INDUSTRY ISSUES
Planning Swim Strategy for Year-Round Success in a Season-Specific Category
By Dorothy Crouch, Contributing Writer | May 8, 2025
California Apparel News asked swim-industry insiders: What is the single most-important piece of advice you feel is crucial for your associates, colleagues and peers to plan a successful swim strategy for the remainder of the year?
Spring/Summer ’20 Swimwear Takes on an Array of Looks
Swimwear for Spring/Summer 2020 takes its cue from such ready-to-wear trends as graphic minimalism, statement sleeves, the resurgence of crafty crochet and macramé as well as a more covered-up approach.
The Book of Judith: Going Goth With New Swim Collection
Brightly colored bikinis and summery swimwear are not for every woman, said Los Angeles designer Candice Cuoco, who was a “Project Runway” finalist and has a label with a reputation for making made-to-measure leather jackets and corsets.
Sidway Swim: Looking to the Glamour of the 1990s for Inspiration
The path to creating Sidway Swim had a lot of twists and turns that took designer Sarah Sidway Godshaw on a long learning experience.
Cult Gaia: Diving Into a New Swimwear Line
Los Angeles–headquartered Cult Gaia started business in 2012 making bags and floral crowns, later branching out to larger pieces such as dresses. Now founder Jasmin Larian wants to take a big leap forward by launching swimwear.
On the Eve of Its 20th Anniversary, L*Space Remains at the Forefront of Swimwear
Growing up in eastern Ohio, L*Space founder and Creative Director Monica Wise realized the change of seasons wasn’t an enjoyable shift when the region went from sticky summer days into long wintry nights. Developing a fascination with swimwear during family trips to Florida, Wise was happiest when visiting the Sunshine State.
A Squad of Female Executives Takes Over at Manhattan Beachwear
Inside the two-story industrial office building that houses the vast Manhattan Beachwear operations in Cypress, Calif., a mini revolution is going on.
Salt Life Debuts First-Ever Women’s Swimwear Line
For years, Salt Life has concentrated on outfitting people active in die-hard water sports such as saltwater fishing, where its technical fishing shirts offer sun protection.
Seea Rides into SIMA Awards With Several Nominations
Southern California surf brand Seea might be the independent label that makes the biggest splash at the 15th annual Surf Industry Manufacturers Association SIMA Awards.
Johnny Was: Carrying the Boho Look Over to Swimwear
The world of Johnny Was is all about embroidered clothing with a certain boho look that has been a strong selling point for the Los Angeles label since it was founded in 1987.
Power 2 The Flower: Cultivating a Community of Female Artisans
After 18 years of working in private-label swimwear, Esther Maya, the owner and creative director of RW Designs, Inc., wanted to start her own line. With a Los Angeles–based team of 12 to 15 employees, Maya set out to create a brand that celebrates women.
Revly: Building Confidence Through Simple Cuts in Swim
While swimwear brand Revly launched in June 2018, its mission was established in 2017 when San Diego native and former Division I volleyball player Jordan Robbins started writing a blog confronting the body-image issues she and her friends experienced.
Snapper Rock Grows Its U.S. Presence With Hire of DeAnna Lamphere
As safety becomes more stylish, swimwear brand Snapper Rock is carving out a large area of the swimwear industry for its line of apparel, which offers UPF 50+.
Good Times Might Be Coming Back for Surfwear
The surf industry might be catching a big wave for the rest of 2018, said market-research company ActionWatch.
Avec Les Filles: Diving Into Swim
With fringe and lace, Joyce Azria plans to bring French flair to her new California swim line.
We Are HAH: Looking for Sexy in Sustainable
After 13 years of helming lingerie and swim departments for brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Guess, Sharleen Ernster wanted to make her own design statement.
