Born from the Beach

Octohoodie came to life on the sunny beaches of Cape Town in October 2020 — imagined by founder Rebecca Whisson, her two children Issey and Alex and a shared love of the water.

It started with tidal pools and a documentary. After watching My Octopus Teacher, the family developed a deep fascination with the creatures living just beneath the surface — particularly the octopus. Clever, adaptable, and able to change its look in an instant, the octopus felt like the perfect symbol for a hoodie that does exactly the same. One spontaneous swoop, a burst of colour, and you're covered. And just like that, Octohoodie was born.

A Lifelong Love of Water

Some of Rebecca's best memories growing up involved water — swimming at the local university pool, splashing in the warm sea, and exploring the rivers and lagoons of the Eastern Cape towns of Kenton and Port Alfred. Water is where life happens.

That same spirit carried into family life in Cape Town, where being near the water is part of everyday living. Getting the kids out of the sea and into something warm became something of a family sport. Who could wrap up and get moving the fastest?

"I made up two Octohoodies for my kids and it took off from there."
— Rebecca Whisson, Founder

What Makes an Octohoodie

The Octohoodie is a poncho-inspired swim hoodie towel designed to get you moving fast — from wet to warm in one easy pull-over. Made from 100% performance microfibre, with a unique cowl neck feature, each one is free-fitting, soft, quick-drying and genuinely comfortable to wear.

Microfibre absorbs almost five times more water than cotton and can hold up to seven times its own weight in water — then dries impressively quickly. That means less towel faff, more time doing the things you love.

Whether you're at the beach, warming up after water polo, wrapping up after a surf, or just stepping out of the bath — the Octohoodie keeps you warm, dry and ready to go all year round.

Proudly South African

Octohoodies are proudly designed and made for South African water lovers — from nippers and swimmers to surfers and tidal pool explorers. Practical, colourful and built for real life at the water's edge.

Want more of the story? Head over to our Hoodie Life blog — it's where we share the adventures, the inspiration and the people behind the brand.

Gear up for fun, and keep making memories. 🐙