Local surf scene inspired clothing start-up Surf Mirissa making waves

SM Beach Cleanup 

Inspired by the popular Sri Lankan surfing destination Mirissa, Surf Mirissa was launched as a start-up clothing brand in 2015. The brand has been making waves in the beach lifestyle clothing segment in Sri Lanka since, gradually evolving its presence from pop-up stores based in Colombo initially to leading

Surf Mirissa Owner  Nimesh Yatawara

retail stores such as Cotton Collection, The Deepend, Tribe SL at the One Galle Face Mall and the Glory Swim Shop. 

Surf Mirissa is also available at several local retail stores and restaurants along the Southern Coast in Sri Lanka. The brand recently established a small presence in London and Melbourne in a number of stores owned by Sri Lankans living in the two cities. 

The latest Surf Mirissa Collection was launched in August, drawing inspiration from tropical elements of Sri Lanka and the island lifestyle. 

The brand launches a new collection every two months with its designs promoting the surfing culture around the coasts in Sri Lanka. Its owner, Nimesh Yatawara says that it is one of the first local brands to build a clothing business around promoting surfing in Sri Lanka. Surf Mirissa even has a dedicated collection to promote Sri Lankan surf destinations such as Unawatuna, Mirissa, Arugambay, Hiriketiya and more. 

“We are focused on offering fashionable, comfortable and meaningful beach lifestyle inspired clothing in Sri Lanka and beyond. Our vision is to see the brand expand globally, while taking the message of the local surf scene with us. While developing into a more successful brand, we also want to divert attention to popular surf destinations in the country and the community. In and out of the water, we have clothing and gear to fit your lifestyle. Individual expression, an adventurous spirit, authenticity and a passionate approach are all part of the essence of our brand. Include quality, innovation and style, and you have ‘Surf Mirissa,’” he added. 

The brand has two significant appeals, the first in a fashion sense which caters to a growing trend of beach-inspired clothing in Sri Lanka in recent years and secondly the fact that customers are attracted to the brand’s ‘local emphasis’ and association with promoting Sri Lanka as an ideal surf destination.

Surf Mirissa is also keen to keep its manufacturing local, and with a focus on helping local SMEs. All fabrics are sourced locally and manufactured through SME garment manufacturers based in the Western and Southern Provinces. The brand also has a commitment to preserving the coastal environment and has partnered with locals and authorities to drive beach cleanups in the southern and western coast, doing its part, even in a small scale, to make sure that Sri Lanka preserves its clean beaches. 

The Surf Mirissa collection can be purchased online via its social media pages and some of its partnering retailers such as tribe.lk.