The Ultimate Eco Surf Gift Guide: Sustainable Presents for Ocean Lovers (Christmas & Beyond)
19/03/26 13:01
The Ultimate Eco Surf Gift Guide: Sustainable Presents for Ocean Lovers
Buying gifts for surfers is easy. Buying good gifts for surfers who actually care about where their gear comes from — that's where most people get stuck.
This guide is for anyone who wants to give something that'll be genuinely used, genuinely appreciated, and genuinely better for the ocean the recipient loves. Everything here is from the Not Sponsored range, designed at home on the Sunshine Coast, and built to last.
For the Surfer Who Has Everything
The person who already owns all the big brand gear but has never experienced the difference quality sustainable fabrics make. These are the gifts that convert people.
Bamboo Tee — A wardrobe staple
The gateway drug to sustainable clothing. Once someone puts on a 95% bamboo shirt, they understand immediately why cotton feels like cardboard by comparison. Naturally anti-odour, temperature regulating, and so soft it defies logic. Available in a range of styles and colours. This is the gift that turns people into regulars.
Recycled Boardshorts — The hero product
Made from 13 recycled plastic bottles, with our S.H.I.T. silicone waistband technology that keeps them put through every wipeout. These are the boardshorts people throw their other pairs away for. If you're buying one thing, buy these. The person receiving them will talk about them to everyone they surf with.
For the Beach Lover
Not everyone surfs, but everyone who loves the ocean will use these.
Sand-Repellent Rapid Dry Beach Towel — A game changer for beach days
Made from around 35 recycled plastic bottles, these towels repel sand rather than trapping it. Lightweight, quick-dry, and packs down small enough to fit in any bag (actually it’s own recycled multi-use case). Anyone who's ever had a car full of sand will immediately understand the appeal. Also makes an outstanding travel companion — it goes in the backpack, not the suitcase.
Surf Poncho / Hooded Towel — Post-surf essential
The changing-in-the-car-park problem, solved. A full-length hooded towel poncho for drying off and changing discreetly after a surf. Made from recycled materials and genuinely warm. The kind of thing people use every single session once they have one.
For the Gym-Goes-To-Beach Type
The person whose weekends involve a session, a workout, and brunch — in the same outfit.
Bamboo Long-Sleeve Rash Shirt — From surf to street
Natural UV protection without the stiff plastic feel of a standard rash vest. Bamboo's moisture-wicking properties make it excellent for active use, and it looks good enough to wear straight from the beach. This is the piece that blurs the line between surf gear and everyday wear — which is exactly the point.
Going Out Boardies — From surf to surf club
Bamboo Hoodie — The post-surf essential
Soft enough to sleep in (customers genuinely do), warm enough for cool Queensland mornings on the water. The bamboo fabric means it doesn't trap smell the way poly hoodies do — which, if you've ever owned a poly hoodie, you know is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.
For the Person Who Wants to Gifting Better
Sometimes the most meaningful part of a gift is what it says about your values — and theirs.
The Full Kit — Boardshorts + Bamboo Tee + Beach Towel
Put together a complete Not Sponsored setup and you're giving someone a genuinely new experience of what surf gear can be. The combination of recycled boardshorts that stay up, a bamboo tee that doesn't smell, and a sand-repellent rapid dry towel that actually works is the kind of gift people reference years later. Free shipping on Australian orders over $120 makes it easy.
Why Sustainable Gifts Matter
Beyond the products themselves, giving sustainable gifts is a meaningful statement. It says you've thought about more than just 'what will they like' — you've thought about where it came from, who made it, and what happens when it eventually wears out.
Not Sponsored gear is made to last. These aren't one-season gifts. They're the kind of thing that becomes a favourite and gets worn until it literally falls apart — which takes years/decades, not months.
That's the gift. Not just the product, but the years of use that come with it.
Ordering & Delivery
All orders over $120 ship free within Australia. New Zealand orders ship free over $150. We're based on the Sunshine Coast and ship daily
Not sure on sizing or which product is right? Drop us a message at notsponsored.com.au — we'll point you in the right direction.
You can also find us at Cotton Tree Markets on Sundays if you want to feel the fabrics before you buy. Worth the trip.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Free shipping Australia over $120 🎁🌊
Buying gifts for surfers is easy. Buying good gifts for surfers who actually care about where their gear comes from — that's where most people get stuck.
This guide is for anyone who wants to give something that'll be genuinely used, genuinely appreciated, and genuinely better for the ocean the recipient loves. Everything here is from the Not Sponsored range, designed at home on the Sunshine Coast, and built to last.
For the Surfer Who Has Everything
The person who already owns all the big brand gear but has never experienced the difference quality sustainable fabrics make. These are the gifts that convert people.
Bamboo Tee — A wardrobe staple
The gateway drug to sustainable clothing. Once someone puts on a 95% bamboo shirt, they understand immediately why cotton feels like cardboard by comparison. Naturally anti-odour, temperature regulating, and so soft it defies logic. Available in a range of styles and colours. This is the gift that turns people into regulars.
Recycled Boardshorts — The hero product
Made from 13 recycled plastic bottles, with our S.H.I.T. silicone waistband technology that keeps them put through every wipeout. These are the boardshorts people throw their other pairs away for. If you're buying one thing, buy these. The person receiving them will talk about them to everyone they surf with.
For the Beach Lover
Not everyone surfs, but everyone who loves the ocean will use these.
