Flagpole Swim

Flagpole is a New York-based luxury swimwear, resort, and activewear brand founded in 2014 by best friends and designers Megan Balch and Jaime Barker. The two South Florida natives met in high school and shared a passion for fashion, eventually moving to New York where they had the epiphany to create a swimwear label inspired by the dance leotards they grew up wearing. After years of perseverance, including sharing bedrooms, living in bunk beds, and facing rejection from major retailers, their vision finally came to fruition. Flagpole is renowned for combining beach life with city style, creating flexible designs that transition seamlessly from beach to evening wear. The brand is distinguished by its vibrant, unique blend of shape and color that energizes the eye while supporting an active lifestyle. Using the highest quality four-way stretch Italian fabrics, each piece is handcrafted by artisan tailors in New York City's fashion district, earning the brand 'Made in New York' certification. The brand has achieved significant recognition in the luxury fashion world, including a notable six-piece collaboration with Oscar de la Renta in 2017. Flagpole's commitment to quality, ethical production, and thoughtful design has earned them placement at prestigious retailers like Net-A-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue. The brand emphasizes fair production processes and maintains close relationships with the craftspeople who create their swimwear, positioning themselves as a conscious choice in the luxury swimwear market.