Outerknown & Bureo Partner For New Apex Evolution Trunks

Given the Outerknown ethos of creating ethical legacy goods, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that they were the first to take on the task of designing board shorts with Bureo’s Net Plus. The trick was finding the sweet spot to meet standards of the world’s greatest surfer and board short aficionado.

Dylan Slater, CEO of Outerknown, said, “It’s like making a shoe for Michael Jordan. Kelly had very specific requests ranging from the tie strings, to the seams, to the overall weight. We actually went back and made them a bit heavier because, you know how when surfers get spit out of a barrel and the shorts get blown back? Yeah, well he didn’t want that to happen so easily so we had to get the weight just right.”

Most surfers, myself included, don’t get barrelled enough for that to be an issue but that’s what you get when you’re working with the GOAT. If you take a moment to think of all the trunks Kelly has worn and designed over the years then it leaves no question to the fact that he’s the most experienced test pilot in the water. 

When it comes to design feedback, Slater confirms that Kelly tells it like it is, “I was actually in the car with John Moore when we got a text from Kelly with the verdict, thankfully, he approved and said that they were a better fit, more comfortable, and performed better all-around. That was a happy moment because he’s very candid, there’s no sugar coating, when he gives you his feedback he’s giving you the truth.” 

While the trunks have just gone live, there are a few pairs that have been in rotation for R&D. Todd Glaser, Kelly’s go-to photographer and incredible waterman in his own right, has had a pair and says, “still going strong and looking new a year later!”

I was lucky enough to receive a pair myself and have been using them for the last month and here’s my take. First of all, I love how they do a full size range and don't just jump from 30 to 32. I can wear either size in brands that do that but my sweet spot is a 31, that's tight enough for surfing but comfy on land too. These are a 19" inseam (the 17" is coming later this year) so they sit perfectly at my knees and the leg opening is free enough that you never feel them catching or bunching up weird. The tie-strings and waistband are very sleek, you don't feel them in any one spot but you know they're on tight and that you won't be caught with your pants down after getting blasted by a big set.

The fact that they're made from recycled fishing nets is a huge bonus for me and, overall, I can barely tell that they're there and that's what you want in a good pair of trunks. 10/10 recommend.