2016
OHOY started the way most good things do: with an obsession.
Founded by Anna, a Danish photographer who has spent most of her life in and around the ocean, the brand was born out of a personal need.
“When I fell in love with surfing, I couldn't find swimwear I actually wanted: sustainable, minimal, and made to stay on in the water.”
In 2016, she decided to create it herself alongside her Finnish co-founder, Henna, which established the Danish and Finnish roots of the brand's story. While Henna moved on a few years ago, Anna continues to run OHOY solely today.
The brand’s journey began in Sri Lanka. During a 2016 surf trip, Anna spent weeks driving around the island searching for a workshop small enough to take a chance on OHOY's tiny starting quantities. That search led her to Mr. Ajith, whose workshop proudly continues to make the brand's beeswax Sunshine Hats today.
Nowadays
Ultimately, where OHOY is going is exactly where it began: the surf.
Today, most OHOY pieces are ethically sewn at a small, family-owned factory in Portugal. Anna personally visits during production to spend time with the people who make the swimwear.
“knowing the people and production personally is how I know how our pieces are made ethically and made well.”
Additionally, OHOY's Yulex® spring suits are produced by a carefully researched specialist, honoring the unique and distinct craft of wetsuit-making. As the brand grows, OHOY remains committed to choosing partners the exact same way: where it makes sense, with people they trust.
The mission remains simple: to create swimwear and surfwear that stays on when the ocean gets serious. Minimal, cute, and made to last.
Dive further into our Ethics & Sustainability
OHOY creates sustainable, slow-fashion swimwear from regenerated ECONYL® yarn. Explore our commitment to honest ethics, ocean protection, and quality.
