A man needs exactly five items before hitting the beach:
Boardshorts he can wear straight to the beach bar, T-shirt, top layer for fighting off those Pacific breezes, towel that doubles as a blanket, and sunnies.
And you’ll find sterling examples of all those things at Banks Journal, a stylish new surf shop in the Arts District.
Banks is an Aussie brand that just landed in SoCal. They make their classic beach clothes with eco-friendly practices, and everything in their collection is sourced from small labels to help you stand out from every other Tom, Dick and Harry on Abbot Kinney.
Ready for a better beach ensemble? Here it is, in five easy pieces.
Lenny Deluxe Tee
The stripes on this patterned shirt are in a jacquard weave, which adds a soft, raised texture to a staple item. It’s also exceptionally comfy.
Immersive Walk Short
Banks calls their boardshorts “walkshorts” because that’s what they look like. None of that hang down to the knee mess, just a stand-up pair of boardies made from recycled plastic, with a button enclosure, hidden waist ties for keeping you snug in the current, and five pockets for when you head to the bar post-beach.
The Vision Fleece Crewneck
Their fleece is 100% organic cotton in a french terry weave. It’s softer and lighter weight than typical crewnecks, making it ideal for our climate. Wear it as a long-sleeve tee, a sweatshirt or a layer under a jacket on cool nights.
Slowtide Towel
The CA-based brand styles their thick, soft towels with snazzy patterns that are just restrained enough not to offend passersby. And they come with a sewn-in hang loop for easy-peasy drying.
Epokhe Sunnies Dylan Reader
The Australian eyewear brand makes primo sunnies from Italian acetate, which lends them a nice weight. Banks carries a pair called the Dylan Reader that’s styled like a wayfarer but with a cat-eye — don’t worry, it’s definitely gender neutral. Maybe call it a lion’s eye if you’re inclined. Either way, the marble finish is pretty dashing.
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