About Jantzen

Founded in 1910 in Portland, Oregon, Jantzen began with hand-knit wool bathing suits and quickly became a swimwear pioneer. By 1918, the company rebranded as Jantzen Knitting Mills, and its innovative rib-stitch suits, paired with matching caps and stockings, gained international fame. The iconic red Diving Girl symbolized the brand’s global reach in the 1920s. Jantzen was the first to blend fashion with function, introducing color-matching, Lastex stretch yarn, and molded fits in the 1930s. During WWII, Jantzen shifted to military production but rebounded post-war with fashion-forward designs, including the bikini and garments using nylon. The brand thrived through the mid-20th century, aligning with beach culture and global travel trends. The 1960s “Just Wear a Smile and a Jantzen” campaign captured the era’s spirit, while the '70s and '80s brought bold prints, stretch fabrics, and elegant cover-ups. In the 1990s, e-commerce and engineered prints elevated fit and convenience. Acquired by Perry Ellis in 2002, Jantzen partnered with supermodel Carolyn Murphy to modernize its image. Today, Jantzen continues to honor its legacy while embracing modern trends and technology, inspiring generations with timeless style and swimwear innovation.Read their story