Celebrating 10 Years of Caloosa WaterWear 🌊✨
Ten years ago, Caloosa WaterWear began with a shelling trip to Sanibel Island—and a spark of inspiration that would grow into something far bigger than anyone could have imagined.
While visiting the National Shell Museum in Sanibel, founder Rebecca Fordham learned about the Caloosa people, the indigenous inhabitants of South Florida. Their deep connection to the land and water resonated with her, planting the seed for a brand rooted in respect for nature, coastal culture, and heritage. With a background in fashion design and over 20 years of industry experience, Rebecca decided to turn that inspiration into a creative hobby—one that blended performance apparel with coastal storytelling.
From Pop-Ups to Purpose
In the early days, Caloosa WaterWear was built the old-fashioned way: one pop-up at a time. The small but mighty Caloosa team traveled to local pop-up shops, nautical flea markets, and coastal events throughout South Florida, sharing their designs with fellow water lovers and building a loyal grassroots following.
As demand grew, so did the vision.
Taking Control of Production
In 2017, the team reached a pivotal moment. To remain competitively priced and expand into wholesale, Caloosa needed full control over its production. That year, Rebecca made the bold decision to invest in printing equipment and open Caloosa’s very own print house—a move that would shape the future of the brand.
A Leap of Faith—and a Global Pivot
In January 2020, Rebecca took another leap and left her full-time job to focus 100% on Caloosa WaterWear. Just weeks later, the world shut down.
Like many small businesses, Caloosa had to pivot quickly. Using their in-house production capabilities, the team shifted to making masks and neck gaiters to help meet the urgent needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. What could have been a setback became a moment of resilience and purpose.
Growing Into Wholesale
As the world began to reopen in 2021, Caloosa WaterWear entered a new chapter. Rebecca began attending major wholesale trade shows in Atlanta, Orlando, and Palm Beach, introducing the brand to buyers and retailers across the country.
In 2022, Caloosa opened its first warehouse in Boca Raton, Florida, complete with a wholesale showroom and expanded printing facilities. This milestone marked Caloosa’s evolution from a small coastal brand into a growing national presence.
A Major Milestone: The Caloosa Trademark
In 2023, Caloosa WaterWear reached a significant and meaningful milestone: receiving the official trademark for the name “Caloosa” on T-shirts. This achievement marked the culmination of years of hard work, brand building, and dedication to creating something truly original.
Securing the trademark not only protected the brand’s identity, but also solidified Caloosa’s place in the apparel industry—honoring its roots while ensuring its name would continue to stand strong for years to come.
Coast to Coast—and Beyond
Today, Caloosa WaterWear can be found in over 50 retail boutiques and resorts, from Hawaii to Key West—a true testament to the brand’s coastal appeal and commitment to quality.
In 2025, Rebecca expanded Caloosa once again, relocating production to Savannah, Georgia, where she now resides and personally oversees the printing of all products.
Looking Ahead
As Caloosa WaterWear celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the heart of the brand remains the same: inspired by water, driven by creativity, and grounded in community. Rebecca looks forward to a bright and exciting future—continuing to expand online, partnering with new retailers, and sharing the Caloosa story with even more water lovers around the world.
From a shelling trip on Sanibel Island to a decade of growth, grit, and gratitude—thank you for being part of the Caloosa journey. Here’s to the next 10 years. 🌊💙