California’s original surf brand, known for its durable canvas trunks and timeless, coastal-inspired menswear.
ORIGIN
USA
PRICE TIER
contemporary
SPECIALIZATION
MEN
Founded in 1954 by Nancy and Walter Katin in Surfside, California, Katin is revered as one of the original surf apparel brands. The company’s journey began not with fashion, but with crafting durable canvas boat covers. When local surfers sought shorts that could withstand the rigors of the ocean, Walter Katin applied his heavy-duty materials to create some of the first-ever surf trunks, establishing a reputation for quality and durability. Champion surfers of the 60s and 70s, including Shaun Tomson and Gerry Lopez, famously wore Katin trunks, cementing the brand's authentic place in surf history. After the founders' passing, the business was passed to their loyal seamstress, Sato Hughes, who has continued the legacy.
$45.00
$41.00
$89.00
The official brand story from Katin, detailing the founder's journey from creating canvas boat covers in 1954 to developing California's first surf trunks at the request of early surfers like Corky Carroll.
An interview with Katin's President Mac Beu and VP of Sales Dale Rhodes, discussing the brand's product-driven strategy, controlled growth, and leadership vision that focuses on quality and heritage to capture a new generation of customers.
A profile of the brand's history, recounting the story of how founders Nancy and Walter Katin transitioned from making durable boat covers to creating iconic, tailor-made surf trunks that became a staple of California surf culture.