Blog
INTRODUCING: NIKBEN May 19 2017
NIKBEN swimwear is now available at Service! The Swedish designed swim trunks feature quick-drying fabric, mesh lining, and fun prints in a 14 inch out seam. Just in time for summer, also makes for a great Father's Day gift when accompanied by a free backgammon gift box.
INTRODUCING: CAPTAIN FIN July 08 2016
Service is proud to introduce California-based Captain Fin, a surfboard fin manufacturing brand humbly started in lifelong surfer's Mitch Abshere's garage in 2006. They are known for being one of the first companies to put artwork on high-performance surfboard fins and very quickly gained a good reputation in the surf industry.
Abshere opened a retail shop in 2009 that sold vintage clothing as well as their own fins and quickly branched out to making apparel inspired by vintage beachwear and always featuring Captain Fin's trademark anchor image. Their company slogan is simply "Back to the Beach."
Captain Fin is now a global fan favorite and even sponsors a surf team including surfers Alex Knost and Dane Reynolds amongst others.
OG Anchor 6 Panel Hat, heather grey
Sanders Horizontal Stripe Tee, heather blue
"Straight Up" Horizontal Stripe Golf, natural
Super Chino Shorts, camel
Cam "Oh Yeah" Boardshort, 19", olive - quick dry
Time Warp Boardshort, 19," grey/yellow - quick dry
Shop all Captain Fin at our brick & mortar only.
NEW ARRIVALS: THE POSTER LIST GRAPHIC TEES July 06 2016
The Poster List tees have arrived for Summer! As always, they are Made in the USA, have an extra soft hand-feel, and are inspired by all things that we love, including typography, graphic design, and tacos.
Here they are photographed in their natural habitat.
Taco Tuesday Tee, heather grey
Pool Party Tee, white
Red & Blue Stripe Pocket Tee, white
Blue Triangles Tee, heather grey
Shop The Poster List tees in store now.
WHAT ARE YOU WEARING THIS 4TH? June 28 2016
We rounded up a few of our favorite red, white, and blue items for America's big birthday. Have fun and stay safe celebrating the 4th.
From L. to R. clockwise:
1. ambsn. 18" U.S. Flag Boardshorts. red/white/blue. $58.
2. RVCA. S/S Slim Fit. vintage white. $68.
3. Happy Socks. Dot Stripe. blue/red/white. $12.
4. Havaianas. Flip Flops. red. $18.
5. Service. Have-A-Hank Bandana. MADE IN USA. white. $6.
1. ambsn. "F Yeah" Reverse Image Tee. MADE IN USA. bone. $35.
2. Happy Socks. Filled Optic Boxes Sock. navy/red/white. $12.
3. Deus Ex Machina. Rugby Swim 15" Short. blue fade. $78.
4. Service. Have-A-Hank Bandana. MADE IN USA. red. $6.
5. Havaianas/Style West. Americana Flip Flops. navy/red/white. $25.
1. Havaianas/Style West. Americana Flip Flops. white/navy/red. $25.
2. RVCA. Sure Thing Stripe Golf. vintage white. $45.
3. Happy Socks. Stars & Stripes. blue/red/white. $12.
4. ambsn. "F Yeah Burger" Trucker Hat. navy. $35.
5. Service. Have-A-Hank Bandana. MADE IN USA. navy. $6.
6. Banks. Splice Boardshorts. dirty denim/red. $68.
Shop all above items in store now.
NEW ARRIVALS: AMBSN June 03 2016
Chris Burkard "Aleutian Wave" / Chris Burkard "Alberta" Packable swim short
Service is once again fully stocked with items from California based brand, ambsn.
We're especially excited about the collaboration that ambsn did with self-taught photographer, artist and surfer, Chris Burkard. The collection features a special swim short and tee featuring his awe inspiring, layered landscape photography. The use of natural lighting techniques is prevalent throughout Burkard’s work as well as capturing humanizing moments in both cultural and natural landscapes
View more of Chris Burkard's photography here!
Also, check out the rest of our selection of ambsn's newest tees, button down shirts, hats, and swimwear. Note the novelty prints inspired by Summer and American pride, just in time for July 4th.
"Palmero" Tailored Fit Shirt, bone / "Village" Tailored Fit Shirt, ash grey
"Parrot" Tailored Fit Shirt, coal
"F Yeah" Reverse Image Tee, bone / "Mouthful" Image Tee, coal
"High Desert Wolf" Tee, coal - front and back
18" U.S. Flag Boardshorts, red/white/blue / 18" Parrot Boardshorts, coal
"Burgerworld" Six-Panel Hat With Leather Closure, denim
"Sunny's" Six-Panel Hat With Leather Closure, melon
"Eyes" Six-Panel Hat With Leather Closure, black
"F Yeah Burger" Trucker Hat, navy
Shop for all ambsn items in store now.
