Crafting Purposeful, Sustainable, and Stylish Surf Hats
Two years ago, we embarked on what we’ve called our Sola venture. My partner Flora Desponts, a French surfer, journalist, and mom, and I, Catherine Girard, a Canadian surfer and surfboard shaper, never imagined starting a business—let alone a surf brand focused on sustainability and style. Sometimes, the best ideas come from a place of frustration and necessity, and that's exactly how Sola The Label was born.
The Spark That Ignited Sola The Label
Our story starts on a surf trip in Costa Rica. Picture this: long days spent in the surf lineup, chasing waves under the hot sun for over eight hours a day. We were doing our best to protect our skin, covering up with whatever hats we could find. But they were always falling off, not built to withstand the surf or the intensity of the sun. Our hats, some made of straw, began to deteriorate after just a few days of use. We were getting frustrated. How could there be no hat that could stay on our heads, keep us cool, and also protect our skin?
As we discussed this problem in the water, it became clear: there was nothing on the market that met our needs. We realized we weren’t alone—other surfers were struggling with the same issue. We needed a hat that combined functionality, style, and sustainability. And that’s when the idea for Sola The Label was born.
The Quest for the Perfect Hat
Our three main objectives were simple: we wanted a hat that was functional, stylish, and made from recycled materials. Easy, right? Well, as we began researching options, we quickly realized that the surf industry didn’t have much to offer that aligned with these values. The hats we found were either poorly made for water sports, made of non-durable materials, or simply not designed with surfers in mind.
So, we began looking for manufacturers. We traveled to surf shops, researched online, and contacted brands all over the world, but none of them had what we were looking for. After weeks of frustration, we noticed a common theme: most of the recycled materials used in the industry were sourced from China. In our search for manufacturers in Portugal, the U.S., and other countries known for better working conditions, we found that the cost was simply too high for us to produce the hats at a price point that would be affordable for our customers.
We were at a crossroads. That’s when we decided to go directly to the source.
Going to the Source: Overcoming the Hurdles
At first, we faced countless challenges. Many factories in China turned us down because our minimum order quantity was too low for them to justify the cost. We almost gave up, but we refused to let this idea slip away. After many more emails and calls, we finally convinced one factory to take a chance on us.
We worked tirelessly with our new manufacturing partner, testing sample after sample, tweaking designs, and experimenting with recycled polyester. It was a learning curve. But after months of hard work, we finally arrived at the perfect design for our hats—functional, stylish, and eco-friendly.
Collaborating with Talented Creators
Our journey didn’t end with finding the right materials and factory. We wanted to ensure that our product also had an artistic, unique element. Enter Natalia Sanchez, a talented student from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), who helped us create hand-dyed prints for our first collection. Watching Natalia’s creative process unfold was fascinating, and it added a special touch to our hats that we are incredibly proud of. Her work brought the final collection to life, and we couldn’t have been more excited about the results.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sola The Label, we are committed to making a positive impact on both the environment and the surf community. Our hats are crafted from 100% recycled polyester, sourced from recycled materials. We wanted to create a product that not only serves a functional need but also helps reduce waste in the fashion industry. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the materials we use—it's in every decision we make, from the sourcing of fabrics to our packaging, and we’re continuously striving to find even better, more sustainable ways to operate.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of what we’ve built so far with Sola The Label, but this is only the beginning. Our hats are designed to empower surfers and outdoor enthusiasts to spend more time doing what they love, without worrying about the harmful effects of the sun. We’re committed to creating products that are functional, stylish, and eco-conscious, because we believe these values should go hand in hand.
We want to thank everyone who has supported us along the way—our friends, family, customers, and especially the amazing creators who have helped bring our vision to life. With Sola The Label, we’re not just making hats; we’re building a community of surfers and adventurers who are passionate about protecting the planet while having fun in the sun.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Catherine Girard & Flora Desponts
Founders of Sola The Label
Additional Information
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