Sand-Repellent Rapid Dry Beach Towel — A game changer for beach days
Made from around 35 recycled plastic bottles, these towels repel sand rather than trapping it. Lightweight, quick-dry, and packs down small enough to fit in any bag (actually it’s own recycled multi-use case). Anyone who's ever had a car full of sand will immediately understand the appeal. Also makes an outstanding travel companion — it goes in the backpack, not the suitcase.
Surf Poncho / Hooded Towel — Post-surf essential
The changing-in-the-car-park problem, solved. A full-length hooded towel poncho for drying off and changing discreetly after a surf. Made from recycled materials and genuinely warm. The kind of thing people use every single session once they have one.
For the Gym-Goes-To-Beach Type
The person whose weekends involve a session, a workout, and brunch — in the same outfit.
Bamboo Long-Sleeve Rash Shirt — From surf to street
Natural UV protection without the stiff plastic feel of a standard rash vest. Bamboo's moisture-wicking properties make it excellent for active use, and it looks good enough to wear straight from the beach. This is the piece that blurs the line between surf gear and everyday wear — which is exactly the point.
Going Out Boardies — From surf to surf club
Bamboo Hoodie — The post-surf essential
Soft enough to sleep in (customers genuinely do), warm enough for cool Queensland mornings on the water. The bamboo fabric means it doesn't trap smell the way poly hoodies do — which, if you've ever owned a poly hoodie, you know is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.
For the Person Who Wants to Gifting Better
Sometimes the most meaningful part of a gift is what it says about your values — and theirs.
The Full Kit — Boardshorts + Bamboo Tee + Beach Towel
Put together a complete Not Sponsored setup and you're giving someone a genuinely new experience of what surf gear can be. The combination of recycled boardshorts that stay up, a bamboo tee that doesn't smell, and a sand-repellent rapid dry towel that actually works is the kind of gift people reference years later. Free shipping on Australian orders over $120 makes it easy.
Why Sustainable Gifts Matter
Beyond the products themselves, giving sustainable gifts is a meaningful statement. It says you've thought about more than just 'what will they like' — you've thought about where it came from, who made it, and what happens when it eventually wears out.
Not Sponsored gear is made to last. These aren't one-season gifts. They're the kind of thing that becomes a favourite and gets worn until it literally falls apart — which takes years/decades, not months.
That's the gift. Not just the product, but the years of use that come with it.
Ordering & Delivery
All orders over $120 ship free within Australia. New Zealand orders ship free over $150. We're based on the Sunshine Coast and ship daily
Not sure on sizing or which product is right? Drop us a message at notsponsored.com.au — we'll point you in the right direction.
You can also find us at Cotton Tree Markets on Sundays if you want to feel the fabrics before you buy. Worth the trip.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Free shipping Australia over $120 🎁🌊
How to Make Your Sustainable Surf Clothing Last (A Care Guide for Bamboo, Hemp & Recycled Fabrics)
19/03/26 12:49
How to Make Your Sustainable Surf Clothing Last (A Care Guide for Bamboo, Hemp & Recycled Fabrics)
One of the most sustainable things you can do is make your existing clothing last as long as possible. Buying well is half the equation — caring for what you buy is the other half.
Sustainable fabrics like bamboo, hemp, Tencel and recycled polyester all have specific care needs that, if ignored, will shorten their lifespan. Here's exactly how to look after every fabric in the Not Sponsored range so you're still wearing it in five years.
General Principles That Apply to Everything
Before we get into fabric-specific care, a few rules that apply across the board:
Bamboo is wonderfully low-maintenance, but a few specifics will keep it at its best:
Wash: Cold water, gentle cycle. Bamboo fibres are strong but can be weakened by heat and agitation.
Dry: Air dry flat or on a hanger. Bamboo can stretch slightly if hung wet while heavy with water — lay flat for the first few washes until the fabric has settled.
Iron: Low heat only, if needed. Bamboo rarely needs ironing — it has a natural drape that releases wrinkles as you wear it. If you must iron, use a cool setting and iron inside out.
Avoid: Bleach (destroys the natural fibres), hot washing (causes shrinkage and weakens the antibacterial properties), and harsh detergents.
The antibacterial properties of bamboo are best preserved by washing gently and infrequently. Over-washing with harsh detergents will reduce the odour-resistance over time — cold water and a gentle detergent keeps those properties intact for much longer.
Caring for Hemp Clothing
Hemp is the most durable fabric in our range and the most forgiving to care for — it genuinely gets better with washing.
Wash: Cold or warm water, gentle cycle. Hemp can handle slightly more robust washing than bamboo.
Dry: Air dry. Hemp can wrinkle more than bamboo when air dried — if that bothers you, remove from washing while still slightly damp and smooth by hand before hanging.
Iron: Medium heat is fine for hemp if needed. It responds well to ironing and the texture softens noticeably with heat and pressing.
Avoid: Very hot washing repeatedly — it will eventually cause some shrinkage, though hemp is more heat-tolerant than most natural fibres.
Hemp's superpower is that it genuinely softens and improves with every wash cycle. A hemp shirt you've had for two years feels noticeably better than when it was new. Don't be put off if it feels slightly stiffer than bamboo initially — it earns its softness.
Caring for Tencel Clothing
Tencel is the most delicate fabric in our range and benefits from the most careful handling That’s why we typically blend it with bamboo/Merino:
Wash: Cold water only, delicate cycle. Tencel fibres are smooth and soft — they can become misshapen with rough handling when wet.
Dry: Air dry flat. Do not wring or twist Tencel when wet — gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat. It dries quickly and returns to its shape beautifully.
Iron: Low to medium heat, while slightly damp for best results. Iron inside out.
