Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘re into skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, or just looking effortlessly cool, chances are you‘ve heard of Volcom. Born out of a love for board sports and creative expression, this iconic brand has been a mainstay in the action sports apparel scene since 1991. But what makes Volcom so special, and are their clothes really worth the hype? As a long-time fan and wearer of Volcom myself, I‘m here to give you the inside scoop!
The Volcom Story
First, let‘s start with a little history lesson. Volcom was founded by Richard Woolcott and Tucker Hall, two friends who quit their day jobs to follow their passions for surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. With just $5,000 and a vision to create clothes that reflected their active, creative lifestyles, they launched Volcom in Newport Beach, California.
From the beginning, Volcom aimed to be more than just another clothing company. The brand‘s philosophy revolved around what they called the "Volcom Stone," representing the spiritual interlocking of surf, skate, and snow cultures. Over the past three decades, Volcom has stayed true to its roots while evolving into a global fashion force with distribution in over 100 countries.
One of the things I‘ve always admired about Volcom is their genuine connection to action sports. Many of the brand‘s employees, ambassadors, and sponsored athletes are passionate participants in the sports and lifestyles Volcom caters to. This authenticity shines through in the functionality and style of their products.
Quality and Style
Speaking of products, let‘s dive into what really matters – the clothes! I‘ve been wearing Volcom for years, and I‘m consistently impressed by the quality and durability of their apparel. From comfy hoodies and flannels to rugged jeans and technical outerwear, Volcom gear is built to last.
One of my all-time favorite pieces is the Frickin Modern Stretch Chino Pants. I practically live in these things! The stretchy material moves with me whether I‘m skating, biking, or just lounging around. I‘ve had multiple pairs for years and they still look and feel great after countless washes.
Another go-to in my closet is the Volcom Hydro Riding Hoodie. This cozy mid-weight hoodie is perfect for those chilly beach days or early morning skate sessions. The water-resistant coating comes in clutch when the weather turns misty, and the kangaroo pocket keeps my hands toasty.
On the women‘s side, my girlfriend swears by Volcom‘s swimwear. She loves the Simply Solid One-Piece for its retro-inspired square neckline and full coverage fit. The suit is made from eco-friendly recycled materials, which brings me to another aspect of Volcom I really respect – their commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability and Ethics
Did you know that Volcom was one of the first action sports brands to become a certified member of the Fair Labor Association? This means they adhere to strict standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility throughout their supply chain.
Volcom has also been a leader in using sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester in their products. In 2020, 38% of Volcom‘s global product line contained sustainable alternatives, with a goal to reach 75% by 2025. The brand has diverted over 11 million plastic bottles from landfill since launching their Road To Sustainability initiative in 2012.
As a consumer, it feels good to support a brand that prioritizes both people and planet. I try to vote with my wallet by choosing companies like Volcom that are making real efforts to minimize their environmental impact and treat workers ethically.
Innovation and Technology
In addition to their sustainability efforts, Volcom has always pushed the envelope in terms of product innovation. They were one of the first brands to introduce stretch denim for skateboarding, and have continued to develop new materials and construction techniques to enhance performance and style.
Some recent examples include their Hydro Riding Collection, featuring water-repellent flannel shirts and fleece for surf adventures, and the Volcom Inferno 3-in-1 Snowboard Jacket with a zip-out puffer and magnetic closures for unmatched versatility on the mountain.
Volcom also embraces the latest fabric technologies from partners like GORE-TEX for waterproof-breathable outerwear and Repreve for recycled fibers. By constantly innovating, they stay ahead of the curve in both performance and sustainability.
Team and Community
Another factor that sets Volcom apart is their incredible team of athletes and ambassadors. Over the years, they‘ve supported some of the biggest names in action sports, from legendary skaters like Geoff Rowley and Dustin Dollin to surf icons like Bruce Irons and Coco Ho.
Beyond the pros, Volcom also sponsors up-and-coming athletes through their VLCM program, which provides funding, product, and mentorship to help young talents chase their dreams. They also host events like the Volcom Pipe Pro surf contest and the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour skate series to bring the community together and showcase emerging stars.
But Volcom‘s impact extends far beyond the world of action sports. The brand is active in various charitable causes, from environmental conservation to youth empowerment. Through their Give Back Series program, Volcom partners with artists to create limited-edition products that raise funds for non-profit organizations. To date, they‘ve donated over $3 million to hundreds of charities worldwide.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Don‘t just take my word for it – Volcom has a legion of loyal fans around the globe who rave about the brand‘s style, quality, and values. On their website, many products have hundreds of glowing reviews from satisfied customers.
One reviewer called the Frickin Modern Stretch Chino Pants "the best pants ever," praising their comfort, versatility, and durability. Another customer said the Women‘s Lil Zip Fleece was "perfect for cool summer nights and crisp fall days" and loved the soft, cozy material.
In a 2021 survey of over 10,000 consumers by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA), Volcom ranked in the top 3 most popular surf apparel brands, alongside industry giants like Billabong and Quiksilver. The brand also scored high marks for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Of course, no brand is perfect, and Volcom has had its share of criticism over the years. Some customers have complained about sizing inconsistencies or quality control issues, while others feel the prices are a bit steep compared to fast fashion alternatives.
Personally, I believe that the slightly higher price point of Volcom gear is justified by the quality, durability, and ethical manufacturing practices. I‘d rather invest in a few well-made, long-lasting pieces than buy cheaper items that fall apart after a few wears.
The Bottom Line
So, is Volcom a good brand? In my honest opinion, absolutely! As a die-hard action sports enthusiast and conscious consumer, I feel great about supporting a company that stays true to its roots, pushes the envelope in sustainability and innovation, and gives back to the community.
Whether you‘re a hardcore surfer, skater, or snowboarder, or just someone who appreciates quality clothing with a laid-back vibe, I highly recommend checking out Volcom. Their commitment to ethical manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and product excellence is truly impressive.
I hope this in-depth review has given you a better understanding of what makes Volcom special. As always, I encourage you to do your own research, read reviews, and try on items in person if possible to find the perfect fit for your unique style and needs.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, keep living that Volcom True To This lifestyle!
Your resident style guru,
[Your Name]
