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Support American manufacturing while getting ready for Fourth of July fun!
The Fourth of July is fast approaching as we head into the dog days of summer. The extended Independence Day weekend will find Americans congregating at one of thousands of beaches across the United States.
For many of us, it will be the first time this summer we visit the sand and surf to enjoy a respite from work or school.
But oh, what to wear?
Your swimwear from years past may likely need an update or you just might want to look stylish cruising the beach while wearing a minimal amount of clothing. And there are also those extra pounds you may have gained since last summer that have rendered your current swimsuit obsolete.
But you can feel confident and support your fellow Americans at the same time by purchasing swimwear that is manufactured in the United States.
Larger department stores typically sell bathing suits that are manufactured overseas. But there is no shortage of American-made brands to choose from if you are comfortable shopping online.
Many of these brands design and manufacture in the U.S. but often use imported fabric. However, the swimwear fabric is still being cut and sewn in America which creates jobs for thousands of workers.
Below is a list of American-made swimwear manufacturers who will ship your new board shorts or bikinis to you by the Fourth so that you can make it a truly American celebration.
Cali Dreaming: It is no surprise that most of the American-made swimwear is manufactured in California which boasts 840 miles of coastline and more than 420 public beaches. Cali Dreaming makes bathing suits for women in Los Angeles using the same local garment manufacturers and mills year after year. Founded in 2009 by designer Carrie Jardine, Cali Dreaming offers a broad spectrum of nude shades, trending hues, original art prints and hand dyes in the $60 to $125 range. Shop at https://cali-dreaming.com/collections/swimwear
Sauvage: This maker of both men’s and women’s swimwear does all its manufacturing at its factory in San Diego. The chic styles are designed in the Golden State, but Sauvage swimsuit fabric comes from Italy and Spain. Women’s pieces are created to be sexy and glamorous with its crystal collection featuring Swarovski crystals. The men’s collection includes European-style swimsuits and California-inspired board shorts. Sauvage claims their swimwear is a favorite of models and celebrities. The company’s Starlet bikini was donned by model Irina Shayk for the cover of the 2011 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Sauvage swimsuits would fit right in on Miami Beach’s South Beach or on the French Riviera. Women’s suits start at $120 while men’s board shorts and swim trunks start at $59. Shop www.sauvagewear.com
Blue Sky Swimwear: This South Daytona, Fla., manufacturer offers swimwear for women made by women that is meant to make the beachgoer feel comfortable and fashionable. Blue Sky Swimwear says it uses the highest quality fabric available sourced both locally and globally. Blue Sky suits are made in a variety of styles including halter tops, tankini tops, underwire bra tops and padded tops. Mix and match your bikini with separate tops and bottoms. Blue Sky Swimwear is woman-owned. Its induvial pieces start at $59. Shop https://www.blueskyswimwear.com/swimwear
Rey Swimwear: Another Los Angeles swimwear manufacturer that was founded in 2009 by actor Jessica Rey. After deciding she was no longer going to wear bikinis, Rey discovered she could not find swimwear that did not make her look like her grandmother, so she introduced her line of one-piece suits, swim dresses and full-cover tops and bottoms. The mother of three, Rey says she cannot draw, sew, or swim but still has the ability to create swimwear for women of all ages. Shop www.jessicarey.com
SlipIns: This Southern California swimwear company manufactures sun-protective garments that are ideally suited for water activities like surfing, diving, freediving, paddling, boating and, of course, swimming. SlipIns’ breathable fabric is much more comfortable than wearing a wetsuit and offers sun-protection and skin protection from abrasions, sea critters (jellyfish) and rashes. SlipIns offers stylish colors and proprietary ocean-inspired prints. Shop www.slipins.com
WSI Sports: Since 1990, WSI has been providing athletes with innovative designs using high-tech materials at its Eagan, Minn., factory. All swimwear is designed, cut, and sewn in this northern state known as “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Most of the company’s materials, including yarn and fabric, are sourced in the U.S. A small amount of fabric, however, is sourced from overseas. WSI offers bikinis and full cover two-piece suits for women and swim trunks and board shorts for men. Prices begin at $45. Shop www.wsisports.com
Savage Swim: For a truly custom-made swimsuit, Savage Swim in St. Augustine Beach, Fla., handcrafts your bathing attire from start to finish with eco-friendly materials. Independently owned and operated since 2014 by Beth Reed, a single mother of four, Savage Swim was organically grown and built. All the fabric used at Savage Swim is made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets pulled from the sea. The small company makes bikinis and one-piece swimsuits for women and has a small collection of swim trunks for men. Women’s custom swimsuits can be built on the company website. Pre-made individual tops and bottom for women start at $80. Men’s trunks start at $90 and colorful kids prints are priced at $50. Shop www.savageswim.com
Weekender: The maker of men’s swimwear, Weekender likes to say it was born in the Caribbean and raised in Miami. This third-generation family business manufactures its swimwear collection in Miami where the company founder fled after Fidel Castro took command of Cuba in 1961. Weekender offers a wide selection of swimwear for men and boys that are manufactured with a focus on quality and styling. Men’s swim trunks start at $65 with boys at $20. Shop at www.weekendersportswear.com