Avoid: High heat in any form — washing, drying, or ironing. Also avoid wringing or heavy agitation when wet.
Tencel's exceptional softness is a product of its smooth fibre structure. Treat it gently and it'll reward you with years of that silky feel. Treat it roughly and you'll notice pilling and loss of drape over time.
Caring for Recycled Polyester (Boardshorts & Towels)
Our boardshorts and beach towels are made from recycled polyester — a performance synthetic that's hardwearing and easy to care for:
Wash: Cold water, gentle cycle. Turn inside out to protect the outer fabric surface (Always use one of our MicroPlastics Filter Wash Bags)
Dry: Air dry wherever possible. Recycled polyester dries very quickly — it's rarely in a hurry.
Avoid: High heat drying, which can damage the stretch fibres in the fabric. Also avoid washing with fabric softener, which coats the fibres and reduces their quick-dry performance.
One important note for recycled polyester: to reduce microplastic shedding when washing, consider using our Micro Plastics Filter Bag or a Guppyfriend washing bag — a fine mesh bag that catches microfibres before they reach the water system. It's a small investment that makes a meaningful difference, and it's consistent with the whole reason we made these garments from recycled materials in the first place.
The Bottom Line on Longevity
The single biggest factor in how long your sustainable clothing lasts is how often you wash it and at what temperature. Cold, gentle, and infrequent is the formula. Air dry. Skip the fabric softener and the bleach. And when something does eventually reach the end of its life, look into textile recycling options before it goes in the bin.
Clothing that lasts five years instead of one isn't just better for your wallet — it's dramatically better for the environment. That's the whole point of buying sustainably in the first place.
Any questions about specific garments or care instructions? Drop us a line at notsponsored.com.au — we know our fabrics and we're happy to help.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Made to last on the Sunshine Coast 🌿
One of the most sustainable things you can do is make your existing clothing last as long as possible. Buying well is half the equation — caring for what you buy is the other half.
Sustainable fabrics like bamboo, hemp, Tencel and recycled polyester all have specific care needs that, if ignored, will shorten their lifespan. Here's exactly how to look after every fabric in the Not Sponsored range so you're still wearing it in five years.
General Principles That Apply to Everything
Before we get into fabric-specific care, a few rules that apply across the board:
- Wash less often. Every wash cycle — no matter how gentle — causes some wear to fabric fibres. Bamboo, Merino and hemp are naturally antibacterial, which means you can often wear them multiple times before they need washing. If it doesn't smell and isn't visibly dirty, air it out instead of washing it.
- Cold water always. Hot water breaks down fibres faster, causes shrinkage, and uses significantly more energy. Cold water cleans just as effectively for everyday wear.
- Gentle cycle. The aggressive tumbling of a standard wash cycle physically stresses fabric. Use a gentle or delicate cycle for all sustainable fabrics.
- Turn garments inside out. This protects the outer face of the fabric — the bit you can see — from abrasion against other garments and the drum of the machine.
- Skip the dryer where possible. Tumble drying is hard on all fabrics. Air drying is always better — it's gentler, uses no energy, and your clothes will last significantly longer.
- Avoid fabric softener. It sounds counterintuitive, but fabric softener actually coats fibres with a chemical film that reduces their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties over time. Your bamboo shirt doesn't need it — it's already soft.
Bamboo is wonderfully low-maintenance, but a few specifics will keep it at its best:
Wash: Cold water, gentle cycle. Bamboo fibres are strong but can be weakened by heat and agitation.
Dry: Air dry flat or on a hanger. Bamboo can stretch slightly if hung wet while heavy with water — lay flat for the first few washes until the fabric has settled.
Iron: Low heat only, if needed. Bamboo rarely needs ironing — it has a natural drape that releases wrinkles as you wear it. If you must iron, use a cool setting and iron inside out.
Avoid: Bleach (destroys the natural fibres), hot washing (causes shrinkage and weakens the antibacterial properties), and harsh detergents.
The antibacterial properties of bamboo are best preserved by washing gently and infrequently. Over-washing with harsh detergents will reduce the odour-resistance over time — cold water and a gentle detergent keeps those properties intact for much longer.
Caring for Hemp Clothing
Hemp is the most durable fabric in our range and the most forgiving to care for — it genuinely gets better with washing.
Wash: Cold or warm water, gentle cycle. Hemp can handle slightly more robust washing than bamboo.
Dry: Air dry. Hemp can wrinkle more than bamboo when air dried — if that bothers you, remove from washing while still slightly damp and smooth by hand before hanging.
Iron: Medium heat is fine for hemp if needed. It responds well to ironing and the texture softens noticeably with heat and pressing.
Avoid: Very hot washing repeatedly — it will eventually cause some shrinkage, though hemp is more heat-tolerant than most natural fibres.
Hemp's superpower is that it genuinely softens and improves with every wash cycle. A hemp shirt you've had for two years feels noticeably better than when it was new. Don't be put off if it feels slightly stiffer than bamboo initially — it earns its softness.
Caring for Tencel Clothing
Tencel is the most delicate fabric in our range and benefits from the most careful handling That’s why we typically blend it with bamboo/Merino:
Wash: Cold water only, delicate cycle. Tencel fibres are smooth and soft — they can become misshapen with rough handling when wet.
Dry: Air dry flat. Do not wring or twist Tencel when wet — gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat. It dries quickly and returns to its shape beautifully.
Iron: Low to medium heat, while slightly damp for best results. Iron inside out.
Avoid: High heat in any form — washing, drying, or ironing. Also avoid wringing or heavy agitation when wet.
