In the fifties, surfing was almost unknown by the general community. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, everybody wanted to go surfing or at least have an association with the lifestyle. Suddenly, a new style of surf clothing began to be seen, even in midwestern states far from the waves. What happened?
Contrary to popular belief, it was not the Beach Boys who first brought surfing into the limelight. It was the little-known true story of a surfer girl by the name of “Gidget” that started it all. The book, written by her father, was published in 1957. The film rights were sold and in 1959, a movie by the same name was released.
Starring superstars Sandra Dee, James Darren and Cliff Robertson, the movie featured handsome young athletes, bikini-clad girls, lots of action and a hit soundtrack. It was all about the Malibu surfing community and made surfing look like what most surfers would agree it really is - the ultimate lifestyle.
The popularity of that movie led to many more imitators. In pop music, surf music became huge, with groups like Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys making in to Number One on the charts. About the only teenagers who didn’t like their music were surfers, who really preferred to keep their sport to themselves. Instead, they listened to the music of bands like Dick Dale and the Ventures. The fast-paced guitar licks in instrumentals like “Perfidia” and “Walk, Don’t Run” were what they listened to before they tackled the waves.
Nothing could stop the rising popularity of surfing, though. By the early sixties, surfing was a fad. Those who were lucky enough to live within driving distance of the beach were learning to surf. Those who were not so lucky started wearing surf fashion.
Baggy Hawaiian shirts, baggy trunks and Hawaiian print bikinis were the surfing style of that era. It took time for a surfing apparel industry to evolve, but evolve it did. Today, some of the early surf wear companies are multi-million dollar corporations.
Surfwear is not just for surfers anymore. You can find it in the most far-flung corners of the world. From the limited apparel of the sixties, the range of surfing related clothing and accessories has grown to include all kinds of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and even watches and jewelry. Today, you can be dressed for any occasion in surfing brands and styles.
Surf clothing has come a long way, as has the sport of surfing. Once considered a fringe sport, the top stars now command multi-million dollar contracts and surf industry giants vie for their sponsorship. One wonders what Gidget would think.
Discover great deals on surf clothes by shopping online. There you will find the many choices for surf clothing that you have to choose between. Head online now.
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