Catalina (originally Bentz Knitting Mills, later Pacific Knitting Mills and Catalina Knitting Mills) is an American swimwear brand founded in 1907 in Los Angeles, California. Once one of the largest swimwear manufacturers in the United States, Catalina played a significant role in the development of American swimwear fashion and was instrumental in the creation of the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants in 1952.[1][2]
History
Early years (1907-1928)
The company was founded in 1907 by John C. Bentz as Bentz Knitting Mills, a small Los Angeles manufacturer of underwear and sweaters.[1]