Tencel's exceptional softness is a product of its smooth fibre structure. Treat it gently and it'll reward you with years of that silky feel. Treat it roughly and you'll notice pilling and loss of drape over time.
Caring for Recycled Polyester (Boardshorts & Towels)
Our boardshorts and beach towels are made from recycled polyester — a performance synthetic that's hardwearing and easy to care for:
Wash: Cold water, gentle cycle. Turn inside out to protect the outer fabric surface (Always use one of our MicroPlastics Filter Wash Bags)
Dry: Air dry wherever possible. Recycled polyester dries very quickly — it's rarely in a hurry.
Avoid: High heat drying, which can damage the stretch fibres in the fabric. Also avoid washing with fabric softener, which coats the fibres and reduces their quick-dry performance.
One important note for recycled polyester: to reduce microplastic shedding when washing, consider using our Micro Plastics Filter Bag or a Guppyfriend washing bag — a fine mesh bag that catches microfibres before they reach the water system. It's a small investment that makes a meaningful difference, and it's consistent with the whole reason we made these garments from recycled materials in the first place.
The Bottom Line on Longevity
The single biggest factor in how long your sustainable clothing lasts is how often you wash it and at what temperature. Cold, gentle, and infrequent is the formula. Air dry. Skip the fabric softener and the bleach. And when something does eventually reach the end of its life, look into textile recycling options before it goes in the bin.
Clothing that lasts five years instead of one isn't just better for your wallet — it's dramatically better for the environment. That's the whole point of buying sustainably in the first place.
Any questions about specific garments or care instructions? Drop us a line at notsponsored.com.au — we know our fabrics and we're happy to help.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Made to last on the Sunshine Coast 🌿
Fast Fashion Is Killing the Ocean — And the Surf Industry Is Part of the Problem
19/03/26 12:38
Fast Fashion Is Killing the Ocean — And the Surf Industry Is Part of the Problem
The surf industry has a branding problem. On one hand, surf culture is built around a genuine love of the ocean — the environment, the freedom, the connection to nature. On the other hand, the products that industry sells are often made in ways that are quietly devastating to the very ocean they celebrate.
We started Not Sponsored because we couldn't ignore that contradiction anymore. Here's what's actually going on — and what a real alternative looks like.
What Fast Fashion Actually Means
Fast fashion is a manufacturing model designed around speed and volume. New styles every few weeks. Low price points made possible by cheap overseas labour and cheaper materials. A product lifespan measured in months, not years. And a marketing machine engineered to make you feel like last season's gear is already embarrassing.
The fashion industry as a whole is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions — more than international aviation and shipping combined. It's the second-largest consumer of water globally, and textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of clean water after agriculture.
These numbers apply to the surf industry too. Maybe more so, because surf brands operate on even shorter trend cycles than mainstream fashion, pushing new collections and colourways at a pace designed to maximise turnover — not quality.
The Specific Problem With Surfwear
Conventional surfwear comes with its own particular environmental costs:
Microplastics in the ocean
Most boardshorts, rash vests, and swimwear are made from virgin polyester or nylon — synthetic materials derived from petroleum. Every time these garments are washed, they can shed microplastic fibres that pass straight through water treatment systems and into waterways and basically our oceans. A single wash cycle can release hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles. (That’s why we do our Micro Plastic Filter Wash Bag)
The irony is painful: the shorts you wear in the ocean are, every time they're washed, potentially adding to the plastic pollution in that same ocean.
Virgin materials from fossil fuels
Virgin polyester production is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. Producing one kilogram of virgin polyester releases approximately 9kg of CO₂. The global surf industry produces millions of garments annually — the carbon footprint is enormous, and almost entirely unnecessary given that recycled alternatives perform just as well.
Planned obsolescence
Surf brands — particularly the large listed companies — have a financial incentive to make gear that wears out or goes “out of style” quickly. A boardshort that lasts ten years is a customer you don't see again for a decade. A boardshort designed to fade, fray, or feel dated within twelve months is a customer who comes back next season every year.
This isn't conspiracy — it's just business. But it's business at the direct expense of the environment.
Chemical treatment and dyes
A lot of conventional textile processing uses significant quantities of chemical dyes, fixatives, and finishing agents. In countries with weaker environmental regulation — where much of the world's surf clothing is manufactured — these chemicals often end up in local waterways. The communities living near these factories pay the environmental price for the cheap gear filling surf shop racks on the other side of the world.
What 'Sustainable Surfwear' Actually Requires
Sustainability in surfwear isn't just about using recycled materials — though that matters. It's a whole-of-product approach:
What We Do Differently
Our boardshorts and beach towels are made from recycled plastic bottles — post-consumer waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, turned into high-performance surf gear. Around 13 bottles per pair of boardshorts and about 35 per rapid dry sand repellent beach towel.
Our casual range — tees, hoodies, rash shirts — uses bamboo, hemp, Tencel and Merino: natural and regenerative fibres that require far less water, far fewer chemicals, and far less carbon to produce than conventional cotton or virgin synthetics.
Our packaging is recycled paper, cardboard and cornstarch. No plastic.
And our products are designed to last. Not last one season — last years. Our customers tell us they're still wearing gear they bought from us five or ten years ago. That's not an accident. It's the point.
The Bigger Ask
Beyond what you buy, the most powerful thing any individual can do is simply buy less, and buy better.
One well-made pair of sustainable boardshorts that lasts even five years is a dramatically better environmental choice than five cheap pairs that fall apart in a season. The upfront cost might be higher. The total cost — financial, environmental, and ethical — is much lower.
