O'Neill Announces New Activewear Collection for Women: O'Neill 365

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Neill (www.oneill.com), the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, today announced the launch of its new active apparel collection, O'Neill 365, hitting stores in Spring 2012.  Designed for females who demand both style and performance from workout apparel, O'Neill 365 combines a full range of activewear with the most technically advanced fabrication on the market: 3XDRY®.

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Representing the diverse lifestyle of O'Neill 365 as an elite swimmer, surfer, world traveller and yoga enthusiast, Natalie Coughlin will serve as the face of the collection, and will be featured in the brand's national advertising campaigns and in-store collateral.  With 19 medals under her belt, Natalie is the most decorated female swimmer in World Championships history, and is one of the most decorated American female athletes in Olympic history.  

Coughlin will also promote the launch at various events across the country as part of the O'Neill 365 Icons program, established to recognize inspiring females who are influencers in their community and embody the vibrant spirit of the brand.  O'Neill 365 Icons will contribute to blog content, provide product feedback, and be part of a growing active lifestyle network.

"Natalie is a role model to females worldwide, both as a world-class athlete and inspiring woman," said Cedar Carter, Director of Marketing, O'Neill. "We're proud to partner with her and thrilled with the amazing insight and creativity she provides.  Just as we work closely with our surf team to create the most technically advanced swimwear that looks and performs unlike any other on the market, Natalie and our O'Neill 365 Icons are providing the foundation for an incredible product line."

"Being a part of O'Neill 365 is exciting," said Coughlin. "The line embodies everything I do outside of the pool, from hiking with my husband and dogs or going to Pilates, to just strolling through the farmers market on the weekend.  I'm learning a ton working with the O'Neill 365 team to create something special and different for active women everywhere."

The O'Neill 365 debut collection includes fitted sports bras, racer back support tanks, stylized hooded sweatshirts, stretch capri bottoms, hot shorts, slouchy pants, and trendy jackets; in calming teal, bright coral, true black, heather grey and fun ikat prints.  O'Neill 365's 3XDRY® fabric has a water-repellent exterior and absorbent interior to eliminate sweat marks completely.  Additional tech features include anti-static fabric, odor-resistant treatments, UV30+ fabric to protect the skin, wind-resistant and water-resistant characteristics, HB3 headphones and wicking technology to promote dryness.

The collection is separated into three distinctive performance categories:  

• ACTION: essential quality pieces with everyday style, designed to function through moderate to high-impact activities. Prices range from $32 to $48.
• AGILITY:  true performance collection with amazing fits and fabrications that help create a comfortable, focused workout; featuring the new 3XDRY® fabrication in select styles. From $46-$84.
• FORWARD:  fashionable layering styles that transition from the gym to the street -- truly created for 365 days of the year. From $76-$89

"For just shy of 60 years, O'Neill has been known for its high quality performance products," said Kari Johnson, O'Neill's VP of Design and Marketing.  "We're extending our story even further by introducing an activewear line that reflects our rich technical history and California beach roots, and addresses the needs and lifestyle of a modern active female."

"O'Neill 365 is dedicated to merging fashion and function, and the timing couldn't be better for us to introduce our first activewear collection," added Carter. "O'Neill 365 showcases O'Neill's roots in innovation by bringing fresh design and technology to the fitness market."

For more information about O'Neill 365, including how to become an O'Neill 365 Icon, please visit www.oneill365.com.

ABOUT O'NEILL

O'Neill, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O'Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.

While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack's initial vision of producing functional and innovative boardriding and active lifestyle products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O'Neill's core values - innovation in style and technology - have seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action sports lifestyle. From the first ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash, to the world's first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O'Neill's progressive spirit will always drive the company forward. For more information, please visit www.oneill.com.

SOURCE O'Neill