The Outerknown logo stands out for its simplicity and harmony. The emblem emphasizes the brand’s unique philosophy, allowing it to become part of the environment without disrupting the natural balance. The logo reflects the brand’s focus on consumer comfort and naturalness rather than outward glamour.
Outerknown: Brand overview
Outerknown was launched in 2015 by professional surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore to create sustainable and environmentally conscious apparel.
Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and well-known designer John Moore collaborated to develop a brand that brought together design, utility, and environmental consciousness. They aimed to make fashionable clothes that created as little environmental damage as possible during production. Basic men’s clothing pieces like t-shirts, shirts, shorts, and jackets were part of the first collection. All the materials used to create the pieces were organic, recycled, or regenerated, with an emphasis on ECONYL®, a nylon yarn created from used fishing nets and other nylon waste.
In 2016, the brand added new outerwear and accessories to its lineup. Additionally, the company actively promoted its sustainability philosophy on its website by including comprehensive details regarding the origin of resources and production circumstances.
The company introduced the S.E.A. JEANS (Social Environmental Accountability) line in 2017. These jeans included a lifetime guarantee and were made using circular economy design concepts. At the end of their lifecycle, the company agreed to recycle worn-out jeans and fix or replace them for free.
The firm debuted its inaugural women’s collection in 2018. Like the men’s line, the women’s clothes were designed to emphasize ethical and sustainable manufacturing. That same year, the brand started the #ITSNOTOK campaign to increase awareness of plastic pollution caused by ocean plastic waste.
The company achieved a noteworthy milestone in 2019 when it used only organic cotton in all its cotton goods. Additionally, the firm increased the number of Fair Trade Certified items by extending its partnership with Fair Trade USA.
With the introduction of the OUTERWORN program in 2020, customers can return their used apparel for recycling or donating. Another step toward a circular economy was this project.
In 2021, the firm continued adding eco-friendly products to its lineup. A brand-new line of clothing composed only of organic or recycled materials was unveiled. Innovative textiles, like organic cotton cultivated without pesticides and fibers from recycled plastic bottles, received particular attention. The company introduced the “Repair and Revive” program that same year, providing free repairs for any of its products, regardless of when they were bought. The goal of this program was to decrease waste and increase the lifespan of garments.
The brand released a limited collection in 2022 in honor of its seventh anniversary, working with regional artists. Each item in this collection focused on a particular environmental concern and offered suggestions for how readers could help address these issues. Additionally, the company increased the variety of accessories in its lineup by launching a range of backpacks and purses crafted from waste and recycled materials.
The firm launched the “Full Circle” program in 2023, marking a major step towards a circular economy. Through this effort, the company was able to provide customers a discount on future purchases in exchange for accepting any of its items for recycling or reuse. Furthermore, the brand unveiled its inaugural line of footwear, crafted using sustainable materials and inventive production techniques to reduce waste. Ocean Conservancy, Fair Labor Association, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and other groups prioritizing worker rights and environmental conservation are just a few of the groups the company works with.
The business intends to launch its first overseas location in London at the beginning of 2024, ushering in a new era in the brand’s global expansion. Additionally, the firm started working with several institutions to create new environmentally friendly materials for sustainable fashion.
Meaning and History
What is Outerknown?
It is an eco-friendly clothing brand founded by world-renowned surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, headquartered in California. The company offers a wide range of men’s and women’s apparel, including casual wear, swimwear, and accessories, which are designed with a focus on sustainability and style. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable fibers. The company has taken a leadership position in the eco-friendly fashion movement through its fair labor principles and approaches to reducing environmental impact.
2015 – today
The logo consists of the brand name. The central letter “K” is replaced with a “less than” sign, dividing the word into two parts: “outer” and “known.” The company’s clothing changes appearance, but its popularity is based on environmental protection and sustainable consumption. The brand uses recycled natural materials, ensures good labor practices, and minimizes environmental impact.
The “less than” sign symbolizes less harmful impact, less resource consumption, and less body coverage.
The clothing design is minimalist. The garments appear light, do not restrict movement, and are suitable for beach activities. The soft, flowing lines of the letters seem to glide across the surface, indicating streamlined styles ideal for surfing.
Occasionally, the brand uses a symbol with the letter “O” and the “less than” sign, resembling a swimming person. Initially, the company only produced surf suits but gradually expanded its range.