The surf industry will change when enough customers demand it. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of industry you want. We started Not Sponsored because we believe there's a real appetite for something better — gear made by people who love the ocean as much as the people wearing it.
If you're sick of fast fashion in the surf industry, we're right there with you.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Sunshine Coast, QLD 🌊
The surf industry has a branding problem. On one hand, surf culture is built around a genuine love of the ocean — the environment, the freedom, the connection to nature. On the other hand, the products that industry sells are often made in ways that are quietly devastating to the very ocean they celebrate.
We started Not Sponsored because we couldn't ignore that contradiction anymore. Here's what's actually going on — and what a real alternative looks like.
What Fast Fashion Actually Means
Fast fashion is a manufacturing model designed around speed and volume. New styles every few weeks. Low price points made possible by cheap overseas labour and cheaper materials. A product lifespan measured in months, not years. And a marketing machine engineered to make you feel like last season's gear is already embarrassing.
The fashion industry as a whole is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions — more than international aviation and shipping combined. It's the second-largest consumer of water globally, and textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of clean water after agriculture.
These numbers apply to the surf industry too. Maybe more so, because surf brands operate on even shorter trend cycles than mainstream fashion, pushing new collections and colourways at a pace designed to maximise turnover — not quality.
The Specific Problem With Surfwear
Conventional surfwear comes with its own particular environmental costs:
Microplastics in the ocean
Most boardshorts, rash vests, and swimwear are made from virgin polyester or nylon — synthetic materials derived from petroleum. Every time these garments are washed, they can shed microplastic fibres that pass straight through water treatment systems and into waterways and basically our oceans. A single wash cycle can release hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles. (That’s why we do our Micro Plastic Filter Wash Bag)
The irony is painful: the shorts you wear in the ocean are, every time they're washed, potentially adding to the plastic pollution in that same ocean.
Virgin materials from fossil fuels
Virgin polyester production is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. Producing one kilogram of virgin polyester releases approximately 9kg of CO₂. The global surf industry produces millions of garments annually — the carbon footprint is enormous, and almost entirely unnecessary given that recycled alternatives perform just as well.
Planned obsolescence
Surf brands — particularly the large listed companies — have a financial incentive to make gear that wears out or goes “out of style” quickly. A boardshort that lasts ten years is a customer you don't see again for a decade. A boardshort designed to fade, fray, or feel dated within twelve months is a customer who comes back next season every year.
This isn't conspiracy — it's just business. But it's business at the direct expense of the environment.
Chemical treatment and dyes
A lot of conventional textile processing uses significant quantities of chemical dyes, fixatives, and finishing agents. In countries with weaker environmental regulation — where much of the world's surf clothing is manufactured — these chemicals often end up in local waterways. The communities living near these factories pay the environmental price for the cheap gear filling surf shop racks on the other side of the world.
What 'Sustainable Surfwear' Actually Requires
Sustainability in surfwear isn't just about using recycled materials — though that matters. It's a whole-of-product approach:
- Materials sourced with minimal environmental impact — recycled synthetics for performance gear, certified organic or low-impact natural fibres for casual wear
- Manufacturing processes that don't poison local water supplies or exploit workers
- Product design built around longevity, not planned obsolescence
- Packaging that doesn't add to the plastic waste stream
- A business model that doesn't depend on convincing customers they need new gear every six months
What We Do Differently
Our boardshorts and beach towels are made from recycled plastic bottles — post-consumer waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, turned into high-performance surf gear. Around 13 bottles per pair of boardshorts and about 35 per rapid dry sand repellent beach towel.
Our casual range — tees, hoodies, rash shirts — uses bamboo, hemp, Tencel and Merino: natural and regenerative fibres that require far less water, far fewer chemicals, and far less carbon to produce than conventional cotton or virgin synthetics.
Our packaging is recycled paper, cardboard and cornstarch. No plastic.
And our products are designed to last. Not last one season — last years. Our customers tell us they're still wearing gear they bought from us five or ten years ago. That's not an accident. It's the point.
The Bigger Ask
Beyond what you buy, the most powerful thing any individual can do is simply buy less, and buy better.
One well-made pair of sustainable boardshorts that lasts even five years is a dramatically better environmental choice than five cheap pairs that fall apart in a season. The upfront cost might be higher. The total cost — financial, environmental, and ethical — is much lower.
The surf industry will change when enough customers demand it. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of industry you want. We started Not Sponsored because we believe there's a real appetite for something better — gear made by people who love the ocean as much as the people wearing it.
If you're sick of fast fashion in the surf industry, we're right there with you.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Sunshine Coast, QLD 🌊
Hemp vs Tencel: Which Sustainable Fabric Is Right for You?
19/03/26 12:06
Hemp vs Tencel: Which Sustainable Fabric Is Right for You?
Bamboo gets most of the headlines in sustainable clothing — and for good reason. But two other fabrics we use deserve a lot more attention: Hemp and Tencel. Both are genuinely impressive materials with strong environmental credentials. Both perform differently. And both have a place in a thoughtful sustainable wardrobe.
At Not Sponsored, we use both. Here's a clear breakdown of what they are, where they shine, and how to choose between them.
What Is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is one of the oldest textiles in the world — humans have been making fabric from it for thousands of years. It's made from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant (yes, that plant — but industrial hemp contains negligible THC and has nothing to do with recreational use). There’s been a lot of unjust and basically untrue information surrounding this amazing plant for many years.
