Body Glove is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The brand, founded by Bill and Bob Meistrell, claims to have designed the first practical wetsuit in 1953.
Body Glove has always been a surfing and diving company. Back in 1953, the twin brothers 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.
Fortunately, in 1953, they discovered neoprene, an insulating material used in the backs of refrigerators.
Sixty years later, Body Glove is a waterman firm with a passion for water and sports.
Bill and Bob Meistrell started their business life with Dive N' Surf, the world's first and oldest dive and surf shop.
In 1957, they were the first to customize wetsuits for the Navy and military, as well as the LA Police Department, LA Lifeguards, and medical, dental, and electronic industries.
In the 1960s, Body Glove was the first to use the Kossick stripe on a wetsuit and tried painting the neoprene to add color.
In the 1970s, they invented different zips across the back and front, dual shoulder zips, and colored neoprene.
In 2001, Body Glove invented the first water-repellent wetsuit, and by 2007, Bob and Bill Meistrell were inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach.