Founded in 1961 by Carrie Birdwell Mann in Santa Ana, California, Birdwell began as a home-based operation making durable swimwear for lifeguards and surfers. The brand gained fame for its board shorts crafted from heavy-duty materials like their signature two-ply nylon Surfnyl, built to last up to 10 years of regular use.
Birdwell maintains its commitment to American manufacturing, with each piece still handmade in the USA. Its range now includes jackets, pants, and sweatshirts, all featuring the same durability as their original board shorts, which come in over 40 colors with custom options. The brand has kept its family-owned feel and dedication to quality craftsmanship, proving that their approach to long-lasting surf wear remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960s.