Billabong bikini top made using recycled materials. Cut in an underwire silhouette with sparkly threads woven throughout for a shimmery finish. An icon in the surf industry for decades, Australian brand Billabong got its start when founder Gordon Merchant started producing board shorts by hand in 1973. Now, they maintain a prominent presence among surfers, while also creating swimwear that looks just as good lounging on the beach as it does riding the waves.