Outerknown, Kelly Slater introduce boardshorts from recycled fishing nets

Outerknown has introduced the Apex Evolution Trunks by Kelly Slater, marking the first four-way stretch boardshorts created from NetPlus material, which is made from recycled fishing nets. This launch strengthens Outerknown’s promise to produce premium-quality products using environmentally friendly materials.

“Pushing boundaries is at the heart of our brand, so it made sense to take the best-performing boardshort we’ve ever made and improve it further,” said John Moore, creative director at Outerknown. “We met all of Kelly’s specific design needs, including stronger no-slip drawcords, a better waistband that fits smoothly, and reinforced seams in key areas. Staying true to our ocean-first mindset, we partnered with Bureo to use their top-quality NetPlus® material, made from recycled fishing nets. The result is a thoughtfully made boardshort with added substance—without sacrificing any performance.

NetPlus material is created entirely from recycled fishing nets. It is 100% post-consumer recycled and fully traceable. Through the NetPlus program, discarded nets are collected directly from fishing communities before they reach the sea. Bureo continues to expand the use of NetPlus as a preferred recycled option for performance fabrics, helping to cut emissions and lessen dependence on new raw materials.

Creating a custom boardshort fabric for Kelly Slater has been a highly fulfilling project for everyone at Bureo, said co-founder and CTO Kevin Ahearn. “We closely collaborated with the Outerknown team to refine the fabric blend, ensuring it’s tough enough for the challenging surf spots Kelly visits, yet lightweight and stretchy enough for comfort during long hours in the water. We’re excited to introduce this fabric to the wider market. Having Kelly guide this project has been a dream come true for our team of surfers and ocean supporters, and we look forward to where this partnership will go next.”