INTRODUCING: TCSS May 24 2016
Service Menswear is excited to present a hat, shorts, swim trunks and tees from The Critical Slide Society (TCSS).
Founded in 2009 in a seaside village on the Central Coast of Australia, TCSS was launched by a couple of like minded surfers, Jim Mitchell and Sam Coombes, who, with a good sense of humor and a keen eye for art and design, had the vision of an authentic, creative label as a platform to celebrate an emerging alternative movement within surf culture: one that’s less about the winner’s podium and more about the simple joy of a deeply engaged surfing life.
TCSS works with artists, photographers, designers, filmmakers, surfers from across the globe, all of whom share a similar outlook. TCSS unique approach and its detail oriented design, has quickly become recognized for being one of the leading surfwear companies in originality.
Mitchell and Coombes describe the company in their own words: "A slippery little creature. Wrestled from the minds, pencils & sketchbooks of a small few in Australia & the United States, fed on a strict diet of colorful foam mowers, soulful skeg flexers (past & present) and the versatility of the humble surf craft beneath our feet.”
Paradise Bucket hat
Live Fast Tee
Live Fast Tee details
Island Life tee
Island Life Tee details
Mr. Perfect Walkshort
Plain Jane 16" trunks
Transit 16" boardshort
Buy all TCSS items in store now.
MADE IN USA: MOLLUSK NEW ARRIVALS May 17 2016
NEW ARRIVALS: GLOBE March 25 2016
Shroom Shirt
Spring has officially arrived and so have short sleeve shirts and board shorts from Globe Australia, who just celebrated their 30th anniversary! Check out the Service selection of Globe's newest surf/skate inspired casual and swimwear that feature novelty prints.
Vacay Shirt
Stafford Palm Tree Shirt
Old Brick Poolshort
Slice Poolshort
Shop the new Globe items in-store. Happy Spring!
INTRODUCING: BANKS March 05 2016
Laneway boardshort
Banks is a global men's brand based in the USA, Japan and Australia created by surf industry veterans Tim Cochran, Masahiro Shibahara, and former professional surfer Brad Gerlach.
Splice boardshort
The three owners grew up surfing and wanted to create a brand that was understated, less focused on branding, and more focused on quality and sustainability. Banks is openly passionate about decreasing their carbon footprint and they do this by using recycled polyester for their labels, organic cotton, and PVC & phthalate free inks.
Loom tee
Banks focuses on the guys who grew up surfing, much like themselves, but are influenced by other passions like photography, music, architecture, and travel; guys that want a premium product, are conscious about the environment and are seeking an authentic brand that will mature with them.
Laneway boardshort
Simply put, their mission is to merge style and understated functionality with a sustainable approach to design and development.
Shorts now available in store and online, tee available in store only.
RVCA IS HERE FOR SUMMER May 07 2015
It is no secret Service has a fondness for surf and skate inspired brands. We began selling RVCA when the brand launched in 2001. We were attracted to the collection because it was simple, affordable and durable. Today, almost fifteen years later, each collection maintains those same design sensibilities season after season. Now a much larger enterprise, RVCA remains a great value and a celebration of its casual surf/skate roots.
We sold the original Recession Collection at our Campus store because it was super affordable and cool. It was designed with a Dickies vibe and introduced poly cotton durable blends to skaters, couriers, baristas and students. The Recession Collection pant and short were the original inspiration for what is now the Weekend Chino, a mainstay in RVCA’s broader offering. Then the shorts were basically short versions of Dickies pants. Shirts were poly cotton versions of a two pocket work shirt like guys wore at gas stations and auto garages mostly sold by Dickies at the time. RVCA was the perfect compliment to our Vans offering. They are still great together.
Back then RVCA seemed real, raw and relevant, not unlike Altru, Mollusk or Almond, now. We still love the RVCA team’s smart designs.
Today, RVCA maintains an important place in our assortment. Have a look at our new arrivals including shorts, tees, tanks, swim trunks, and shirts.
In addition, we will always offer RVCA short sleeve and long sleeve oxford shirts in core and seasonal colors, as well as the Weekend Chino, all available in the store and online.