Hemp is arguably the most sustainable fabric on the planet from a raw materials perspective:
What Is Tencel?
Tencel is a brand name for lyocell fibre, produced by the Austrian company Lenzing. It's made from wood pulp — usually eucalyptus, beech, or spruce — sourced from sustainably managed forests.
What makes Tencel stand out is the manufacturing process. Unlike general viscose (which can involve harsh chemical solvents), Tencel is produced using a closed-loop system that recaptures and reuses 99% of the solvent used in processing. The result is a fibre with a very low environmental footprint from source to fabric.
Tencel fabric is:
Softness: Hemp: Gets softer over time, starts slightly textured | Tencel: Immediately very soft, silky feel
Durability: Hemp: Extremely durable, one of the toughest natural fibres | Tencel: Good durability, slightly less robust than hemp
Breathability: Hemp: Excellent — naturally porous fabric | Tencel: Excellent — superior moisture management
Odour resistance: Hemp: Good natural antibacterial properties | Tencel: Strong natural antibacterial properties
Environmental footprint: Hemp: Outstanding — minimal water, no pesticides, soil improvement | Tencel: Outstanding — closed-loop processing, sustainably sourced wood
Feel: Hemp: Earthy, textured — improves with washing | Tencel: Smooth, silky, premium feel from day one
Best for: Hemp: Durability, casual wear, warmer conditions | Tencel: Everyday comfort, active wear, sensitive skin
Thinking about the separately - When to Choose Hemp
Hemp is the better choice when durability and longevity are your priority. If you want a shirt that you'll still be wearing in five years and that'll look better for the wear, hemp is your fabric.
It's also the stronger performer in colder climates. Hemp clothing also carries a certain authenticity. It's not a manufactured fibre — it's a plant that grows in a field, cut and spun into cloth much the same way it has been for millennia. For people who want their sustainable choices to connect to something genuinely natural, hemp delivers that.
When to Choose Tencel
Tencel wins on immediate comfort and a premium feel. If you're looking for a fabric that feels luxurious against the skin from the moment you put it on, Tencel is hard to beat.
It's also the standout option for people with sensitive skin. The smooth fibre surface and natural moisture management mean less friction and irritation than most other fabrics — including cotton.
Tencel is also excellent for layering and transitional wear — the kind of shirt you wear from the beach to dinner without needing to change. The softness and drape give it a slightly more refined look than hemp, which tends to have a more relaxed, casual aesthetic.
What About Blends?
One of the best things about sustainable fabrics is that they can be blended to combine their strengths. At Not Sponsored, we use Hemp, Tencel, and Bamboo in different combinations depending on the garment and its intended use.
A bamboo-hemp blend, for instance, gives you the immediate softness of bamboo with the long-term durability of hemp. A Tencel-bamboo blend gives you exceptional softness with strong moisture management for more active use.
We're continually testing and refining our fabric combinations to find the best performance for each type of garment. The goal is always the same: the most comfortable, best-performing gear made with the smallest environmental footprint we can achieve.
The Bottom Line
Neither Hemp nor Tencel is universally 'better' — they're different tools for different jobs. Both are dramatically better than conventional cotton or virgin polyester from an environmental standpoint. Both perform excellently as activewear and everyday clothing for Australian conditions.
If you want durability and a fabric that gets better with age — go Hemp. If you want immediate luxury and silky softness — go Tencel. If you want the best of both — look for a blend, which is why we offer a blend of both plus a bamboo blended with both materials.
At Not Sponsored, we've done all the hard work and all the testing so you don't have to worry about it-We’ve already designed the right blend for the right job.
Check out our current range of hemp, Tencel, and bamboo clothing at notsponsored.com.au and feel the difference for yourself.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Free shipping Australia over $120 🌿
Bamboo gets most of the headlines in sustainable clothing — and for good reason. But two other fabrics we use deserve a lot more attention: Hemp and Tencel. Both are genuinely impressive materials with strong environmental credentials. Both perform differently. And both have a place in a thoughtful sustainable wardrobe.
At Not Sponsored, we use both. Here's a clear breakdown of what they are, where they shine, and how to choose between them.
What Is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is one of the oldest textiles in the world — humans have been making fabric from it for thousands of years. It's made from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant (yes, that plant — but industrial hemp contains negligible THC and has nothing to do with recreational use). There’s been a lot of unjust and basically untrue information surrounding this amazing plant for many years.
Hemp is arguably the most sustainable fabric on the planet from a raw materials perspective:
- Grows incredibly fast — a crop matures in 60–90 days
- Requires minimal water — roughly 50% less than cotton
- Needs no pesticides or herbicides — it's naturally pest-resistant
- Actually improves soil health through a process called phytoremediation
- Sequesters carbon as it grows — more so than most crops
- Every part of the plant can be used — nothing is wasted
What Is Tencel?
Tencel is a brand name for lyocell fibre, produced by the Austrian company Lenzing. It's made from wood pulp — usually eucalyptus, beech, or spruce — sourced from sustainably managed forests.
What makes Tencel stand out is the manufacturing process. Unlike general viscose (which can involve harsh chemical solvents), Tencel is produced using a closed-loop system that recaptures and reuses 99% of the solvent used in processing. The result is a fibre with a very low environmental footprint from source to fabric.
