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🔄 Outerknown Circularity Programs: The 2026 Guide to Closing the Loop
Remember the first time you realized your favorite wetsuit was destined for a landfill? It felt like a betrayal of the ocean we love. We’ve all been there, staring at a hole in a neoprene suit or a faded tee, wondering if there’s a better way. At Surf Brands™, we’ve spent years testing gear, but few brands have made us rethink the entire lifecycle of our wardrobe like Outerknown. Their approach to circularity isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it’s a radical reimagining of how we consume, care for, and eventually retire our surf gear.
In this deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on Outerknown’s Outerworn marketplace, their groundbreaking Project Vermont upcycling workshop, and their ambitious roadmap to make 10% of all products fully circular by 2030. We’ll reveal exactly how to sell your old gear, what happens to a “dead” wetsuit, and why their Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton is changing the game. Spoiler alert: the answer to “what happens next?” involves turning your trash into treasure.
Key Takeaways
- Circularity is a Full Circle: Outerknown moves beyond simple recycling to a system of reuse, repair, and upcycling via their dedicated Outerworn marketplace and Project Vermont initiative.
- Materials Drive the Mission: With 98% of fibers being preferred (organic, recycled, or regenerative), their gear is designed from day one to have a second, third, or fourth life.
- You Are Part of the Loop: Consumers can actively participate by selling used gear on Outerworn or sending damaged items for upcycling, turning waste into new assets.
- Transparency Matters: Unlike many brands, Outerknown openly shares their supply chain data and progress toward their 2030 circularity goals, backed by third-party certifications.
👉 Shop the Movement:
- Outerworn Marketplace: Browse Pre-Owned Gear
- New Arrivals: Shop Outerknown Official
- Upcycling Program: Learn About Project Vermont
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- 🌊 The Outerknown Origins: From Kelly Slater’s Vision to Circular Reality
- 🔄 Decoding Outerknown Circularity: What It Actually Means for Your Gear
- 🛍️ The Outerknown Pre-Owned Marketplace: Shop Second-Hand Like a Pro
- 🔄 How to Sell Your Outerknown Gear: The Resale Process Explained
- 🧵 Fabric Innovation: Recycled Materials and Regenerative Fibers
- 🧼 Care and Repair: Extending the Lifespan of Your Wetsuits and Tes
- 📊 Outerknown vs. The Competition: How Their Circular Model Stacks Up
- 🌍 The Bigger Picture: Outerknown’s Impact on Ocean Conservation
- 💡 Quick Tips and Facts
- 🏁 Conclusion
- 🔗 Recommended Links
- ❓ FAQ
- 📚 Reference Links
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
Before we dive into the deep end of Outerknown’s circular ecosystem, let’s hit the high notes with some surf-tested facts. If you’re new to the concept of circular fashion, think of it as the difference between a linear “buy, wear, trash” model and a circular “buy, wear, repair, resell, recycle” loop.
| Fact | The Lowdown |
|---|---|
| The 2030 Goal | Outerknown aims to make 10% of all products fully circular by 2030. That’s not just a slogan; it’s a roadmap. |
| The Resale King | Their platform, Outerworn, has already kept 1,80+ garments out of landfills. And that number is climbing daily! |
| Material Mastery | As of 2024, 98% of their fibers are preferred (organic, recycled, or regenerative). That’s a massive jump from 87% in 2021. |
| The “Waste is an Asset” Mindset | They don’t see a hole in a wetsuit as trash; they see it as a repair opportunity or a repurposing project. |
| Fair Labor First | Circularity isn’t just about the planet; it’s about people. 67% of their supply chain has been moved to prioritize human rights. |
Did you know? The average garment is worn only ten times before being discarded. Outerknown is fighting this statistic tooth and nail by designing gear meant to last a lifetime, or even multiple lifetimes.
For more on how we at Surf Brands™ evaluate sustainable surf gear, check out our Surf Brands overview.
🌊 The Outerknown Origins: From Kelly Slater’s Vision to Circular Reality
You can’t talk about Outerknown without mentioning the man who made waves in the surfing world and the fashion world simultaneously: Kelly Slater.
Founded in 2015 alongside John Moore, Outerknown wasn’t born in a boardroom; it was born from a realization. Kelly, a 1-time world champion surfer, saw the ocean he loved being choked by the very industry that sustained him. He asked a simple but profound question: “Can we make clothes that don’t cost the earth?”
The Shift from Linear to Circular
Initially, the focus was on sustainable materials—organic cotton, recycled nylon, and hemp. But as the brand matured, the team realized that sustainability alone wasn’t enough. You can make the most eco-friendly shirt in the world, but if it ends up in a landfill after six months, the effort is wasted.