This Fall, we will re-introduce Dickies at Service with the Dickies Construct Collection. Work wear inspired pants and jackets with a modern fit. The Recession Collection is also back as a special collection within the RVCA brand. The clothing will feature the original label on staple basics like cotton tees, sweatshirts and chinos.
NEW ARRIVALS: DEUS EX MACHINA, SUNDEK, QUIKSILVER ORIGINALS, VANS, SUPER & MOLLUSK April 29 2015
DEUS EX MACHINA TUGU PALMS BOARDSHORT IN BLACK & KHAKI.
DEUS EX MACHINA TWISTED SNAKES POCKET TEE IN WASHED BLACK.
DEUS EX MACHINA SHORT SLEEVE BELBIN DOBBY SHIRT IN INDIGO.
QUIKSILVER ORIGINAL ARCH 18" CHECKER BOARDSHORT IN BLACK.
SUPER AMERICA FERRAGOSTO CLAIRE DUPORT SUNGLASSES IN BLACK.
SUNDEK LONG RAINBOW SWIM SHORTS IN SILVER #3.
MOLLUSK SMILE SURF POCKET TEE IN ROMA RED.
VANS PLEASURE POINT BOARDSHORTS IN DARK SLATE DEL SOL.
NEW ARRIVALS: MOLLUSK April 21 2015
Mollusk has arrived at Service for Spring and we have stocked extra soft t-shirts in cotton solids, stripes and graphics, shorts, swim trunks, and lounge pants. Every piece is made in the USA and comes in the California brand's signature washed down color palette, as if each item has already been faded by the sun. Each of the swim trunks have a button-thru back pocket for a wallet or other valuables. Just put on a t-shirt and wear the trunks as shorts when not by the water.
Come check out the new goods, now available in-store and online.
Lurker Image Tee in White & Olde Whale Pocket Tee in Faded Black.
Palm Pocket Tee in Light Indigo & Stripe Pocket Tee in Vintage White and Blue.
Marblehead Pocket Tee in Sea Blue & Grass Green.
Tapestry Swim Trunks in Blue Green
60/40 Swim Trunks in Light Indigo & Kelp Swim Trunks in Blue Green.
Farmer Dave Drawstring Pants in Indigo.
Walk Shorts in Mash Green & Dull Indigo.
NEW ARRIVALS: VANS x HANK FOTO April 07 2015
For another season running, Vans teamed up with photographer Hank Foto for a capsule collection of kitschy tees, boardshorts, and hats with beach inspired imagery. Born in Southern California, Hank Foto has been a staple surf photographer for Surfing Magazine since the 80's. Now based out of Oahu, he remains one of the premier photographers of the North Shore.Service has stocked 4 pieces from the collection, which are available in the shop and online.
Hank Foto Panel Boardshorts in Black.
Hank Foto Trucker Hat in Black.
Hank Foto Hula Hunnies Tee in Black.
Hank Foto Baked Buns Tee in Oatmeal Heather.
We have even more new swim arrivals from Vans. Two drawstring waist volley swim shorts and three classic boardshorts in 80's inspired colors and prints. All priced under $60. For more Vans apparel and shoes, check out our full selection here.
Sloat Decksiders Swim Shorts in Yellow.
Planetary Solid Boardshorts in Lagoon. Also available in Black.
Planetary "Now Exiting Paradise" Boardshorts in Black.
VANS GIVEAWAY June 22 2014
For a limited time, buy 2 items from Vans (shoes and apparel) and receive a FREE DIY tie dye VANS swim trunk kit! Just mention this post at time of purchase.
Left, white cotton boardshorts, ready for dyeing with RIT dye. Right, take them home and tie dye your swim trunks in your kitchen! Kit comes with 4 RIT dye packets and blank, un-dyed boardshorts. Instructions included inside the box. Promotion applies to in-store purchases and online.
GO FOR THE SUN WITH SUNDEK June 11 2014
"Go For The Sun With SUNDEK" is SUNDEK's original tagline. For the sixth Summer in a row, SUNDEK continues to be one of our favorite swim brands. Its vintage appeal, vibrancy, and nod to California surf culture rounds out the surf shop feel of the store during this time of year.
Sun-dek of California was born in the 1940's. In the late 50's the brand created some of the very first swim shorts dedicated to surf's increasing popularity. The year 1972 marks the era of the rainbow board shorts and the arrival of the iconic surf brand. These swim shorts were the first to offer Velcro closures instead of zippers and are well enforced with triple stitching to avoid seam blowouts.
Original 70's era photography and advertising of the SUNDEK brand.