Tencel fabric is:
- Exceptionally soft — often compared to silk in texture
- Highly breathable and moisture-managing
- Naturally resistant to bacteria and odour
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Produced with verified low environmental impact through the closed-loop process
Softness: Hemp: Gets softer over time, starts slightly textured | Tencel: Immediately very soft, silky feel
Durability: Hemp: Extremely durable, one of the toughest natural fibres | Tencel: Good durability, slightly less robust than hemp
Breathability: Hemp: Excellent — naturally porous fabric | Tencel: Excellent — superior moisture management
Odour resistance: Hemp: Good natural antibacterial properties | Tencel: Strong natural antibacterial properties
Environmental footprint: Hemp: Outstanding — minimal water, no pesticides, soil improvement | Tencel: Outstanding — closed-loop processing, sustainably sourced wood
Feel: Hemp: Earthy, textured — improves with washing | Tencel: Smooth, silky, premium feel from day one
Best for: Hemp: Durability, casual wear, warmer conditions | Tencel: Everyday comfort, active wear, sensitive skin
Thinking about the separately - When to Choose Hemp
Hemp is the better choice when durability and longevity are your priority. If you want a shirt that you'll still be wearing in five years and that'll look better for the wear, hemp is your fabric.
It's also the stronger performer in colder climates. Hemp clothing also carries a certain authenticity. It's not a manufactured fibre — it's a plant that grows in a field, cut and spun into cloth much the same way it has been for millennia. For people who want their sustainable choices to connect to something genuinely natural, hemp delivers that.
When to Choose Tencel
Tencel wins on immediate comfort and a premium feel. If you're looking for a fabric that feels luxurious against the skin from the moment you put it on, Tencel is hard to beat.
It's also the standout option for people with sensitive skin. The smooth fibre surface and natural moisture management mean less friction and irritation than most other fabrics — including cotton.
Tencel is also excellent for layering and transitional wear — the kind of shirt you wear from the beach to dinner without needing to change. The softness and drape give it a slightly more refined look than hemp, which tends to have a more relaxed, casual aesthetic.
What About Blends?
One of the best things about sustainable fabrics is that they can be blended to combine their strengths. At Not Sponsored, we use Hemp, Tencel, and Bamboo in different combinations depending on the garment and its intended use.
A bamboo-hemp blend, for instance, gives you the immediate softness of bamboo with the long-term durability of hemp. A Tencel-bamboo blend gives you exceptional softness with strong moisture management for more active use.
We're continually testing and refining our fabric combinations to find the best performance for each type of garment. The goal is always the same: the most comfortable, best-performing gear made with the smallest environmental footprint we can achieve.
The Bottom Line
Neither Hemp nor Tencel is universally 'better' — they're different tools for different jobs. Both are dramatically better than conventional cotton or virgin polyester from an environmental standpoint. Both perform excellently as activewear and everyday clothing for Australian conditions.
If you want durability and a fabric that gets better with age — go Hemp. If you want immediate luxury and silky softness — go Tencel. If you want the best of both — look for a blend, which is why we offer a blend of both plus a bamboo blended with both materials.
At Not Sponsored, we've done all the hard work and all the testing so you don't have to worry about it-We’ve already designed the right blend for the right job.
Check out our current range of hemp, Tencel, and bamboo clothing at notsponsored.com.au and feel the difference for yourself.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Free shipping Australia over $120 🌿
Why Our Sunshine Coast Surf Brand Is Doing Things Differently
19/03/26 12:00
Why Our Sunshine Coast Surf Brand Is Doing Things Differently
There are hundreds of surf brands out there. Most of them look pretty similar: “sponsored” athletes, social media ads everywhere, cheap print tees that all look the same with cheap standard material shirts and shorts the same that could be from any surf brand you can’t tell the difference. A new set drops every other week designed to get you buying again before your last pair of shorts or shirt has worn out.
Not Sponsored started on the Sunshine Coast because one bloke got fed up with all of that. Here's the story — and why we think it matters more than ever.
Where We Come From
Not Sponsored is a Sunshine Coast brand, born and built in one of the best local surf regions in Australia. Our founder Brad Manuel is based in Bli Bli, and the brand was built around the same values a lot of Sunshine Coasters already live by: time in the water, respect for the environment, and not taking yourself too seriously.
The name says it all. We don't have a team of professional surfers on the payroll wearing our gear for a fee. We don't spend our budget on influencer campaigns or sponsored events. We spend it on making the best quality sustainable surf gear we possibly can — and letting the product do the talking.
The Problem We're Solving
Fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. In surfwear specifically, the problem is doubled: the gear is often made from environmentally damaging materials, heavily marketed for “fashion” and then designed to be replaced as fast as possible.
We think that's hypocritical. You can't genuinely love the ocean and keep feeding the industry that's actively destroying it.
Not Sponsored exists to offer a genuine alternative — gear that performs at the highest level, lasts for years instead of seasons, and is made from materials that do as little environmental damage as possible.
What We Actually Make
Our range covers everything you need for a surf lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast and beyond:
Our Materials Philosophy
We use different sustainable materials for different purposes, because the right material for the job matters:
For in-water gear (boardshorts, towels):
Recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles. At this point in time performance synthetics are the right call here — they dry fast, stretch well, and handle salt and sand. We just make sure ours come from recycled sources rather than virgin made materials. We are constantly trying to be better and always working on natural blends to try and perform as well as(Check out our All Day Everything Bamboo/Tencel/Organic Cotton Blend Rashies) and as soon as we perfect a natural blend than can out perform the recycled material, you’ll know as we’ll tell everyone.
For everyday wear (tees, hoodies, rash shirts):
95% bamboo. Naturally anti-bacterial, temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and so soft that our customers regularly describe them as life-changing. We also use Hemp, Merino and Tencel where they suit the garment.
