Picture this: a sunny morning on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the salty breeze whispering tales of endless waves, and a young boy named Dick Ash, barely 15, sitting in a humble coastal shack. The sewing machine hums under his hands as he carefully pieces together the fabric of what would soon become an Australian icon—not just shorts, but a symbol of a life lived on the edge of the ocean, wild and free.
Dick’s materials were humble—old canvas mailbags salvaged from the local post office. With these rugged scraps, he wasn’t just making a pair of board shorts, he was sewing the seeds of a revolution. Like any great invention, Okanui’s story starts with necessity and a touch of ingenuity, but what sets it apart is the spirit behind it—the restless yearning for freedom, for the open ocean, for a life less ordinary.
The Birth of an Australian Legend
It was 1956, and surfing in Australia was just starting to explode, the Okanui surfboards themselves becoming legends of the water. But there was one problem—the long hours in the sun and salt were brutal on the skin. Enter Dick Ash, with his makeshift solution. He didn’t just make shorts; he made the first Okanuis, sturdy and comfortable enough to handle a day riding the waves and lounging in the sand. What started as a necessity for Dick and his mates soon became a badge of honor for those who lived the coastal lifestyle. A perfect union of practicality and passion.
The early shorts were long—tailored for the surfboards that had burst onto the scene—perfect for sitting astride these boards while waiting for the perfect wave to roll in. But soon, these shorts were no longer just for the surf. They became something bigger, more iconic—a way of life.
Before Dick knew it, his mates were all wearing Okanuis, and the brand was born not from boardroom strategy but from the purest kind of innovation—the kind that happens when you’re driven by passion, not profit.
Hibiscus Blooms and the Spirit of the Beach
Fast forward to 1978, and Okanui was ready for the world. But Dick wasn’t content with his humble beginnings. He had the vision to evolve. Gone were the plain canvas shorts of yesteryear; in their place bloomed a new signature—the vibrant hibiscus print. Much more than a fashion statement, the hibiscus symbolized the tropical soul of the beach itself. With every petal and flourish, it told the story of a sun-drenched existence where the days were endless and the sea was always just a step away.
The Okanui hibiscus didn’t just cover fabric—it bloomed on the very idea of what it meant to live life by the water. It was a passport to days spent under the sun, an invitation to escape the mundane and embrace the freedom of the open sea. Each piece of clothing became a part of that story—a wearable slice of the carefree, coastal spirit.
Okanui Today: The Legacy Lives On
Decades later, the world has changed, but Okanui remains a beacon of that same pioneering spirit. What started with a handful of canvas shorts has grown into a full-fledged line of coastal apparel, crafted with the same care and passion that fueled Dick’s first pair.
Now, Okanui has expanded its reach, shipping to 33 countries, with 78,872 pairs of their classic shorts sold. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about a tradition, a heritage of coastal living passed down from one sun-kissed generation to the next.
And Okanui hasn’t stopped innovating. From the launch of its first women’s line in 2020 to its environmentally sustainable swimwear made from recycled textiles, Okanui stays true to its roots while keeping an eye on the future. Whether it’s the relaxed fit of their Bay Corduroy Pants or the timeless charm of the Classic Hibiscus Shirt, every piece is a continuation of the story Dick Ash started weaving all those years ago.
A Love Letter to the Sea
In every Okanui garment, there’s a little bit of the ocean. A splash of saltwater, the warmth of a sunbeam, the gentle sway of palm trees in the breeze. Their clothes aren’t just made to be worn—they’re made to be lived in. Worn by those who know that the best days are the ones spent barefoot in the sand, chasing waves, or watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
Okanui’s philosophy of Escaping The Everyday isn’t just about leaving the city for the beach—it’s about embracing the adventure that life offers, wherever you are.
The hibiscus print, still as bold and bright as ever, serves as a reminder that no matter how much life may change, the beach will always be waiting. It’s the heartbeat of Okanui—a constant call to those who long for simplicity, adventure, and the endless possibility of what lies beyond the horizon.
Surfing into the Future
As the sun sets on one wave and rises on the next, Okanui rides that perfect balance between heritage and innovation. Like a well-worn surfboard or the familiar scent of the sea breeze, their clothes only get better with age. Each piece becomes a companion on your journey, softening with time, etched with the memories of beach days, ocean dips, and barbecues by the shore.
With stores across Australia and a global community of Okanui-wearers, the brand has evolved from its modest beginnings. Yet it remains true to its roots—a testament to the enduring allure of coastal living. It’s not just a brand; it’s a legacy, a love affair with the sea that began in a small seaside town and continues to inspire adventurers, surfers, and dreamers across the world.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Okanui.
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