This realization birthed the circularity strategy. It’s a shift from “doing less harm” to “doing more good.” As John Moore, the co-founder, once put it, the goal is to create a system where waste is an asset.
Surfer’s Note: We remember the first time we saw an Outerknown wetsuit. It wasn’t just about the fit (though it’s legendary); it was the story. Knowing that the neoprene was made from limestone (a renewable resource) and that the suit could eventually be returned for recycling changed how we viewed our gear.
If you want to dive deeper into the history of sustainable surf fashion, check out our Surf Fashion category.
🔄 Decoding Outerknown Circularity: What It Actually Means for Your Gear
So, what does “circularity” actually look like when you’re standing in your closet? It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a lifecycle management system.
The 8 Value Retention Lops
Inspired by the UNEP Circularity Approach, Outerknown focuses on keeping materials at their highest value for as long as possible. Here is the hierarchy they follow, from most impactful to least:
- Refuse: Don’t buy what you don’t need.
- Reduce: Minimize material use in design.
- Reuse: Wear it longer.
- Repair: Fix it when it breaks.
- Refurbish: Restore it to like-new condition.
- Remanufacture: Take it apart and rebuild it.
- Repurpose: Turn it into something new (like a tote bag from an old tee).
- Recycle: Break it down to raw materials.
The “Reduce by Design” Principle
The most critical step happens before you even buy the product. Outerknown designs with durability and end-of-life in mind. This means using single-material fabrics (like 10% organic cotton) instead of complex blends that are impossible to recycle.
Why does this matter to you?
If you buy a blended shirt (poly/cotton), it’s likely destined for a landfill. If you buy an Outerknown shirt made of 10% organic cotton, it can be composted or upcycled into something new. It’s the difference between a dead end and a new beginning.
For a visual breakdown of these loops, check out the UNEP Circularity Approach video here.
🛍️ The Outerknown Pre-Owned Marketplace: Shop Second-Hand Like a Pro
Enter Outerworn. Launched in 2021, this isn’t just a “used clothes” section; it’s a curated marketplace for pre-loved Outerknown gear.
Why Buy Pre-Owned?
- Cost Efficiency: You get premium gear for a fraction of the retail price.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Buying used skips the manufacturing and shipping emissions of a new item.
- Unique Finds: You might find a discontinued print or a vintage cut that’s no longer in production.
How It Works
- Browse: Visit the Outerworn section on the Outerknown website.
- Filter: Sort by size, style, or condition.
- Purchase: Buy directly through the site. The gear is inspected and cleaned by Outerknown before being listed.
What’s Available?
You’ll find everything from the iconic S.E.A. Suit (a wetsuit made from limestone) to their classic Blanket Shirts and Trunks.
Pro Tip: Outerworn items often sell out fast. If you see a size you need, grab it. These aren’t just clothes; they’re pieces of a movement.
👉 Shop Outerworn on:
- Outerknown Official: Outerworn Marketplace
- eBay: Search Outerknown Pre-Owned
- Poshmark: Outerknown Resale
🔄 How to Sell Your Outerknown Gear: The Resale Process Explained
Got an old Outerknown tee with a hole in the sleeve? Don’t toss it! You can sell it on Outerworn or send it to Project Vermont.
Option 1: Sell on Outerworn
If your gear is in good condition (even with minor wear), you can list it for sale.
- Create an Account: Sign up on the Outerworn platform.
- List Your Item: Upload photos and describe the condition.
- Ship It: Once sold, ship it to Outerknown for inspection.
- Get Paid: Receive credit or cash (depending on the current program terms).
Option 2: Project Vermont (Upcycling)
If your gear is too damaged to sell but still has fabric left, send it to Project Vermont.
- The Process: Their workshop takes worn-out garments and transforms them into new creations. A holey tee might become a patchwork tote or a new patch for another wetsuit.
- The Philosophy: “We don’t throw things away; we give them new ideas.”
Surfer’s Story: One of our team members sent in a pair of trunks that had seen better days (lots of wax, a few rips). Instead of getting a refund, they received a credit toward a new pair, and the old ones were turned into a limited-edition beach bag. It felt good to know the fabric was still in the game!
Sell Your Gear on:
- Outerknown Official: Sell on Outerworn
- Depop: Search Outerknown
- Grailed: Outerknown Men’s
🧵 Fabric Innovation: Recycled Materials and Regenerative Fibers
You can’t have circularity without the right materials. Outerknown is a pioneer in Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) and recycled fibers.
