Body Glove: From Surfing Roots to Tech Protection & Lifestyle Accessories

Body Glove is an iconic brand that began with a passion for the ocean and evolved into a broad lifestyle and accessory name. Best known for inventing the first practical wetsuit in 1953, the company has expanded into swimwear, activewear, outdoor gear and protective accessories - including phone and tech cases that blend style, durability and utility. Officially available in South Africa through authorised resellers, Body Glove offers local buyers the confidence of regional support and warranty handling.

A Rich Heritage Anchored in Innovation

Body Glove was founded by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell in 1953. While working as lifeguards and diving enthusiasts, they sought a way to stay warm in cold water - eventually discovering neoprene and crafting wetsuits that "fit like a glove." This leap kicked off a brand legacy rooted in water, survival, performance and creative problem solving.

Over time, Body Glove branched into new verticals beyond aquatic gear to include activewear, boardsports accessories, and protective tech cases (for phones, tablets, etc.). The brand remains strongly associated with surf culture, innovation and outdoor living.

In 2016, Marquee Brands acquired a majority stake in Body Glove, with the Meistrell family retaining a minority interest - ensuring continuity of the brand ethos even under a larger umbrella.

Product Focus: Protective & Lifestyle Accessories

While Body Glove’s origin lies in wetsuits and water sports, its product range now includes rugged, stylish tech protection. Their designs aim to carry over durability, grip, water resistance and style into everyday devices. Whether for daily mobile use or outdoor adventures, Body Glove’s cases and accessories often incorporate shock absorbent materials, textured grips, raised edges for screen protection and in some models minimal water resistance.

These accessories complement Body Glove’s core brand identity: water-friendly, active-lifestyle, adventure-ready equipment. For users in South Africa, the brand’s tech accessory lines offer a fresh extension of those core values into everyday digital gear.

Why Choose Body Glove for Tech & Accessory Solutions?

One major appeal is brand alignment: if you value water resistance, grip, shock resistance and an active lifestyle, the same principles behind Body Glove’s wetsuits translate well into tech accessories. Another strength is design consistency - many users appreciate that the same aesthetic ethos carries from beachwear into protective gear. Reviews often note that Body Glove’s cases balance beauty and protection without overly bulky builds.

Local availability matters too: in South Africa, buyers can access Body Glove products through authorised resellers with regional warranty support. This gives confidence that support and repair will be manageable in the local context.

South African Availability & Support via Resellers

Body Glove products are officially resold in South Africa via approved retailers. For customers in South Africa, warranty support and repairs must go back to the original point of sale. No alternate store or central Body Glove office will offer warranty backup - so retaining proof of purchase and dealing with the seller is essential. This also applies for customers in neighbouring countries who collect via local reseller outlets.

User Perception & Market Feedback

Users generally praise Body Glove’s tech cases for looking sleek, offering good protection, and having a solid feel. Many appreciate the brand’s seamless crossover from active lifestyle into daily device protection.

FAQ

What kinds of tech accessories does Body Glove offer?

Body Glove offers protective phone cases, tablet sleeves, and related accessory lines designed for grip, impact absorption, slim profiles, and some moisture resistance - ideal for everyday carry and outdoor use.

Are Body Glove tech cases water resistant?

Many models are designed to resist light moisture, splashes or sweat, but they are not full waterproof enclosures. They inherit water-friendly design cues from their aquatic heritage but should not be submerged unless explicitly rated.

Can I obtain warranty or repair service in South Africa?

Yes - but only via the original retailer. Warranty and repair service goes back to your point of purchase. There is no alternate store or central hub in South Africa for warranty claims outside of the original seller.

Why choose Body Glove over a generic tech accessory brand?

Choosing Body Glove means choosing brand consistency: the same heritage of performance, active lifestyle and outdoor resilience applies to their accessory lines. If those brand values resonate with your needs (e.g. rugged use, water exposure, sporty style), Body Glove’s accessories can feel like a natural extension of that ethos.

If you are interested in Body Glove, you may also be interested in these brands