Born from Newport Beach
I couldn't find the trunks or hats I actually wanted. So I made them.
Krunkie started because I got tired of settling. This is the official home of the independent Newport Beach clothing brand at krunkie.com.
The founder
Matt Chabot
Most swim trunks have the same problems:
- Scratchy mesh liners, or no liner at all
- Pockets that are basically useless
- Stiff fabric that feels cheap
- Loud patterns covering every inch
- And the worst one: clingage
Thin, stretchy swim trunks feel great until they get wet and the fabric sticks to everything. The usual solution is thicker, stiffer fabric or a tight compression liner. I didn't want either.
I wanted trunks that were light, stretchy and ridiculously comfortable, but didn't turn into shrink-wrap the second they got wet.
So we ditched the mesh and built them around a loose-fitting nylon inner liner. It creates separation between you and the wet outer shell without squeezing you like compression shorts.
No mesh. No compression liner. No awkward wet cling.
And they needed actual pockets, because swim trunks without useful pockets make absolutely no sense.
Style mattered just as much.
I wanted the shorts to be bold, but not busy. Not boring and plain, but definitely not covered in some insane all-over pattern either.
The idea was simple: throw on a solid-color tee, some clean sneakers, and let the shorts be the part of the outfit that pops.
Hats were the same story.
I got tired of everything feeling like Brixton, having some random saying slapped across the front, or being an A-frame shape I didn't even want to wear.
I wanted a classic snapback that looked good, felt good, and had its own identity, something unmistakably Krunkie.
So I set out to make the best versions I possibly could.
I obsessed over fabric, stretch, liner, pockets, fit, patches, shape and finish. Every little detail got worked over. I didn't stop when something was good enough. I kept going until it felt right.
I truly don't think anyone makes a better swim trunk. Even some of the biggest skeptics I've had ended up loving them.
And Krunkie is still just getting started.
There are a lot more ideas coming, one drop at a time.
If you see what we're building and love it too, thank you for supporting something local.
01 · The trunks
Comfort without compromise.
No scratchy mesh. No useless pockets. No stiff cardboard feel. Krunkie men's beach shorts use a loose-fitting nylon inner liner, real storage, stretch and a cut meant to stay comfortable in and out of the water, with less awkward wet cling when you get out.
02 · The look
Bold, not busy.
The shorts were never supposed to look like an over-the-top swim costume. They are meant to carry the outfit: throw on a plain tee and clean shoes, and let the color, cut and Krunkie details do the work.
03 · The hats
A snapback with its own identity.
No recycled surf-brand look, no random slogan and no shape just because everyone else is making it. Krunkie hats started with the classic snapback I actually wanted to wear, then every patch, fit and finish got refined from there.
Newport Beach, California
Made until it felt right. Growing drop by drop.
The goal is still the same as day one: make the stuff we actually want to wear, obsess over the details, and hope you can feel the difference when you put it on.
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