There’s just something about the sun, sand, and surf that fills my soul with joy.
But achieving maximum saltiness takes more than just proximity to the ocean.
You gotta have the right gear, apparel, and accessories to really immerse yourself in the lifestyle. And that usually means rocking some Salt Life merch.
But I know their stuff can be a little pricey for us budget-conscious folks.
So I wanted to share some of my fave alternative brands that can help you rep that salty vibe for less.
Let’s dive in:
Roxy
Roxy is one of my all-time favorite surf and beach brands. Started in the 90s as a line just for women, their stuff captures the free-spirited surf chick vibe perfectly.
I especially love their board shorts, bikinis, and hoodies. The board shorts come in fun prints and colors like flamingos or tie dye, and have a nice stretchy fabric that moves well in the water. The bikinis are super cute too – I’m obsessed with the ones with crochet details and cool strappy backs.
And the hoodies are so soft and comfy for throwing over your suit on breezy beach days. Roxy also makes great cover-ups, hats, sandals, and beach bags too.
Their prices are usually more affordable than Salt Life – I can often find Roxy board shorts on sale for around $40 and bikinis for $30-$50. The quality holds up well even after lots of wear and washes too.
Billabong
Billabong’s another OG surfwear company, founded in Australia in 1973. Their products are rugged and durable, perfect for hardcore water sports.
I especially dig their swimwear and wetsuits. The wetsuits in particular are incredibly warm and flexible – I had a Billabong steamer that let me surf for hours even in 55 degree water! The seams and seals never let in water.
Billabong’s bikinis are cute too, in sporty color blocked styles, and stay put even when you’re shredding waves.
I also love their board shorts, which come in funky tropical flower prints and bold color combos. Mens board shorts start around $50, while womens suits range from $40-$75. The quality holds up for years of heavy surfing use and washes.
Hurley
Hurley’s a younger brand, founded in 1999 by a pro surfer. They’re known for their high-performance boardshorts, but also have great tops, hoodies, hats, and backpacks.
The board shorts really shine – made with quick-drying lightweight fabric and innovative designs to maximize mobility. I especially love the Phantom prints that have a cool sheen and iridescent look. The bikinis come in simple but super flattering cuts with mix-and-match options.
I also swear by their retro-inspired rash guards for surf days – the built-in UPF 50+ protection lets me stay out for hours without worry.
And the hoodies, tanks, hats, and backpacks rock that perfect laidback SoCal vibe. As a Nike brand, the quality of Hurley’s products is top-notch while prices stay reasonable. Board shorts start around $50, while bikinis go for $30-$60.
Rip Curl
Hailing from down under like Billabong, Rip Curl has been making quality surf products since 1969. My favorite items are their bikinis and one-piece suits – super cute patterns and fits.
They use nice thick fabric that holds everything in, while still being flexible and comfortable for catching waves. The one-pieces in particular are very flattering, with cool lace-up details and halter and strappy necklines.
For bikinis, I love their push-up and underwire styles which give a little extra oomph up top. Their wetsuits are tech AF too – some of the first to use neoprene, sealing out even the coldest water.
While a little pricier than some other brands, Rip Curl quality lasts for years of heavy use. Board shorts go for $55-$75, while women’s swimwear ranges from $70-$100.
O’Neill
Pioneering the wetsuit game since 1952, O’Neill is a staple brand amongst surfers around the world. Their innovation keeps wave riders warm in even the most frigid conditions. I don’t surf myself but their bikinis and coverups are adorable.
The bikinis come in retro high-waisted styles along with modern cheeky cuts, featuring fun tropical prints and colors. They have great one-pieces too with cool cut-outs, strap details, and padding for the bust.
Their sundresses are perfect beach coverups too, in flowy rayon or cotton voile with whimsical prints. O’Neill’s prices are very reasonable, with board shorts from $45-$60 and women’s swim around $50-$70. The quality lasts season after season in the surf and sun.
Volcom
Volcom brings a youthful, edgy aesthetic to surf clothing. Founded in 1991, they’re known for their creative boardshorts, rash guards, and hoodies.
The boardshorts come in all sorts of experimental prints, fabrics, cuts – like stone and tie dye washes, mixed fabric panels, longer fits. They also have canvassy walk short styles perfect from the shore to the bar.
For women they have bikinis in mix-and-match options, cheeky bottoms with cool strap details, and cute rash guards to protect from the sun.
