About RVCA: Origins, History and Brand Ethos
RVCA started in 1999 when pro Hawaiian surfer Conan Hayes partnered with designer Pat Tenore in Costa Mesa, California. Their goal was to launch an authentic, grassroots surf and skate inspired lifestyle brand that embodied the art, music and culture connected to these boardsports.
The name RVCA stems from the “balance of opposites” that is central to the brand‘s identity. This ethos of harmony between contradictions like chaos and order or past and future is meant to reflect the cycles of life.
Over 20+ years, RVCA has built a reputation for laidback, functional apparel and accessories rooted in surf and skate but made for anyone. They sponsor artists, musicians and athletes who embody their vibrant creative vision. The iconic RVCA logo has become globally recognizable.
From humble beginnings, RVCA is now owned by Boardriders Inc, a leading boardsports company with other household names like Quiksilver and Billabong. But despite this, RVCA has stayed committed to quality, simplicity and authenticity in all its products.
RVCA Product Range Review: Apparel, Accessories and Gear for Men and Women
RVCA has an impressively wide catalog of casual clothing and accessory items for both men and women. Their collections cover all seasons and needs, from graphic tees to swimsuits, hoodies, hats and boardshorts. Some key product lines include:
Men‘s Apparel
Popular men‘s apparel items span t-shirts, button downs, jackets, boardshorts, trunks, pants, jeans, sweaters, thermals and basics like tees and tanks. Most pieces feature laidback silhouettes made for movement and comfort.
Many incorporate artwork, motifs and graphics centered around nature, adventure sports and the RVCA tribal mentality. There is also more subtle, minimalist clothing for understated looks.
Women‘s Apparel
The women‘s selection has a similar breadth as the men‘s – graphic tees, hoodies, knits, dresses, rompers, swimwear along with joggers, shorts, pants and activewear like leggings and bras.
There is a soft, relaxed feminine aesthetic to designs with plenty of pastels, lightweight fabrics and loose, flowing cuts. As with the guys‘ products, you‘ll find display of one-of-a-kind artwork plus motifs from the natural world.
Hats and Accessories
From trucker hats and caps to beanies, visors and straw fedoras, RVCA has hip headwear for coastal vibes or urban edge. There‘s also a great range of accessories – belts, bandanas, face masks, scarves, wallets, bags, socks and other lifestyle pieces.
With such an exhaustive product catalog spanning multiple categories, it‘s clear RVCA has you covered whether you‘re kicking back on the beach, stepping out in the city or gearing up for an active day. There are versatile options for work, play and everything in between.
Next, let‘s analyze the quality and construction behind RVCA‘s famously laidback look and feel.
RVCA Quality and Materials Review
RVCA may position itself as an easygoing surf/skate brand, but they don‘t compromise on quality with their products. Without sounding too technical, let‘s look at some key material and construction notes:
Fabrics
Cotton, polyester blends and cotton/spandex mixes make up the majority of RVCA apparel materials. These textiles strike the right balance of breathability, comfort stretch and durability.
You‘ll also find performance attributes like moisture wicking, four-way mechanical stretch for movement, and water resistance in outerwear and boardshort fabrics.
Construction
Reinforced seams, seam sealing and heat sealing are used on high-wear areas like inner thighs on shorts or shoulder seams on bags. This improves structure and prevents tearing or fraying over repeated use.
Hardware pieces like zippers, buckles and closure systems feel solid and operate smoothly even after long periods of wear.
And internal taping on pockets means your phone or wallet stays safely tucked away when riding waves or bombing hills.
Prints, Graphics and Artwork
RVCA is renowned for its association with groundbreaking artists, musicians and photographers who design unique graphics and prints seen on apparel pieces. These designs are brought to life through quality screenprinting, embroidery, patching and applique work that stands up over many washes.
Sizing and Fits
Sizing runs true for most items, catering to standard misses, women‘s, men‘s and unisex fits. There is some variance though – certain shirts, hoodies and jackets fit slightly oversized for roomier layers while shorts, pants and swimsuits conform more closely to the body.
So do check specific product size charts if you need exact measurements. In general, RVCA offers a lot of versatility to mix and match loose, regular and fitted pieces.
