100 Years Later - A Chat with Legendary Swimwear Brand, Jantzen - on Fit, Size Inclusivity and Timeless Design
In 1910, Portland Knitting Company began in downtown Portland, Oregon, with a few hand-knitting machines above a tiny retail store. Little did founders Carl Jantzen, Roy and John Zehntbauer know that they would achieve both fame and controversy as swimwear pioneers. Producing a wool suit for a rowing team they began offering "bathing suits" in their catalog. Knit on sweater cuff machines, the suits became popular with swimmers. The demand increased for those "Jantzens" and the company name was changed in 1918 to Jantzen Knitting Mills. The suits were made of 100% pure virgin wool. Matching stockings and stocking cap completed the costume of the day. Early advertisements guaranteed the famous rib-stitch "gives that wonderful fit". While we love a great vintage suit - perhaps we’ve learned a few things - like wool not necessarily being our fabric of choice for swimwear.
We connected with Raisha Abuchaibe, the Head Designer for Jantzen. Raisha joined the Jantzen team just this year and we’re getting a sneak peak at her first collection with the legendary brand for Cruise 2023.
SS: The Spring/Summer season is just around the corner, what can shoppers look forward to from your brand as the weather warms?
J: Jantzen aims to bring freshness and light to the season. The collection’s color palette is filled with vibrant and sophisticated colors that perfectly match our prints. Our new prints are trend informed, yet wearable season after season. We are also introducing many new silhouettes that have been designed with our perfect inner construction to give our customers the confidence of looking and feeling great in their Jantzen!
SS: While recent times have left people eager and ready to wear their favorite outfits and spend time outside with friends - what have you reflected on in the past year? How has it changed your outlook / philosophy from lifestyle to the design room?
J: We are finding our customers to be more concerned about the durability and sustainability of their garments, they are mindful consumers and are buying for longevity, quality and comfort. Our customers don’t want to be restricted or inhibited, but supported and secure. Jantzen has always prioritized our fit, comfort and quality so this has just reinforced our purpose and we will continue to develop excellent quality products in our signature timeless designs.
SS: You might already know what our favorite city is....but why is yours Miami?! Kidding! Tell us a bit about your travel inspirations, favorite place on earth and a place you'd love to visit - but haven't yet.
J: Beach please! We love the water, the breeze, the sun and all of the feelings of a beach experience. Each beach has its charm and we are visiting every one that we can. We have our suitcase ready with all our favorite Jantzen’s for our next beach adventure. Miami is always a favorite visit!
SS: The swim and resort wear community have one thing in common - you design for people that like to enjoy life under the sun. Tell us about where you're from and if/how it influences your designs?
J: I’m am Colombian and creating for one of the original American swimwear brands is a dream! I am always inspired by the happy colors and tropical vibe of the Colombian coast; it can be both peaceful and serene yet bright and energetic. I always have that in mind when creating garments and in our print and color selections, applying them into timeless and perfectly constructed pieces to make women all over the world feel beautiful!
SS: We're all on instagram and tiktok and find that every day, you can come across dozens, if not hundreds, of new influencers. Who are some of your favorite social media influencers and why?
J: There are so many to follow and I wouldn’t be able to name just one, but I find myself drawn to women who embrace life, embrace each other and don’t let challenges hold them back. Follower counts don’t matter to me, but if you are shining your light in the world, you are an influencer to me.
SS: Lastly, as brands continue to come together to make strides and be progressive - what brand values do you want to be known for?
J: “Swimwear that fits” is one of our core values. In each collection we design silhouettes that appeal and work with all body types, targeting key needs like support, smoothing technology, adjustability, D/DD sizing, etc. Sizing is also important and we are introducing size 4 to our collection for Cruise 2023, which takes our collection sizing to size 4-16. We also partner with key retailers an offer sizing up to size 28. Tradition and our heritage is also one of our guiding principles. Jantzen has been at the forefront of swimwear design and innovation since 1910. We take great pride in what the brand has contributed to the swimwear industry and community and we strive to honor our roots and customers by continuing to bring them the best fitting swimwear.
