The Bay Life Story

Bay Life Apparel was born out of a love for the coastal lifestyle on the beautiful Kent Island, Maryland. Inspired by the serene views and vibrant culture of the Eastern Shore, or simply “the Shore,” our journey began in a living room overlooking Cox Creek. Armed with a single heat press, some vinyl, a Cricut cutter, and a dream, we started crafting apparel in late 2018 that celebrated the unique spirit of our coastal community.

What began as a humble endeavor quickly resonated with the local community. By 2019, the Shore embraced Bay Life Apparel, and we realized we had created something special. The challenges of the pandemic in 2020 tested our resilience, but the unwavering support of our community helped us persevere. Through the supply chain crisis of 2021-2022, we adapted, learned, and reinvested in our brand. By 2023, we emerged stronger than ever, positioned for growth with a full-scale enterprise-level distribution partner.

Through overwhelming community support, we’ve been fortunate enough to open a 6,000-square-foot Brand House in West Ocean City, Maryland. This flagship store allows us to expand our offerings and further serve the community that made it all possible. We couldn’t have done it without the locals who believed in us from the start.

Today, Bay Life Apparel has grown into a family-owned and operated Performance Fishing & Coastal Lifestyle brand, with a reach that spans the Chesapeake to California, Maine to Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Islands. Our apparel celebrates the distinct charm of each bay, reflecting the heritage, family traditions, and livelihoods that define coastal living.

Our journey from a single heat press to an internationally recognized brand is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of community. At Bay Life Apparel, we are dedicated to championing sustainability, preserving the natural beauty of our bays, and supporting the communities that inspire us.

Bay Life Apparel is more than just clothing—it’s a celebration of the coastal lifestyle and the shared values of hard work, family, and tradition. Together, we honor the bays, the shores, and the people who make them extraordinary.

Tyler Hawkins
Owner & Founder
Bay Life Apparel