After checking out materials and construction, it’s clear RVCA delivers quality while staying laidback. Now let’s review some of the brand‘s most popular items.
Reviews of Bestselling RVCA Items for Men and Women
With such an exhaustive product range, RVCA has its share of chart toppers loved by fans. I’ve picked some top-rated bestsellers for an in-depth review:
Men’s picks
A) RVCA VA Sport Trunk Boardshort
- Price: $55
- Rating: 4.8 / 5 based on 125+ reviews
These 17.5” boardshorts are a longtime favorite thanks to lightweight, quick-dry fabric and a relaxed fit through hips and thighs. There‘s also an inner drawcord, side pockets and a waxed pocket bag so small items don‘t fall out when riding waves.
Reviewers praise the shorts‘ super flexible fabric that moves easily wet or dry. The mix of polyester and spandex stretches freely without restricting motion. And they get high marks for durability after months of wear.
B) RVCA Capture Hoodie
- Price: $58
- Rating: 5 / 5 based on 20+ reviews
This midweight cotton blend hoodie delivers cozy warmth alongside eye catching style with a mix of camo, black and grey heathered fabric. The adjustable drawcords, front kangaroo pocket and ribbed cuffs offer both function and visual appeal.
Happy buyers call it "the most comfortable hoodie ever" – soft, roomy and rugged. The graphic camo print gets lots of love for its unique look too. After tons of cycles through the wash, it still holds structure and color remarkably well.
Women’s picks
A) Hold Tight One Piece Swimsuit
- Price: $88
- Rating: 4.9 / 5 based on 15+ reviews
Featuring a plunging V neckline and high cut legs, this sleek one piece has a body-skimming nylon spandex fabric that sculpts curves. There‘s removable soft cup padding for shape and support.
Wearers adore the flattering fit that looks great on all body types – it “fits like a dream” according to many. The fabric offers good compression without feeling restrictive. And it earns praise for retaining both color and elasticity wash after wash.
B) Far Away Hoodie
- Price: $64
- Rating: 5 / 5 based on 10+ reviews
This slouchy French terry full zip hoodie conjures up ‘90s nostalgia with its faded vintage wash and laidback oversized fit. Front pouch pockets add functionality while dropped shoulders and extended cuffs enhance comfort.
Fans love the “perfect amount of baggy” and distressed faded look of this hoodie. The cotton fleece fabric feels soft yet substantial, holding its oversized shape well over time. Reviewers also appreciate the roomy hood with adjustable drawcords for added coverage.
How Does RVCA Compare to Other Brands?
As a pioneering surf/skate inspired apparel brand, RVCA occupies a competitive space with other major players like Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom and Hurley. How do they stack up on key aspects? Let‘s evaluate:
Price: On average, RVCA sits affordably between fast fashion brands and premium labels. T-shirts cost $30-45, hoodies $50-65, hats around $30. Their pricing aligns closely with Volcom and Hurley.
Quality: Materials and construction quality match up closely with Volcom and Billabong, using similar textile blends and reinforcements at stress points. RVCA quality surpasses fast fashion options.
Style: The RVCA look leans more subtle and minimalist versus louder, busier designs at Quiksilver or Volcom. Their products feature laidback silhouettes in solid neutrals or lightly patterned prints.
Performance: Technical attributes like four-way stretch, moisture wicking, water resistance etc. are on par with Burton, Patagonia and other outdoor/active brands.
At the end of the day RVCA holds its own against competitors on all aspects that matter while retaining its unique creative vision and brand voice.
RVCA Reviews: Feedback from Actual Customers
Beyond product specs and features, what do people actually buying and wearing RVCA have to say? Sourcing reviews from retail sites like Zappos, REI and direct from the RVCA website, here is a summary of customer opinions:
Positive Feedback
- High quality materials and construction that withstand frequent wear: “After 2 years of very heavy use for long days fishing, these shorts still look brand new”
- Soft, comfortable fabrics that feel great against skin
- Relaxed, easy-wearing fits that allow free movement
- Great graphic prints and artwork with unique visual identity
- Stretch fabrics maintain shape and elasticity over time
- Excellent price-to-value ratio
Negative Feedback
- Sizing runs slightly big on some items like t-shirts and hoodies
- Swimsuits tend to run small, so size up for the perfect fit
- Graphic prints may crack or fade quicker than expected
- Rare complaints of ripped seams or loosening drawstrings
On the whole, RVCA earns outstanding reviews for their apparel – averaging between 4-5 stars across different products. While isolated issues can crop up, they seem to be exceptions from an otherwise very satisfied customer base.
