Women of all ages, sizes, backgrounds and ethnicities who seek swimwear with more coverage, whether for religious or modesty or other reasons, know the name HydroChic (hydrochic.com). An extremely popular product line, their wide variety of stylish separates with UV protection, designed for sport and swim, recently had their first plus-size photo shoot for featuring product pictures for both their catalog and website as well as for Amazon. “We pride ourselves on fitting and flattering every taste, need and size and shape,” said Sara Wolf, a co-founder of HydroChic. “With this photo shoot, we’re ramping up attention for our plus size line.”
Wolf, along with partner Daniella Teutsch, founded HydroChic Smart UV Swimwear in 2006 after noticing how many women were throwing on sloppy men’s t-shirts and night shirts over traditional bathing suits for sun or body coverage. They realized that there was something missing in the market and felt there had to be a better coverage solution. Some creative brainstorming followed in search of designs that would make any woman feel confident in her swim and sportswear, which is comprised entirely of separates to make the individual look customizable.
After spending time researching fabrics and creating prototypes of styles, by the summer of 2007 they were selling HydroChic tops and bottoms to women around the world. “When this product came around, it actually made customers come to our store just to buy HydroChic,” said Alene Brodsky, co-proprietor of trendy Teaneck store Carly’z Craze (www.carlyzcraze.com). “The second we advertised HydroChic, people started coming to buy it. The product is exceptional: well-made and long-lasting. It’s well worth the investment.”
One of the goals was to make sure that every woman, whatever her size and shape, would find smart options that would speak to her. “We had the idea of women wearing items that looked like active-wear that were made for swimming and people were skeptical until they saw the line,” said Wolf. “We have continued to refine and expand our selection, and today, thousands of garments and happy customers later, we can truly declare that we have designed a line that resonates with women across the country and around globe!”
“They figured it out,” said Brodsky. “They make a tremendous selection for every type of person, not just for modesty but also for sun protection and style. These pieces handle water well, dry quickly, and accommodate many different levels of coverage across the spectrum of the community. Whatever sleeve length or skirt length you prefer, they’ve got you covered. The great thing about this line is that all the skirts have leggings or shorts underneath. It’s the most well-known and complete product. Everyone is thrilled to be able to go to the pool and not feel like they’re wearing clothes instead of swimwear like everyone else.”
HydroChic is available online through their website and also on Amazon, and locally at Carly’z Craze located at 472 Cedar Lane, Teaneck and the Aqua Show in Lakewood, located at 1460 Laurelwood Avenue. Because fit is so crucial in swim/active-wear, many prefer to try it on in person, and the plus-sized line is enjoying an excited response. “We are a community business, so we’ll order whatever sizes the customer would like to try on,” said Brodsky. “We know and love this product and we provide personal and honest service and advice so each woman and girl can look her best whether at the pool or riding her bike.”
By Lisa Matkowsky
