CHAPEL HILL, NC // DEC 2022 – LoPo Diveskins is pleased to announce the launch of its website and first five products. The first four offerings—dive skins, rashguard, and two legging styles—are the results of years of research and planning to create flattering and comfortable garments made by women for women using U.S.-sourced materials and manufacturing that is sustainable as well as protective of our oceans and environment. The latest addition is a simple headband using scraps from production of the specially-ordered fabric.
LoPo Diveskins was founded by two sisters, Jill and Kelly Newbold, alumni of the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, when they were unable to find a well-designed, quality-made, durable, and flattering dive skin. To help protect the ocean they love, they decided to use fabric made out of ocean-bound plastic bottles, a new fabric by North Carolina based Unifi, Inc. REPREVE Our Ocean fiber is made from bottles collected within 50 kilometers of coastlines in countries or areas lacking formal waste or recycling systems.
“We’re excited to finally bring these products to market,” said LoPo CEO and co-founder Jill Newbold. “The passion and joy all of our partners have exhibited in creating our first garments has been inspiring and we can’t wait to build a LoPo community that exhibits a similar enthusiasm for our beautiful oceans, lakes and rivers. The focus on women water enthusiasts who do what they love on (or under) water is a real draw to our why. Being a part of a solution is empowering and impactful.”
LoPo Diveskins is partnering with a U.S. garment manufacturer focused on sustainable, small batch manufacturing for creation of its styles. They source all thread, elastic, zippers, and other components from U.S.-based manufacturers. Each garment will be sustainably manufactured in small batches to avoid excessive overstock, thereby reducing the possibility that any excess inventory may end up in a landfill. LoPo products are also Berry Amendment Compliant.
LoPo Diveskins is currently taking preorders on its first run of garments at https://lopodiveskins.com and is planning initial deliveries to customers in early 2023.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina based LoPo Diveskins creates thoughtfully designed performance apparel made from bottles at risk of polluting our oceans. For investment opportunities or media inquiries, please contact Jill Newbold at [email protected].