Are RVCA Clothes Worth the Money?
Given all the information we‘ve covered in this extensive brand review – from product range to construction quality to actual customer experiences – are RVCA clothes worth investing in? Here is an evaluation of price versus value:
Price
RVCA pricing sits squarely in line with other major surf/skate/outdoor brands. $25 graphic tees, $55 boardshorts and $75 hoodies are typical. Occasional sales can net you 15-25% off or more. This positions them as an affordable alternative to technical athletic or premium fashion labels.
Value
You get fabrics, finishes and features comparable to brands charging much higher prices. Things like durable seam sealing, four-way stretch and moisture wicking translate into everyday wearability and longevity. RVCA also offers intangibles like globally recognized branding and collectible artwork unavailable elsewhere.
So for the quality, performance and design you receive – RVCA clothes undoubtedly give you great bang for your buck while staying gentle on your wallet.
How to Get Deals, Discounts and Savings on RVCA
While RVCA already represents solid value at regular retail costs, who doesn‘t appreciate saving extra money? Here are some tips to get discounts or catch a sale:
RVCA Email Signup: New subscribers get 30% off their first online order
Seasonal Sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and end-of-season clearances can see discounts up to 50% or more both online and in-store
Outlet Shops: Brick-and-mortar RVCA outlet locations offer past season merchandise at heavily reduced prices all year round
Programs: The RVCA Insiders loyalty program gives you free shipping plus earnable points you can redeem for dollars off future purchases
Secondhand: Sites like Poshmark, Mercari or Depop allow you to source pre-owned RVCA items in great condition for even cheaper than retail
So whether you prefer shopping online or your local shop, keep an eye out around major holidays and changing seasons for the top RVCA deals. Sign up with your email too for the fastest news on the latest discounts and sales.
RVCA Return Policy, Shipping and Customer Service
Before you click that Buy button, good to know what happens post purchase! Here are quick overviews of key policies:
Returns
RVCA offers free returns within 30 days of receiving your order. Start a return through their online portal and they email a prepaid shipping label. Refunds are issued once the returned products get checked in their warehouse.
Shipping
Standard delivery takes 2 to 7 business days for continental US orders over $65 – otherwise you pay a $5 to $8 flat fee. Expedited and next-day shipping are available for an additional cost.
Customer Service
You can reach RVCA customer support through email, phone and Live Chat. Feedback indicates friendly, helpful service agents and quick resolution for any issues like returns, damaged items etc.
So while problems are infrequent from the start, it’s good knowing RVCA has your back with flexible policies and responsive assistance.
Where to Buy RVCA: Online and Retail Stores
As a major brand now owned by Boardriders, RVCA is stocked by all the top surf/skate/snow/outdoor shops globally plus large online retailers like Backcountry, DICK‘S and Zappos. But buying directly from them nets the best selection.
Otherwise check specialty chains like PacSun and Tilly’s or sporting goods stores like REI, Alter Image or Next Adventure. RVCA also operates full price outlet shops with past season items at discounted rates.
And search sites like Poshmark or Depop reveal hidden secondhand treasures often in mint condition.
So whether in person or via your phone, locating those iconic VA Sport Boardshorts or Soft At Heart Hoodies is just a few clicks or a short drive away.
RVCA Review Conclusions
In their 20+ years making boardsports inspired apparel, RVCA has honed an instantly recognizable look that seamlessly mixes surf/skate function with creative edge. Staying true to their roots while evolving with the times is an impressive balancing act.
Through this exhaustive brand review touching on product range, construction quality, buyer reviews, promotions and more – I believe RVCA represents compelling value for casual wear that performs and looks incredibly well without the premium designer cost.
So if you identify with artistic expression alongside laidback comfort – then yes, RVCA is most definitely worth your dollars. Their vibrant vision translated into clothing continues captivating loyal fans old and new even decades later. Which only confirms that when you build a brand on authenticity, quality and purpose – the rest takes care of itself.