Their hoodies and jackets rock that skater-surfer vibe, with laidback fits, interesting pocket and hem details, and artistic prints. Typical prices range from $45 for men’s boardshorts up to $85 for jackets.
RVCA
Launched in 2001, RVCA shares that stylish yet laidback SoCal vibe. They’re especially popular for their graphic t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. The t-shirts come in countless cool prints, like abstract animals and nature scenes.
The hoodies are comfy and casual, in jersey knits or sherpa-lined. And the hats include classic dad caps, beanies, and truckers. For women they have cute cropped tanks, pullovers, and joggers to rock an effortless beach look.
Mens board shorts start around $50 and women’s around $60. The quality is decent for the price, although the prints may fade after a year or two. Overall a great brand for casual surf style on a budget.
Vissla
This new-ish brand founded in 2013 brings surf authenticity back in a fresh way. Designed and tested by pros, their boardshorts are top-notch.
They use eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester blended with spandex for perfect four-way stretch.
The designs are simple and sophisticated, in tropical floral prints, solids, and color blocking. While pricey with boardies running $85-$130, the quality is outstanding. Vissla’s apparel captures that SoCal vibe with slim tees, pullovers, and joggers in natural fabrics like linen. If looking for an elevated take on surfwear, Vissla is an excellent choice.
Magicseaweed
You can’t have the surf lifestyle without knowing the surf conditions! Though best known for their surf forecasting app, Magicseaweed also has an awesome clothing line.
Their t-shirts feature hilarious surf-inspired designs, like a shark in a wetsuit and Santa riding a surfboard.
They also have logo tees, tanks, hoodies, board shorts, and hats. This UK-based brand brings irreverent humor to surf apparel at reasonable prices. T-shirts go for around $25, boardshorts $50. While not the most durable, their stuff is great for repping surf culture on a budget.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s best known for their outdoor and hiking gear. But they also make quality surf products like boardshorts, bikinis, rash guards, and wetsuits. The board shorts are made from durable recycled polyester with a PFC-free water-repellent finish.
Their bikinis, one-pieces, and rash guards use sustainable materials too, like recycled nylon and polyester/spandex blends. From long-sleeve rash guards to stay warm in cold water, to strappy bikinis for thawing out on the sand, Patagonia has sustainable swimwear covered.
As a leader in environmental ethics, they’re helping make the salty lifestyle a little healthier for our oceans. Expect to pay $55-$70 for boardshorts, $45-$100 for swimsuits.
Outerknown
Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown combines surf style with sustainability. I especially adore their swimwear, made from recycled fishing nets! How cool is that? The bikini tops and bottoms sold separately so you can mix and match shapes and sizes.
I love the cheeky bottoms and underwire bras for extra support. Beyond swim, they make stylish cover-ups and dresses from fair trade cotton and linen. Flattering and feel-good! Their Blanket Shirt is a cozy, ethical take on a surf hoodie – made from Fair Trade organic cotton and recycled poly. Like Patagonia, Outerknown is committed to earth-friendly apparel.
So you can rep that salty lifestyle in a sustainably made wardrobe. Be ready to pay $50-$100 for tops and bottoms.
Reef
Best known for their sandals, Reef also makes stylin’ boardshorts, bikinis, and t-shirts. Founded by two brothers in Argentina in the 80s, their motto is “Life without adventure is barely worth living.” Preach! The board shorts come in floral prints, solids, stripes – silhouettes from longer styles to 7 inch inseams.
Bikinis are sporty and cute with removable soft cups and fun tropical prints. The graphic tanks and tees capture that salty lifestyle perfectly.
While the fabrics and construction aren’t the highest quality, prices reflect that. Tanks from $30, boardshorts $45-$55. Overall great casual beachwear on a budget.
Quiksilver
Like Roxy, Quiksilver is a longtime purveyor of surf style for dudes. Founded way back in 1969, their clothes balance traditional surf vibes with modern fits and designs.
They’re pioneers when it comes to board shorts, crafting them from quick-drying water resistant fabrics with triple-stitched seams. I especially like their Highline designs made with four-way stretch recycled material.
Their shirts, tanks, and hoodies capture that salt life too, with gear for both the water and the shore. While prices used to be on the high side, today you can score quality Quiksilver boardies for around $50. So it’s a great one-stop shop for guys looking to fully outfit their salty lifestyle on a budget.
Rusty
Rusty creates functional, durable surfwear perfect for rugged ocean enthusiasts. Founded by a pro surfer in California, they specialize in boardshorts and swimsuits built to withstand years of wave-shredding.
The board shorts are constructed stoutly with triple reinforced stitching and hardy fabrics like their proprietary R Dot.
Pockets are mesh and velcro for security in the lineup. For women, bikini tops boast robust support with underwire structure, rear adjustments, and removable padding. While the aesthetic leans more sporty than sexy, the quality is outstanding. Expect to pay $50-$60 for men’s shorts and $54-$80 for women’s tops and bottoms.
Vineyard Vines
Preppy Vineyard Vines is best known for their whale-logoed polos and ties. But they also offer an array of shirts, swimwear, and accessories that translate the Salt Life vibe into a more refined aesthetic. The men’s board shorts come in a 7 inch inseam with stylish geometric prints or solids.
The swim trunks have a classy vintage look. For women, the bikinis are similarly retro-inspired with high-waisted bottoms and halter tops, featuring Vineyard Vines’ signature pink and green color combos and embroidered whale logos.
Cover-ups and tees capture that preppy nautical style too. Expect to pay $75-$100 for board shorts, $80-$120 for women’s swim. While not cheap, the quality and style is superb.
Liebeskind Berlin
This unconventional German brand offers luxe leather bags and accessories with a breezy, beachy vibe. Their distressed, nature-inspired pieces embody the salty lifestyle in a sophisticated way.
I’m obsessed with their woven leather and straw tote bags – the leather lends durability while the raffia evokes tropical vibes. They also have great leather and denim bucket bags featuring unique hardware and attachments.
Beyond bags, their wallets, belts, and sunglasses scream salty. The quality and craftsmanship is impeccable, as is the price point – expect to pay $150-$600 for bags. But for a luxe leather look with a salty spirit, Liebeskind is perfect.
Tavik
Canadian brand Tavik has been designing unique, eye-catching boardshorts since 2000. Their clothes combine bold graphics, unexpected fabrics, and performance features fit for riding waves.
They were one of the first to use50innovative fabrics like ECOPRENE in their board shorts – stretchy, water-resistant, and made from recycled materials. I love their fusion of art, music, and action sports aesthetics in out-there prints.
Beyond swim, their joggers, hoodies, and hats capture that creative surf vibe too. Like their designs, their prices push boundaries – expect to pay $70-$100 for boardshorts. But for gear and apparel that truly stands out, Tavik delivers.
Splendid
Splendid is an American clothing brand known for their super soft, comfy basics for living the laidback SoCal lifestyle.
Founded in 1992, their collections capture that casual, effortlessly stylish California vibe. I especially love their hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, and dresses for a relaxed beach look. The hoodies come in cozy textures like waffle knit, fleece, and thermal – perfect for breezy bonfires or chill beach mornings.
I live in their All Day Dreamin’ joggers too, made from a stretchy cotton blend that works for lounging or layering. The graphic tees and tanks have cute phrases like “Genius At Work” or “Community Property” that are perfect for repping your salty state of mind.
And their breezy striped sundresses just scream beach goddess. Splendid quality is superb too, with fabrics knitted in the USA from Supima cotton.
Pieces feel buttery soft yet hold their shape wash after wash. Prices are reasonable for the quality too, with dresses $100-$120 and hoodies $128-$148. If you love comfy clothes made for living that SoCal salt life, check out Splendid!
Onia
Onia is an American brand creating high-quality swimwear and apparel essentials for the salty lifestyle. Launched in 2009 in Miami, Onia makes the absolute best bathing suits for soaking up the sun, sand, and surf.
Their bikini tops and bottoms mix and match to fit your body perfectly. I love the underwire and mesh details providing support and a bombshell shape. Their one-pieces are sexy too, with plunging Vs, crisscross straps, and cheeky rear cuts.
Beyond swim, their coverups like kimonos, caftans, and shirts transition seamlessly from the beach to the bar.
And their men’s swim trunks, shirts, and shorts effortlessly combine swim and streetwear style. While pricey with swim around $125 per piece, Onia uses technical quick-dry fabrics that withstand years of sun and salt. If you value quality craftsmanship with sophistication, Onia is a perfect pick.
L*Space
L*Space is the embodiment of that free-spirited, boho beach babe aesthetic. Created in California in 2000, their swimwear, coverups, and dresses help you live your most stylish salt life. Each piece is thoughtfully designed with luxe fabrics, flirty details, and beautiful prints and colors.
