustainability. Their Re-Tool Snap-T pullovers and Better Sweater jackets are popular worldwide.

The North Face

Known for outerwear, North Face applies high-tech fleece to jackets designed to be worn atop wetsuits and stand up to seriously frigid surf. The jackets feature wind-proofing, water resistance, and reliable warmth for surf trips even in winter.

Roxy

As a leading women’s surf brand, Roxy creates plenty of cute, stylish fleece pullovers and zip-ups perfect for going to and from the ocean. Their floral patterns and bright colors allow female surfers to stay warm while still projecting their personal style.

Rip Curl

With fleece sweaters and jackets for both men and women, Rip Curl is all about fleece suited to wearing during epic surf sessions. From pullovers featuring handy warming pockets to lightweight zip-ups, Rip Curl focuses on performance-oriented features.

The Future of Surf Fleece

Even with all the innovation over the last decades, fleece still has room to evolve in better facilitating surfing. We will likely see continued improvements in water wicking, breathability, odor and microbial resistance, and range of motion.

Surf brands may also experiment more with sustainable manufacturing as consumer awareness grows around recycling and environmentalism. And patterns will undoubtedly become even more colorful and creative going forward!

No matter what changes may come, fleece has undoubtedly secured its reputation as an iconic and beloved part of surf culture for decades to come.

FAQs

What makes fleece good for surfing?

Fleece is lightweight, quick-drying, and provides warmth without bulk - perfect for throwing on before and after surf sessions. Advanced fleece is also highly breathable, stretchy for ease of movement, and even wind and water resistant.

Why did fleece become so popular among surfers?

When Patagonia and other surf brands started making fleece pullovers in the 1980s, surfers loved how comfortable and functional they were compared to wool sweaters. Bold colors and funky prints also aligned well with surf culture.

What sorts of innovations have improved surf fleece?

Surf brands have incorporated spandex and tighter knits for wind resistance, created stretchier fleece for ease of motion while surfing, developed microfleece that dries quicker, and maximized plushness for warmth and comfort.

Is fleece still evolving for surfing?

Absolutely. We expect continued enhancements around water wicking, breathability, odor control, range of motion, and sustainable manufacturing techniques. The possibilities are endless for this iconic surf fabric.