Vans x T&C: When Heritage Giants Collide

Town and Country Surf Designs just turned 50!

A remarkable achievement in the fleeting business world, no doubt, and a feat that puts the brand in elite survivor company like, well, Vans. So, as a tip of a hat to their comrades across the Pacific, Vans have teamed up with the iconic Hawaiian brand for a full blooded collab that’s all kinds of Echo Beach fun.

Town and Country began its long, colourful history as a surf shop, set up by founder Craig Sugihara in the shell of an old barbershop in Pearl City, Hawaii, 1971. During the formative years of surfing in the islands, the Kamehameha highway was the only road that connected the city and the North Shore, and Pearl City is just about halfway up the Kam between Honolulu and Haleiwa. Thus the name: “Town & Country”, and the yin-yang logo that represents the juxtaposition of surfing in Hawaii and beyond.

T&C Surf Designs evolved from boards to apparel, and the emphasis has always been on roots and fun. Since the brand’s honest beginnings, the list of surfers who’ve borne the iconic yin-yang over the years reads like a progressive who’s-who; from Larry Bertlemann and Dane Kealoha, through Archy and Christian Fletcher, and even Bruce and Andy in their brash formative years.

The collab is bright and extensive, but universally wearable. There are five pieces in the footwear department — Sk8-Hi and Authentic for fans of the classics. A tasteful Ultrarange with flashes of colour for those who like to get out there. And then there’s the sandals — a pair of thongs/jandals/flip flops fit for plenty of summers to come, and a pair of awesome slides, where the devil definitely resides in the extensive throwback detail.

Apparel-wise, Vans and T&C have gone all out. There are tees of the long and short arm varieties, a great hood with the modern/throwback garish logo combination, and even a bum bag. However — and we’re obviously biased as our love for boardshorts is long and well documented — it’s all about the trunks. They’re bold, they’re red, they’re yin/yang and checkers and if you’re looking for something to stand out from the beige pack this summer (or heading to the islands and want a fun pair of trunks that won’t demand unwanted attention) then look no further.

Grab a stake in bona fide surf heritage here.