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Investing 101: Buy These

Whoever says money doesn’t buy happiness doesn’t know where to shop.

style // Jun 21, 2022
Words by Corina Stephens
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Not that anyone asked, but…

If I had to describe goofyfooter Rob Machado’s surfing in just three words, I would say: timeless, stylish, and really nice to look at. Ok, that’s seven. Shut up. 

If you also asked me to describe in three words Machado’s recent signature boardshorts, designed in collaboration with Vuori, I would say exactly the same thing.

Easy on the eyes, and your hammies.

Considering the fact that Machado has spent approximately 98.2% of his waking life in, on, or around the ocean, the Aussie-born Californian is an undoubted authority on what goes into making an ideal pair of high-performance trunks. When you also consider his silky style and earth-minded ethos, it becomes clearer yet why the Encinitas-based activewear brand tapped the easy-going ambassador and hometown antihero, to weigh in on their latest water-ready release.

A better boardie test subject you’d be hard-pressed to find.

Top-of-mind design decisions obviously included fabric, length, and pocket placement, as each plays a critical role in the overall wearability and comfort of any pair of short-pants. But, interestingly enough, it’s what you won’t find in these collaborative cozzies, that makes all the difference.

Available in three earthy hues, these ‘Investments in Happiness‘ harbor everything needed for a warm water shred or a lazy afternoon spent ashore – and not an iota more. Spartan though this approach may seem, less is truly more here, and the result is a highly considered pair of pantaloons without the excess that can often impede action, and add unnecessary baggage to your otherwise blissful expression session. 

To Infinity, not beyond.

With performance, fit, and comfort all born equally in mind, the 8.5” inseam trunk is sleek, stylish, and intriguingly understated, sending a noteworthy message in pleasantly hushed tones. (Reminds us of someone we know…)

Additionally, these contemporary classics are woven from a lightweight blend of recycled and coconut-derived fabrics, meaning no rashing, and a sturdiness that’s impossibly soft (on you and the environment). Pushing the comfort factor further, Vuori has added four-way stretch and quick-drying technologies, producing an amphibious ensemble that travels lightly from peeling left to Lotus cafe without tripping you up or leaving you dripping.

A bar of wax in the pocket is worth two on the sand.

To match the subtlety of the overall silhouette, a minimal and strategically placed front zip pocket lays flush and ready for wax slivers, car keys, or other essentials to be quickly tucked or retrieved without causing you to miss a beat – or that line on the horizon. Other notably inconspicuous design details favored by Mr. Smoothy himself include the super-soft neoprene interior waistband (genius), and the ultra-low-profile tie closure. Because, again, less bulk equals more enjoyment.

Happiness, available for a mere $89 or 4 installments of $22.25.

Okay so, I’ve obviously conjured a few more than three words to describe both Machado’s water wizardry and Vuori’s latest loin covers. But fortunately for you, the latter has the expertise – and editing skills – that I seem to lack and have consequently created something truly timeless, stylish, and, very nice to look at.

Shop the Infinity Boardshort in Caramel Hydrangea, Russet, and Black Vintage Ocean.

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