Catalina
In Mocean Group · United States
Catalina is an American swimwear brand that traces its origins to a Los Angeles knitting mill founded by John C. Bentz in 1907. Known for its Hollywood heritage and links to the Miss Universe pageant, it makes affordable women's swimwear.
| Founded | 1907, Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Founder | John C. Bentz |
| Owner | In Mocean Group |
| Pageant link | Co-sponsor of the first Miss Universe |
| Walmart distribution | Since 1994 |
| Website | catalinaswimwear.com |
What is Catalina?
Catalina is one of the oldest swimwear names in the United States. It began in Los Angeles in 1907 as Bentz Knitting Mills, founded by John C. Bentz, which became Pacific Knitting Mills in 1912 and Catalina Knitting Mills in 1928. The name was shortened to Catalina in 1955.
History
The company first made underwear and sweaters before moving into knitted wool swimwear. Catalina supplied swimsuits to the Miss America pageant until 1951, and in 1952 it organised the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants and co-sponsored the first Miss Universe contest. Kayser-Roth acquired the company in 1975. After a 1993 bankruptcy it was bought by Authentic Fitness, a Warnaco company, and in December 2007 Warnaco sold Catalina, Anne Cole and Cole of California to the New York swimwear company In Mocean Group.
Products and positioning
Historic designs include the Chicken Suit, the men's Speed Suit and the Ribstitch S suit. Today Catalina focuses on affordable women's swimwear.
Distribution
Catalina has been sold at Walmart since 1994, making mass retail its core channel.
Why it matters
Catalina's history traces the arc of American swimwear from Hollywood glamour to mass retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Catalina swimwear?
Catalina has been owned by the New York swimwear company In Mocean Group since Warnaco sold it in 2007.
How old is Catalina swimwear?
Catalina traces its roots to a Los Angeles knitting mill founded in 1907 and took the Catalina name in 1928.