Outerknown 2025 Gear Review: Performance Meets Purpose

Every journey worth taking begins with a question.

What if we could move through the world more lightly?

What if the things we wore, built, and carried told a different story — one of respect, resilience, and renewal?

Outerknown was born from these questions, shaped by the restless spirit of the sea and the patient work of true change.

Today, that spirit swells even larger, as Outerknown joins forces with Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs — weaving together a new vision where sustainability isn’t a slogan, but a standard. A living commitment stitched into every fiber, every board, every decision.

In an era of fast fashion and faster promises, Outerknown refuses to rush. They craft pieces that belong to a slower, richer rhythm — clothes and gear made to endure tides, trails, travels, and time itself.

This year’s collection is a testament to that philosophy.

We’ve worn it on long reef sessions and quiet coastlines, through forest hikes and firelit evenings. Every piece — from the Apex Evolution Trunks Gen II to the Recycled Wool Sweater — carries the same thread: a belief that beauty, performance, and stewardship can all move in harmony.

Outerknown isn’t chasing trends. They’re charting a course toward something better — and inviting all of us to paddle alongside.

Here’s what we found when we answered the call.

Outerknown's 2025 Apex Evolution Trunks, Gen II

Of course, Outerknown isn’t just about flannels and feel-good fabric. They’ve also stepped up in the performance space — and we’re seriously impressed. This year’s standout? The new Apex Evolution Trunks, Gen II — a high-performance boardshort three years in the making and designed with Kelly Slater himself.

Here’s the lowdown straight from their team:

• NetPlus® recycled nylon sourced from fishing nets (yep, ocean trash turned into treasure)
• No-slip braided drawcords, enhanced waistband, and soft touch waistband interior
• Reinforced, ultrasonic-welded seams for durability where it counts
• Laser-cut drainage holes — eleven of them, to be exact, one for each of Kelly’s world titles
• And let’s not forget the tangent back pocket with a key loop, and soft inner thigh panels for those marathon sessions.

Brad is wearing the APEX Evolution Trunk by Kelly Slater in Storm, size 30.

These trunks have all the tech you’d expect in a performance short, without compromising on the planet. They're buttery soft, crazy lightweight, and move like a second skin in the water. We’ve put them through reef sessions, beachies, and post-surf hangouts — and they’ve held up every step of the way.

I've been wearing Apex trunks for years — and not just for surfing. They're my go-to hot yoga shorts, my cafe shorts, my soak-in-the-hot pools shorts. And they still look good as new. I'll still be wearing the Gen II trunks in 2035.

Discover the Apex Evolution Trunks

But Outerknown’s magic isn’t limited to surf trunks and flannel dreams. Their 2025 lineup includes everyday staples that easily transition from trail to town — and honestly, we’ve been living in some of them. Here are five more standouts we’ve been testing:

Outerknown's Twill Trail Short

Brad is wearing the Twill Trail Short in Sage, Size S

Meet your new all-terrain favorite. The Twill Trail Short is made from the same rugged-yet-refined Italian organic cotton twill as Outerknown’s iconic Nomad Chinos. These shorts are ready for anything — hikes, campsite hangs, or that post-session brewery stop. With an elastic waistband, built-in belt, and secure zip back pockets, they’re built for movement and moments of chill. We’ve paired them with a classic tee and worn them everywhere from the shoreline to the shoreline bar.

These are seriously comfy, hard-wearing yet lightweight shorts. I love the built-in belt strap.

Discover the Twill Trail Short

Outerknown's Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee

Brad is wearing the Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee in Faded Black, Size S

Sometimes it’s the simplest pieces that make the biggest impact. The Outerknown Industrial S/S Tee lives up to its name. It’s the kind of shirt you grab without thinking, every single day — soft, breathable, and cut just right. Made from organic cotton and featuring a signature Outerknown logo, it’s got just enough personality to stand out while staying understated. Layer it, lounge in it, or throw it on with boardshorts — it doesn’t miss.

Outerknown's perfect tee is, well, perfect. I don't usually wear shirts with big brand logos but, hey, I'm a fan.

Discover the Industrial Outerknown S/S Tee

Outerknown's Hermosa Dress

Geniya is wearing the Hermosa Dress in Salt, size XS.

Outerknown hasn’t forgotten the ladies — and the Hermosa Dress is proof. Named after the Spanish word for “beautiful,” this easy, throw-on-and-go tank dress is as sustainable as it is flattering. Made from Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton jersey (the same buttery-soft fabric as their Big Heavy Tee), it moves with you and fits like a dream.

Geniya says:
“I love the scoop neckline, adjustable self-tie waist, and side slits that give it breathability and flow. It’s perfect for brunch, beach strolls, or long travel days — a true wardrobe staple. The length is ideal too — I’m 5'5", and it hits just right. I’m also a big fan of the Salt colour in Outerknown’s collection. I already own the Blanket Shirt, tee, and sweatpants in Salt — you’ll see them featured below.”

And while it’s a summer essential, the Hermosa Dress is surprisingly versatile as the seasons shift. Heading into a New Zealand winter? Just throw on a jumper or denim jacket over the top — warm, stylish, and effortlessly layered.

Discover the Hermosa Tank Dress

Outerknown's Easy Sweatpants

Geniya is wearing The Easy Sweatpants in Salt, Size XS

Finding the perfect sweatpants is surprisingly hard—but Outerknown nailed it. The Easy Sweatpants are ridiculously comfortable, flattering, and hold their shape better than most. No baggy knees. No awkward fits. Just the right amount of structure with a soft, lived-in feel.

Garment-dyed for that effortlessly worn-in look and lined with a brushed interior that feels like a hug, these sweats are made for movement — or for doing absolutely nothing. The elastic waistband, hidden drawcord, and front slash pockets (plus that subtle OK logo embroidery) seal the deal.

They’ve become my go-to for dawn patrol coffee runs, long drives, and post-surf chill sessions. I wish there were more colors available — I’d love a darker shade. Honestly, I’m just living in them. – Geniya

Discover the Easy Sweatpants

Outerknown's Highline Sweater

Geniya is wearing The Highline Sweater in Light Sky, Size XS

For those cooler evenings when the breeze kicks in or the mountain air calls, the Highline Sweater is pure layering bliss. Crafted from luxurious Italian wool and recycled cashmere, this lightweight 12-gauge knit delivers warmth without the bulk. It’s polished enough to wear to dinner and cozy enough for firepit chats.

Raglan sleeves and roll-edge detail give it that lived-in, loved feel — just fold it and toss it in your duffel. It’s going everywhere with me.

I wore it last weekend for a sunset drink at the beach café — no jacket needed, just this sweater. It somehow feels soft and sturdy at the same time.

It pairs effortlessly with my wardrobe: jeans, linen pants, or layered over a dress. It’s that versatile piece you reach for again and again — and somehow, it keeps getting better with time.

Discover the Highline Sweater

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The Final Verdict

Outerknown’s 2025 collection isn’t just about surf sessions or technical performance — it’s about clothing crafted for the full rhythm of a life lived close to the elements.

Land, sea, rest, repeat.

From reef breaks to mountain trails, early coffee runs to long fireside evenings, every piece carries the same quiet promise: thoughtful design, enduring quality, and deep respect for the planet we all move through.

We’re only just scratching the surface.

More sessions, more miles, more stories to come — and more reasons to believe that Outerknown isn’t just riding the wave of sustainable living.

They’re shaping it.