HippyTree: Surf and Stone
The combination of surfing and rock-climbing cultures may seem like an unlikely odd couple, but HippyTree founder Andrew Sarnecki thinks that the unique recreational pairing is the key to differentiating the eco-conscious clothing brand from other action-sports labels.
“When we go out climbing, hang out with the rock-climbing culture and go to rock-climbing movie premieres, all these kids are wearing O’Neill, Quiksilver and Volcom,” said Sarnecki, who started HippyTree in Hermosa Beach, Calif., to showcase his surf photography and art. “We think it’s odd that these kids are embracing these surf companies that aren’t even marketing to the climbing industry. The kids aren’t wearing the Patagonia and North Face [outdoor brands].”
A surfer and rock climber, Sarnecki brings his artistic eye to T-shirt graphics that appeal to surfing youths and outdoorsy college kids alike, such as a wave illustration composed of leaves and a collage of forests and beach photographs.
“I think there’s room for this up-and-coming movement of enthusiasts who want to be a part of something that’s young, hip, fresh, has style, fashion, has the quality—that’s not going to be something they are going to find in their mom and dad’s closet,” said Josh Sweeney, director of sales and marketing, about diving into the outdoor-clothing arena.
HippyTree has employed eco-friendly textiles since its first run of organic-cotton T-shirts in 2005. From T-shirt beginnings, the brand expanded into headwear, boardshorts, walk shorts, flannel shirts, hoodies and corduroy pants with activewear attention to functionality. Boardshorts are equipped with a gusseted crotch for better flexibility, and walking shorts are tested for climbing with a clean design that won’t weigh the wearer down.
“For the future, we’re increasing the amount of cut-and-sew pieces, but we’re still taking a cautious slow growth,” Sweeney said.
Wholesale price points range from $14 to $18 for organic-cotton T-shirts, $26 to $30 for boardshorts and $26 to $32 for flannel shirts and hooded sweatshirts.
HippyTree is sold in stores such as Thalia Surf Shop in Laguna Beach, Calif.; Spyder Surf in Hermosa Beach; Huntington Surf and Sport in Huntington Beach, Calif.; and Becker Surf, Hobie and Sun Diego locations throughout California.
For more information, visit www.hippytree.com or call (310) 798-4959.—Rhea Cortado