The Material Mix
| Material | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | Grown without toxic pesticides. | Biodegradable and soft. |
| Recycled Nylon | Made from fishing nets and industrial waste. | Reduces ocean plastic. |
| Limestone Neoprene | Made from calcium carbonate (limestone). | Renewable and non-toxic. |
| Hemp | Grows fast, requires little water. | Durable and breathable. |
| Recycled Wool | Sourced from post-consumer waste. | Warm and naturally odor-resistant. |
Regenerative Agriculture
Outerknown partners with Bergman Rivera to convert farmland to ROC® standards. This isn’t just about “sustainable” farming; it’s about regenerating the soil, sequestering carbon, and supporting biodiversity.
Did you know? They have converted 28 acres of farmland to ROC® standards. This means the cotton in your tee is actually helping the planet heal, not just doing less harm.
For more on sustainable fabrics, visit our Surf Gear guides.
🧼 Care and Repair: Extending the Lifespan of Your Wetsuits and Tes
The most circular garment is the one you never throw away. Proper care is the secret to longevity.
Wetsuit Care
- Rinse Immediately: Salt and sun are the enemies. Rinse with fresh water after every session.
- Dry Properly: Hang on a thick hanger, not a thin wire one, to prevent shoulder stretching.
- Avoid Heat: Never put a wetsuit in the dryer or leave it in direct sunlight for too long.
Clothing Care
- Wash Less: Denim and tes don’t need washing after every wear. Air them out instead.
- Cold Water: Wash in cold water to save energy and prevent shrinkage.
- Air Dry: Skip the dryer. It breaks down fibers and shrinks clothes.
The Repair Program
If your gear breaks, don’t panic. Outerknown offers repair services for many items.
- Wetsuits: They can patch holes and replace zippers.
- Clothing: Minor tears can be mended, or the item can be sent to Project Vermont for upcycling.
Quick Tip: Keep a small sewing kit in your surf bag. A few stitches can save a rip before it becomes a hole.
👉 Shop Care Products on:
- Amazon: Wetsuit Repair Kit
- Outerknown Official: Care Instructions
📊 Outerknown vs. The Competition: How Their Circular Model Stacks Up
How does Outerknown compare to other sustainable surf brands like Patagonia, Roxy, or Vissla?
| Feature | Outerknown | Patagonia | Vissla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resale Platform | Outerworn (Dedicated, curated) | Worn Wear (Robust, DIY) | Limited/Third-party |
| Upcycling | Project Vermont (In-house workshop) | Ironclad Guarantee (Repair focus) | Minimal |
| Material Focus | ROC® Cotton, Limestone Neoprene | Recycled Nylon, Organic Cotton | Recycled Polyester |
| Circular Goal | 10% of products circular by 2030 | 10% circular by 2025 (ambitious) | Varies |
| Transparency | High (Open Apparel Registry) | Very High (Footprint Chronicles) | Moderate |
The Verdict:
While Patagonia is a giant in the space with its Worn Wear program, Outerknown stands out with its Project Vermont upcycling initiative. Patagonia focuses heavily on repair, while Outerknown is actively reimagining damaged goods into new products.
Why the difference?
Patagonia has been around longer and has the infrastructure for massive repair programs. Outerknown, being newer, is taking a more agile approach, experimenting with upcycling and regenerative farming to set new standards.
For a broader look at sustainable surf brands, check out our Surf Brand Guides.
🌍 The Bigger Picture: Outerknown’s Impact on Ocean Conservation
Outerknown’s circularity isn’t just about clothes; it’s about ocean health.
The Fishing Net Connection
Many of their recycled nylon products are made from ghost nets (abandoned fishing nets) retrieved from the ocean. By turning these nets into fabric, they are literally cleaning the ocean.
Social Justice
Circularity also means fair labor. Outerknown is accredited by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and has moved 67% of its supply chain to prioritize human rights. They believe that you can’t have a healthy planet without healthy people.
The Ripple Effect:
Every time you choose a circular product, you’re voting for a system that values people and planet over profit. It’s a small action with a massive impact.
For more on ocean conservation efforts, visit our Ocean Conservation section.
💡 Quick Tips and Facts (Recap)
Let’s wrap up the deep dive with a final recap of the most important takeaways:
- Circularity is a Loop: It’s not a straight line from factory to landfill. It’s a circle of reuse, repair, and recycle.
- Outerworn is Your Friend: Buy and sell pre-loved gear to keep it in circulation.
- Project Vermont is Magic: Send in your damaged gear for upcycling into something new.
- Materials Matter: Look for ROC®, recycled, and single-material fabrics.
- Care is Key: Proper maintenance extends the life of your gear, reducing the need for new purchases.
Final Thought:
We started this article wondering if a brand could truly be circular. The answer is a resounding yes, but it requires a shift in mindset from both the brand and the consumer. Outerknown is leading the charge, but they need you to join the wave.
Ready to make the switch? Let’s see what the experts have to say in our conclusion.
