Beach cover-up by Billabong, Goes great with your vacation, Bird and flower print, Cute, right?, Dropped shoulders, Belted waist, Side splits, Relaxed fit. In 1973, Billabong founders Gordon and Rena Merchant started crafting and selling board shorts to surf shops on Australia's Gold Coast. Thanks to the durable, triple-stitching technique they used, their designs became go-tos for local surfers, and the rest is history. Take a look at our edit of the brand's surf, swim and beachwear - its swimsuits and bikinis are always board-ready.