Style Archive: The Beach Boys

See them wearing their baggies – huarache sandals, too

Some boys write songs about love; some boys write songs about hate. And then there are the boys who write songs about the beach, the most famous example being The Beach Boys, a group of boys that rose to prominence in the 1960s.

The story of the Beach Boys is well known. I don’t need to tell you about their fondness of beaches, surfing, cars, or girls, but I do feel a certain obligation to share photos from the Beach Boys style archive with you. The Beach Boys were low-key style gods, and by the end of this entry, I hope to elevate them to the status of high-key style gods. Let us begin.

The Beach Boys were originally called The Pendletones. They were named after Pendleton, an Oregon brand known for their woolen surfer shirts and appropriating Native art.

Take a good hard look at our boys. Now here are some youngsters who have never really surfed, shifted (in a hot rod), or scored (with the ladies). Nevertheless, they are about to lie and say they have, and the music will be so good that nobody will care that they are lying.

From the outset, the Beach Boys preferred to wear more casual clothes. When they did dress up, the results weren’t good. I don’t know who orchestrated this photo shoot, but he should be fired. Get these boys back into some striped shirts, goshdamnit.

That’s better. When you think of the Beach Boys, this is probably what you think of. Striped shirts tucked into chinos. Always short-sleeved, always with a couple buttons popped. Wholesome and handsome. With some subtle tweaks (wider pants, for example), this uniform would look dashing in today’s nostalgia-obsessed Instaworld.

Around this time, the boys were absolutely churning out hits. “Surfin’ Safari,” “I Get Around,” “Be True To Your School,” to name a few. Some of my favorite songs of all time! But in a couple years, they’d stop writing about the beach altogether and embark on their second–and strongest–chapter as a band.

When they weren’t in the studio recording pocket symphonies, the Beach Boys were on the road, touring the United States. That’s when their off the clock fits really started to pop. Look at the outerwear! Carl and Al both rock double-breasted coats with big ol’ collars, and Brian’s coat has a monstrous fur ruff. But it’s Dennis and Mike who steal the show. I have recently converted from leather jacket hater to leather jacket agnostic, and it’s pieces like these that made it happen. Mike Love, despite his reputation, is easily the most stylish Beach Boy. Every element of his outfit works in harmony (heh), resulting in an airport fit for the ages.

In 1966, the Beach Boys released their landmark album, Pet Sounds. Audiences didn’t appreciate it at the time, and maybe that’s because they couldn’t turn their attention from the boys’ impeccable fits. Carl, cosplaying as an IT guy, is the obvious weak link, but the rest of the guys are killing it, plain and simple. Brian has found the perfect pea coat, Dennis has found the perfect vest, and Mike has found the perfect trousers. It’s Al, though, who steals the spotlight in white slip-ons, royal trousers, and a terrific brown blazer. That collar!

Not long after, the band began to splinter. Mike seized control of the group while Brian retreated from public and creative life. “Now who’s that guy on the left?” You ask. That’s Bruce Johnston, a musician who took over on bass for Brian. He’s been a member of the Beach Boys, on and off, for over 50 years. He almost never gets fits off.

There’s plenty of good music from this era–Friends, 20/20, and Sunflower all come to mind. Plenty of good fits from this era, too. Terrific fits! The pants, collars, sleeves, hair, and beards were all growing at breakneck speeds. Al is still on his A-game, wearing striped trousers and a coat with a popped collar. Mike, with his purple shirt and ascot, has never looked dandier. Carl is finally stepping out, too. He’s got rich guy energy, and he isn’t afraid to show it. I love this picture.

Another standout pic, this time from 1969’s 20/20. Al Jardine! Keep blessing us with your essence, Al. Mike is wearing the same purple shirt, this time without a scarf. Bruce’s suede jacket and yellow scarf really pop, but that grin kind of kills it. No smiling, Bruce! This is post-Pet Sounds Beach Boys. You can’t smile. Dennis and Carl look okay.

Things are getting weird around here! With his long hair, beard, and occult shirt, Mike is the focal point of this haunted pic. Brian, standing behind him in white, looks lost. Lastly, Dennis finally puts up a W by wearing a tailored but mismatched suit and dreamboat stare.

Mike Love, man. What goes on inside that man’s head when it comes time to pose? He always looks so mad! I do enjoy his robe/sweater/kimono and dusty chukkas. Unfortunately Al, center, has really fallen off, while Dennis (right) can’t seem to miss. Bruce, wearing a striped tee and perfect pair of bellbottoms, scores a rare goal.

It’s 1976. Oh boy. What is going on here. Oh man.

The good: Brian is back, and his shirt kicks ass. The bad: We can’t see Dennis’s outfit, which probably whoops ass, too. The ugly: everything else, especially Al’s western shirt. I’m starting to feel worried. Does the Beach Boys style record end in the seventies?

Maybe! It’s 1978, and Brian, Al, and Carl all shoot air balls, while Mike’s on the bench with his dumb fedora. Dennis’s fit rocks, though. I see a theme emerging. Dennis, the rebellious late bloomer, finally comes into his own–style and otherwise–by decade’s end.

This is the look of a band that’s seen the inside of one too many state fairgrounds. Let’s move it right along.

When Our Boys of the Beach scored their last number one hit in 1988, they looked like this. Velcro sneakers, bad satin, and whatever it is that Mike’s wearing. Mike has much better hats in his arsenal. He still wears one practically every day. He often wears Beach Boys hats. Wearing your own band’s merch! Underrated.

Unfortunately, there are many, many photos of Mike Love hamming it up with Donald Trump. I won’t include them in this hallowed space. Instead, I leave you with a picture of the Beach Boys in all their glory. They’re one of my favorite groups, and I hope I’ve convinced you, dear reader, of their style excellence as well. Sail on, sailor.

Just kidding!