Body Glove
Marquee Brands · United States
Body Glove is an American water sports brand founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell in California. It is known for wetsuits and also sells swimwear, clothing, footwear and water sports gear, with Marquee Brands as majority owner since 2016.
| Founded | 1953 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Bill and Bob Meistrell |
| Headquarters | Redondo Beach, California |
| Majority owner | Marquee Brands (since 2016) |
| Website | bodyglove.com |
What is Body Glove?
Body Glove is a Redondo Beach based brand rooted in surfing and diving culture. Its name is closely associated with wetsuits, and the brand has since grown into a wide range of apparel and water sports products sold under the same name for the beach, the pool and the open water.
History
The company was founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell, who are often credited with developing one of the first practical wetsuits in the early 1950s. In 2016 Marquee Brands acquired a 75 per cent stake, with the Meistrell family retaining the remaining 25 per cent.
Products and positioning
The Body Glove range today covers:
- Wetsuits, swimsuits and clothing
- Shoes and sunglasses
- Life vests, snorkelling equipment, wakeboards, paddle boards and towables
- Backpacks and phone cases
Why it matters
Body Glove shows how a technical heritage product, the wetsuit, can support a broad lifestyle brand extended across many categories under a brand management owner.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Body Glove?
Body Glove was founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell in California. They are often credited with early wetsuit development.
Who owns Body Glove?
Marquee Brands acquired a 75 per cent stake in Body Glove in 2016. The Meistrell family kept the remaining 25 per cent.