Rusty's Been Rad Since Forever and Their New Collection is No Exception - Stab Mag

Watch the Surf100 $100k Finale: Wednesday, September 9th (PST)

79 Views

Rusty’s Been Rad Since Forever and Their New Collection is No Exception

The appropriately named ‘Before Crowds.’

style // Dec 11, 2020
Words by stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The re-birth of the 90s has fallen right in Rusty’s wheelhouse.

There’s nothing that says 90s core surf like a long sleeve tee with a small R. on the breast and a big one on the back, and Rusty modern is doing a fine job of capitalising on the revival of their peak era by cherry picking the best logos and blending them with some modern silhouettes. And, their latest instalment of their fluid range ‘Before Crowds’ is everything that’s good about borrowing from the past and bring it to the now.

The latest BC release leans heavily on the latter years of grunge, where trends began to move away from the grimier aspects of the Seattle movement, incorporating more 50s hot rod and Punk elements, but with a Southern Californian beach wash. The modern Rusty design team have delved into the archives, and leafed their way through graphics and looks, blowing dust off those that deserve to be revived. Think screen printed, washed out tees, Momentum style trunks without them touching the ankles, and bowling shirts, which we’re particularly fond of. 

Whilst we’re on the subject of Rusty, we’d like to celebrate the beautiful simplicity of their Yin/Yang team. They’ve got pretty Sydney fly boy Letty Mortensen tickling the hip box, and Central Coast axe wielder and every Australian tradie’s favourite surfer (and, if we’re being honest, one of ours) Wade Carmichael hacking the Avoca be-Jesus out of the everyman box. And really, what more do you need on a surf team?

As an interesting caveat, a passing of the torch if you will, the Rusty gang invited one of the brand’s Australian originals, Shane Powell, to join Letty and Wade for a couple of surfs whilst filming for Before Crowds. Rusty Creative Director George Henderson said that Powelly’s still got it, managing to reel off a couple of flawless, trademarked nooners on a vintage Rusty craft.

If you’re after something a little different for summer, then look no further than Rusty’s tastefully nostalgic new capsule.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Can Parko Beat The Kids For $100k?

Watch our Surf100 warm-ups.

Sep 8, 2026

Nathan Florence On Why The 10,000 Hour Rule Does Not Apply To Surfing

And how tubes cost him $12,000 per minute.

Sep 8, 2026

How To Watch (& Judge) The $100,000 Surf100 Finale

Everything you need to know before September 9 (PST).

Sep 7, 2026

Go To Lakey Peak For Two Weeks, Accidentally Leave With SEOTY Entry

Watch a dozen or so A+ airs in Makana Franzmann's 'Off Axis.'

Sep 5, 2026

How Zeke Lau Became Surfing’s Villain | StabMic Ep. 30

“Am I happy with the way things played out? Not really.”

Sep 5, 2026

How Will This Weekend’s Hurricane Marie Stack Up Against 2014’s?

We asked Surfline's senior forecaster to discern fact from lineup chatter.

Sep 4, 2026

And Our $12k Kandui Resort Giveaway Winner Is…

Hosing down wildfires in Big Sur.

Sep 3, 2026

Watch: Two Underdogs, One Very Expensive Bone

Dakoda and Dimitri’s thoughts on facing Parko and Noa for a $100K payday.

Sep 3, 2026

Cloudbreak Saves Goofs From Challenger Series Horrors

Cole Houshmand and Erin 'Don't-Call-It-A-Title-Run' Brooks win in Fiji.

Sep 3, 2026

Karma Just Sent Kauli Vaast A Lump Sum

Perfect 10s, ankle sprains, and a rising swell in Fiji

Sep 2, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, Episode Two

This is not a fin test.

Sep 1, 2026

Fiji Lately: World Champs Out, Bar Tabs Up, Swell Inbound

Eight heats in 96 hours; or the glorious doldrums of Tavarua laydays. 

Aug 31, 2026

Harry Bryant On EAST, Big-Wave Psychology & Fin-Gate | StabMic Ep. 29

"I went off my own judgement thinking that was a thruster, and I was proved…

Aug 30, 2026

Watch: Uncut Gems On Africa’s Forgotten Coast

Eli Beukes stars in 'Rough Diamonds' by Now Now Media.

Aug 29, 2026

Hossegor Beach Cocaine Episode 4: What Goes Up

“Sometimes I’d go and see how much was left and go, ‘Oh god, there’s still…

Aug 28, 2026

Was Surf Film Music Better Back Then?

How to score a film in the '90s versus now, with tour guide Taylor Steele.

Aug 28, 2026

LIVE NOW: FORMER’s ‘DEFECT’

After 20+ premieres, a handful of broken bodies and several years’ worth of A+ footage,…

Aug 27, 2026

Good Day To Be A Goof (Or A Griff)

Screwfoot dominance and lots of sutures.

Aug 27, 2026
Advertisement