Surfwear is a popular style of casual clothing, inspired by surf culture. Many surf related brand-names originated as cottage industry, supplying local surfers with boardshorts, wetsuits, surfboards or leg-ropes/leashes. Today, its popularity extends so far beyond the surfing community, that some of its most high profile brands are listed on the Stock Exchange. These companies gain exposure through sponsoring professional surfers and the contests in which they compete.