Available in-store and online, 14" & 17" rainbow swim shorts in 12 styles.
INTRODUCING: MOLLUSK May 12 2014
Brand new to Service Menswear, California surf brand Mollusk has arrived in the shop. We have stocked shorts, swim trunks, and tees in a number of styles and colors.
Mollusk got its start at the edge of San Francisco on Ocean Beach in 2005. In this neighborhood, the Outer Sunset, surfers brave the cold, murky water and cohabitate with artists and craftspeople. Mollusk represents this surf and arts culture with a true, laid back, West Coast sensibility. The clothing is simple, well made, and understated for surfers and lay-folk alike.
Whale and octopus image tees ($35).
Cotton walk shorts in Dull Indigo & Cloud Grey ($72).
Forest Green Stripe Swim Trunks ($68) & Indigo Pennant Swim Trunks ($62).
Available in-store and now online at servicemenswear.com.
DEUS EX MACHINA June 05 2013
Launched in Australia in 2006 Deus Ex Machina (god from the machine ) has embraced the notion that doing something is more fun than owning something, thus creating a culture along with a brand. They live by 3 principals: Inclusiveness, authenticity, enthusiasm. It’s a simple and sincere pitch that has winged Deus ex Machina across the world. Deus says simply there’s no ‘right way’ to do individualism, its all the same juice.
A super laid back assortment of swimwear, tees, and shorts is now available at Service Menswear:
STRIPES June 27 2012
The bold stripes on old awnings, beach umbrellas, or vintage lawn furniture are one of the Summer patterns that visually define the season. The bolder and brighter, the better! Service is currently stocking a great collection of Summer nautical stripes in tees, tanks, and swim trunks.
ALEX KNOST FOR RVCA June 19 2012
Alex Knost has teamed up with RVCA's ANP program and the result is a vintage inspired collection that's casual and easy to wear, "Guaranteed Wearable" as he put's it.
The collection is influenced by his passions for a coastal lifestyle, creating music and conceptual art. The pieces feature a nature inspired color palette with slim silhouettes. It is supported by inspirational imagery created by Alex and film-maker Jack Coleman. All the pieces come with a postcard featuring various photos titled "Photos of Nothing".
SUNDEK SWIMWEAR June 05 2012
The June issue of GQ features one of our favorite swim lines, Sundek swimwear. If you're looking for a classic pair of trunks, we have a good color selection available in 14'' and 17'' lengths.
Started in the 1940's, Sun-Dek of California decided to introduce a new line of cotton/nylon swimwear in 1958 that was especially designed with surfing in mind, thus creating Sundek, one of the first brands dedicated to the surfing sport. In the 60's SUNDEK introduced key innovative solutions like using velcro instead of zippers, and colorful tropical prints on cotton. During these years many surfers began to be sponsored by SUNDEK, promoting the brand as well as this new sport which was destined to become a sought after life style. 1972 marked the begining of the era of the rainbow boardshorts, which thanks to their technical qualities and original easy to recognize design, became an icon for surfers.
In 2008, after a decade long absence, Sundek reentered the U.S. market. Service is proud to offer this time-honored brand that is, both, functional and fashionable.
ONIA April 01 2012
Onia makes some of the most versatile swimwear in the market, producing trunks that act like a pair of chino shorts, and vice-versa. It all depends on where you find yourself when you have them on. At the beach? They're trunks. Walking down the block? Shorts! Service is currently stocking the Calder cut by Onia. It features a curved waistband, pockets, nylon zipper, a thin mesh liner, and 7.5" inseam. Hitting mid thigh above the knee, but not too short, the Calder's length is just right. Also in stock are Onia beach towels. The 50" x 71" beach towels are made of imported Spanish cloth (blue stripes, or green stripes) on one side, and terry cloth on the reverse.
AMBSN March 30 2012
The recent rains that we've had and the higher temperatures mean one thing: It's time to go swimming. The green belt creeks are flowing, so grab your cut offs, or favorite trunks, and head to your preferred swimming hole. If you're in the mood for a new swimsuit, Service has you covered. AMBSN is the latest arrival. The brand got its start in 2001 by brothers Dylan and Dustin Odbert, as a fundraiser to help a friend who had mounting medical bills; a result of a tragic accident. AMBSN has cultivated a devoted following and it is made in the USA. The swimwear features whimsical fabrics with flamingo prints, or prints of lions, tigers and bears. There are bright color blocks, and 80's graphics and textures. Head to the springs!
Ambsn photos taken from the ambsn Spring 2012 lookbook.