It all began in a pool in Booneville, Missouri. Bill and Bob were fascinated with the water. When they were 14 years old, they fashioned their own diving helmet out of a vegetable can and a tire pump. They explored the bottom of a pool reading magazines while the other held the air pump on the surface. Bev Morgan offered Bill the opportunity to buy in to his local marine / dive shop, Dive N’ Surf. Bev owned the shop with Hap Jacobs, who later pioneered the modern surfboard. Jacobs wanted out and Bill accepted the offer on the condition that his brother Bob be brought in as the third partner. Bev agreed, Bob and Bill borrowed $1800 from their mother and each bought one third of the business.
To keep themselves afloat, the twins continued lifeguarding on a part- time basis. Bill and Bob needed to find a way to combat California’s cold water. They tried everything from wartime electrically heated flyers’ suits to wool sweaters that lasted only as long as they were dry.
Finally, in 1953 they discovered an insulating material used in the back of refrigerators. With this “neoprene” the Meistrell brothers fashioned the first practical wetsuits. Their new innovation helped them buy Bev’s share of the business in 1957, and Dive N’ Surf became the home of “The Body Glove.” It is this history of innovation and love of the ocean that challenges them to make products fitting every waterman’s needs. Body Glove swimwear pledges to continually build products that enhance and protect us both above and below the water’s surface.
Performance and Style
Quickly becoming a Southern California institution, Body Glove swimwear transformed into a lifestyle. By producing quality products like bathing suits, board shorts, and entire apparel lines, Body Glove bikinis and wetsuits became a dominant figure in the surf industry. They have provided products and sponsorship for top surfers. Backed by professional athletes, they became a recognized figure within water sports.
In the early days, surf pioneers wore Body Glove suits exclusively, and that tradition continues with today´s modern Professional and Amateur surf riders. They are dedicated to making products that are made to the exact specifications of the world´s top athletes on the water. With legendary pride and performance, Body Glove swimwear continues to dominate within the surf industry with technical wetsuits, board shorts, bikinis, one piece swim suits, and apparel. Body Glove offers everything you need to get out and enjoy the water and soak up the sun.