Five Easy Pieces: Banks Journal

LA’s newest surf shop makes subtle, swanky, eco-friendly duds

Five Easy Pieces: Banks Journal

Five Easy Pieces: Banks Journal

By Reuben Brody

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.

BUY

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.

BUY

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.

BUY

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.

BUY

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.

BUY

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