If there is one surf brand that I have consistently worn since I was in high school, it’s Billabong.
Billabong is an Australian surf company which was founded in the Golden Coast, Queensland in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant and the name is derived from the Wiradjuri (a group of Aboriginal Australian people) word “bilaban” (a creek that runs only during the rainy season).
Back then Gordon designed and created boardshorts at his home and sold them to local surf shops. Because of the triple stitching technique, surfers seeked the quality of these boardshorts and this would lead to the beginning of Billabong’s success.
While I couldn’t find any photos of Billabong from 1973, I will write about Billabong’s 73 Stripe Original Boardshorts.
These boardshorts look classic thanks to the horizontal pigment stripe print and light to dark blue gradient with the split binding and scalloped hems on each side.
This is part of the Billabong Originals Series of boardshorts with a scalloped hem (sides curve).
Featuring a velcro fly and the side pocket featuring a woven label (pocket has velcro) with a drawstring loop.
The shorts have the small Billabong logo on the lower left and on the reverse, a big Billabong logo.
The shorts are made with recycled cotton stretch blend and combines a breathable softness and structure of vintage cotton with the stretchable performance of polyester. Also, these shorts have a micro repel water repellent and is quick drying.
So, you literally get classic ’70s style boardshorts with today’s modern materials.
The shorts are made with 100% polyester and have a 20-inch outseam.
These boardshorts are absolutely stylish and cool. As for if they are true to size, yes they are but I will say they are not as looser compared to my other Billabong shorts of the same size. But it is true to size.
Overall, looking for cool board shorts with a classic ’70s style, definitely give the Billabong 73 Stripe Original Boardshort a try!