Their bikini tops provide coverage and lift in ways that are both sexy and sophisticated. Bottoms range from cheeky to full coverage so you can rock your ideal fit. Beyond swim, I’m obsessed with their kimonos, maxi dresses, and jumpsuits – they transition flawlessly from the sand to evening cocktails.
L*Space also uses eco-friendly fabrics like recycled nylon and low-impact dyes. So you can feel good about looking fabulous! Just be prepared to splurge, with swim around $160 per piece and coverups $150-$250. To live that luxe salt life, L*Space has you covered in boho beauty.
Letarte
Letarte helps you rep your salt life vibes with bohemian glamour. This boutique brand was founded by two free-spirited sisters in Florida in 2000. Their swimwear, coverups, and dresses mix eclectic prints, luxe fabrics, and sparkly details for an elevated beach goddess look.
Bikini tops give a subtle lift while bottoms provide cheeky coverage. Their brightly patterned maxi dresses keep you cool and chic from the beach to the bar. Coverups like kimonos, jumpsuits, and dusters add glitzy glam.
While prices hover around $175 for swim and $200-$300 for apparel, the quality matches the cost. Letarte uses high-end fabrics like Italian silk that feel luxurious and hold up for years. If your salt life leans more boho bombshell, Letarte is a splurge worth taking.
Lolli
For swimwear that’s flirty, fresh, and fun, check out the Aussie brand Lolli. Launched in 2013, Lolli creates playful suits made to mix, match, and make memories in. Their cheeky bottoms come in XS to XL so you can find your perfect fit.
Tops range from underwire push-ups to crocheted halters that can be worn 20 different ways. Everything mixes and matches, so you can customize your style daily. Beyond swim, they have cute tees, tanks, shorts, and coverups in bright colors and prints.
Graphics feature cheeky phrases like “Beach Better Have My Money” for repping that salty state of mind. While not the most luxe fabric, prices around $50 per piece fit the budget-friendly vibe. Lolli’s youthful, girly sensibility makes it a go-to for fun-loving salt life babes.
Floor Play
Floor Play offers laidback surf-inspired apparel with artistic edge. The Aussie brand embodies that adventurous spirit through their unique globally-inspired prints, patterns, and details.
The mens tops, tees, and shorts are perfect for chasing waves by day, then grabbing drinks at night, with interesting fabrics, asymmetric cuts, and subtle textures. The womenswear brings feminine flair through maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and kimonos featuring boho details like crochet, lace, beading, and tassels.
Coverups transform seamlessly into eveningwear. Pieces are ethically and sustainably made too. Floor Play quality rivals the runway, with silky viscose fabrics and meticulous construction. Prices range from $100-$260. If your salt life is artsy, adventurous, and worldly, Floor Play is a dream.
Mikoh
Mikoh adds sleek, chic style to the salty lifestyle. Designer and surfer Oleema Miller founded the luxury swim and resortwear brand in 2003. Her pieces fuse the laidback vibe of surf culture with high fashion detailing for effortlessly elegant appeal.
Bikini tops mix athletic style with delicate strapping and hardware for a polished sexy look. Bottoms range from full coverage to cheeky.
One-pieces have artful cut-outs, textures, and contouring. Coverups like dusters, jumpsuits, and kimonos take you from sun-drenched days to cocktail parties exuding sophistication.
While expensive at $150-$300 per piece, Mikoh uses opulent Italian fabrics like ribbed jacquard and velvet devoré. If you crave fashion-forward finesse with your salt life style, Mikoh is a dream.
Swell
For wanderlust-inspired clothing designed for dreamy beach days, check out the Aussie brand Swell. Launched in Bondi Beach in 2009, Swell encapsulates effortless sophistication and global grace in their collections.
Their dresses, jumpsuits, and shorts are perfect for seaside adventures and moonlit soirees alike. Details like crochet, lace, beading, and floral prints add bohemian romance.
Their swim line provides flattering support through underwires, removable padding, and adjustable straps, with bottoms ranging from cheeky to modest cuts.
Coverups continue the breezy glamour. Swell uses delicately diaphanous fabrics like silk chiffon that drape beautifully. Be prepared to splurge, as pieces run $160-$300. But for salt life style with sophisticated gypsy flair, Swell is perfection.
