Free People and Rusty Hang Ten With a New Surf Collab
Bringing Y2K surf culture to Summer 2026.
Free People is riding the nostalgic wave of surf culture with its latest collaboration, partnering with alternative surf brand Rusty for a special collection. Blending four decades of authentic West Coast surf heritage with Free People’s bohemian ethos, the partnership captures the resurgence of early-2000s beach style.
The 12-piece range leans heavily into Y2K aesthetics, anchored by baggy silhouettes, vintage-inspired prints and technical fabrications. Key outerwear and performance pieces include the Low Key surf suit, crafted from lightweight neoprene in bold “Atlas Red” with crisscross straps, alongside the After Sun oversized hoodie and short-sleeved rash guards designed for an effortless transition from wave to shore.
The highlight of the range lies in its nod to relaxed, low-rise boardshorts. The Turn It Up long boardshorts deliver a capri-length retro silhouette detailed with a floral motif, while the Getaway elastic shorts feature a low-slung, relaxed fit in earth-toned nylon. Mix-and-match tie-side bikinis and a casual dad cap round out the lineup.
By fusing Rusty’s core surfing roots with Free People’s platform, the collaboration caters to both dedicated surfers and urban trendsetters looking to tap into retro, sun-soaked nostalgia.
The Free People x Rusty collection is available now on the Free People website and select retailers
In other news, Nii Hai dropped a Y2K-inspired swim capsule.