For packaging:
Recycled paper and cardboard and cornstarch packing. No plastic bags, no unnecessary padding or extra tags, no waste.
The Sunshine Coast Connection
You can find us in person at Cotton Tree Markets on Sundays — come and feel the fabrics for yourself, which is genuinely the best way to understand what makes them different. We're also available by appointment at our showroom/mancave in Bli Bli when we're not in the surf.
The Sunshine Coast is our home and our testing ground. Every product we make gets worn in these waters, on these beaches, and in our nature through all our seasons before it makes it to the shop. If it can't handle that, it doesn't make the cut.
Why Independent Matters
When you buy from Not Sponsored, you're buying directly from a small independent family brand. There's no corporate chain, no investor pressure to cut costs on materials, no compromise on quality to hit a margin target.
You're also getting genuinely personal service. Brad answers his own emails. Questions about sizing, gear, or sustainability get real answers from someone who's worn everything in the range.
The big brands have the budgets. We have the product and the conviction. We'll back that trade every time.
Come and Find Us
Cotton Tree Markets, Sundays. Eumundi Markets only some Wednesday’s when we're there. Or online at notsponsored.com.au with free shipping on Australian orders over $120.
If you've been looking for a surf brand that actually aligns with the values most Australians who love the ocean already have — you've found it.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Sunshine Coast 🌊
There are hundreds of surf brands out there. Most of them look pretty similar: “sponsored” athletes, social media ads everywhere, cheap print tees that all look the same with cheap standard material shirts and shorts the same that could be from any surf brand you can’t tell the difference. A new set drops every other week designed to get you buying again before your last pair of shorts or shirt has worn out.
Not Sponsored started on the Sunshine Coast because one bloke got fed up with all of that. Here's the story — and why we think it matters more than ever.
Where We Come From
Not Sponsored is a Sunshine Coast brand, born and built in one of the best local surf regions in Australia. Our founder Brad Manuel is based in Bli Bli, and the brand was built around the same values a lot of Sunshine Coasters already live by: time in the water, respect for the environment, and not taking yourself too seriously.
The name says it all. We don't have a team of professional surfers on the payroll wearing our gear for a fee. We don't spend our budget on influencer campaigns or sponsored events. We spend it on making the best quality sustainable surf gear we possibly can — and letting the product do the talking.
The Problem We're Solving
Fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. In surfwear specifically, the problem is doubled: the gear is often made from environmentally damaging materials, heavily marketed for “fashion” and then designed to be replaced as fast as possible.
We think that's hypocritical. You can't genuinely love the ocean and keep feeding the industry that's actively destroying it.
Not Sponsored exists to offer a genuine alternative — gear that performs at the highest level, lasts for years instead of seasons, and is made from materials that do as little environmental damage as possible.
What We Actually Make
Our range covers everything you need for a surf lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast and beyond:
- Boardshorts and walk shorts made from recycled plastic bottles — Around 13 bottles worth of material per pair — with our silicone S.H.I.T. waistband that keeps them in place no matter what the ocean does
- Bamboo, Tencel, Merino and Hemp tees and tanks, long-sleeve shirts and hoodies — so soft you'll wear them every day, with naturally anti-odour benefits so you can
- Sand-Repellent beach towels made from recycled plastic — lightweight, quick-dry, and they actually repel sand
- Surf ponchos and hooded towels for post-surf warmth without the environment hit
- Caps and accessories, also made from recycled and sustainable materials
Our Materials Philosophy
We use different sustainable materials for different purposes, because the right material for the job matters:
For in-water gear (boardshorts, towels):
Recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles. At this point in time performance synthetics are the right call here — they dry fast, stretch well, and handle salt and sand. We just make sure ours come from recycled sources rather than virgin made materials. We are constantly trying to be better and always working on natural blends to try and perform as well as(Check out our All Day Everything Bamboo/Tencel/Organic Cotton Blend Rashies) and as soon as we perfect a natural blend than can out perform the recycled material, you’ll know as we’ll tell everyone.
For everyday wear (tees, hoodies, rash shirts):
95% bamboo. Naturally anti-bacterial, temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and so soft that our customers regularly describe them as life-changing. We also use Hemp, Merino and Tencel where they suit the garment.
For packaging:
Recycled paper and cardboard and cornstarch packing. No plastic bags, no unnecessary padding or extra tags, no waste.
The Sunshine Coast Connection
You can find us in person at Cotton Tree Markets on Sundays — come and feel the fabrics for yourself, which is genuinely the best way to understand what makes them different. We're also available by appointment at our showroom/mancave in Bli Bli when we're not in the surf.
The Sunshine Coast is our home and our testing ground. Every product we make gets worn in these waters, on these beaches, and in our nature through all our seasons before it makes it to the shop. If it can't handle that, it doesn't make the cut.
Why Independent Matters
When you buy from Not Sponsored, you're buying directly from a small independent family brand. There's no corporate chain, no investor pressure to cut costs on materials, no compromise on quality to hit a margin target.
You're also getting genuinely personal service. Brad answers his own emails. Questions about sizing, gear, or sustainability get real answers from someone who's worn everything in the range.
The big brands have the budgets. We have the product and the conviction. We'll back that trade every time.
Come and Find Us
Cotton Tree Markets, Sundays. Eumundi Markets only some Wednesday’s when we're there. Or online at notsponsored.com.au with free shipping on Australian orders over $120.
If you've been looking for a surf brand that actually aligns with the values most Australians who love the ocean already have — you've found it.
notsponsored.com.au | @notsponsoredsurf | Sunshine Coast 🌊
