Get to Know: Adam Mar of the Cool and Auspicious Montauk-Based Lifestyle Brand
Every now and then, a brand arises that reignites our love for design and appreciation for great style, especially when it couples an oceanside vibe with a city-dwelling edge. Adam Mar the Founder and Creator of the namesake brand, has done just that. Since 2014, Adam has been ideating on his line and officially went to market in 2016 with a very tactful approach to marketing and brand exposure. From the point of inception, everything has been a natural progression - a tenor that the brand is proud of and has no plans of disrupting.
From his roots surfing on Long Island’s Long Beach (a great spot for those lefts) to his job at Ralph Lauren working in manufacturing and sourcing, Adam’s dynamic yet unique perspective is well-reflected in his line of clothing. It was his daily routine of waking up before work to go for a quick surf and then catching the 7:15am train, that gave birth to the Montauk Oxford- the first piece he ever made. Created to solve his constant need for a towel after surfing, he designed the shirt around the idea that “if I can wear it, I would never forget it.” He designed something functional, that could also be worn in the office. And although the brand has evolved since then, the roots have stayed pretty much the same- a brand built around surf culture and nostalgia.
With a Montauk flagship store that functions as its headquarters, where everything is designed and staged, the store is also a functional surf shop, where surfboards, wax, surf rentals, and gear can all be accessed. His social media presence is clean, pristine, and his products are the perfect mix of minimalism meets cool class. With collaborations ranging from Yuketen to Montauk’s Primavera Pizza and Vans, every product drop is both highly curated and designed to look and fit to go from beach to business.
Amidst all the summer chaos, we were able to sit down and talk with the man behind the brand. We get to know him just a little better and are so excited to witness his continuous success. Thanks Adam 🤙Go check out his brand and continue reading!
Where are you from?
Long Island, NY
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I also own and operate a ski shop in Port Jefferson, NY with a couple of friends - “Snow Shed”.
Favorite city to live in / favorite to visit?
Montauk and Montauk. I grew up visiting and spending my summers out in Montauk as a kid, and now I call it home. My favorite place on earth. I also love Costa Rica. I love surfing and nature- and this place is rich in both!
Favorite hotel(s) in the world?
I usually stay in dives and hostels when I travel or with family, but a place I love is Casa Marabella in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Last concert you saw?
Donavon Frankenreiter
If we hacked onto your Spotify, what would we be listening to?
At the moment, there would be a significant amount of Tom Misch.
Favorite restaurant(s)?
Does mom’s home cooking count?
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Favorite essentials clothing brand(s)?
Hmm tough one- I really enjoy Tommy Johns for my underwear, I also enjoy “comfort colors” destination tees (tees from the destination I traveled to). I love Acadia National Park, and have a couple of “park tees” I wear as my everyday.
A brand we should know?
A couple of homies opened a new retail space and brand in Los Angeles called “ LA Aquatic Leisure Center”- they are def a brand to look out for in the future.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I get most of my inspiration from my fabric studios and mills. I tend to let fabric dictate what I design. I also pull inspiration from the Montauk culture.
Favorite store?
Outside of Adam Mar :), going to plug my friends at LA Aquatic Leisure Center, also Machus in Portland!
Any tattoos. If so, care to share of what?
Nothing noteworthy.
Person you most look up to?
Big fan of a guy named Drew Scalia. He used to own Hatteras Island Boardsports in Outer Banks, NC, and now owns Frijoles Locos in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. He was a mentor and gave a lot of guidance when I was first getting my feet wet in the industry. He remains a close friend!
Favorite watch?
I actually don’t wear watches or any jewelry. I used to, and found myself checking my wrist too often. I am bare armed now.
Dream car?
They don’t make it yet, and not sure if they ever will, but a convertible Toyota Tacoma.
Favorite shoes - casual and for a night out?
Favorite quote?
One day at a time.
Workout(s) of choice?
Is surfing considered a workout of choice? On days I surf, I usually don’t partake in any additional workout routine. On off days I usually do bodyweight exercise push-ups, pull-ups and lunges.
Something you are most excited about for the future?
At the time of this interview, I am very happy with where I am at. I hope I can maintain this state of mind and lifestyle in the future.
Artist you love?
I really enjoy the work of a local East Hampton artist, Scott Bluedorn- his artwork is so relevant to the east end. Had the pleasure of working with him on a little project this season as well.
