Our Story

Loggerhead Apparel was created by South Carolina natives, Zac and Sara Painter, inspired by a shared passion for the state of South Carolina, its people, its beauty and its natural history. 

Zac and Sara co-founded Loggerhead Apparel in 2010 and launched the company's first products in 2011, with the Bellwether360 Polo, made from 100% American Pima cotton which is considered the world's finest cotton. The yarn is spun in Georgia and then dyed, cut and sewn in the Carolinas, which pays homage to the Painters' Carolina roots. 

Zac grew up in Spartanburg, SC, the grandchild of mill workers who lived in a mill village, and he still remembers hearing the bell ringing for workers to leave for the day. Those mills closed many years ago, but his sense of pride for American factory workers and all things Made in America has been a long-held tradition and motivation that ultimately led to the concept of Loggerhead Apparel. He won't admit it, but he was the brains behind the brand, motivated by his frustration in a completely lacking Made in USA clothing industry. Today, Zac assists on creative and product development, as well as moral support, while Sara manages the day-day operations as President. Zac also works as Principal at the strategic marketing firm he co-founded, Candor.

Sara grew up just north of Charleston, SC in the then-rural town of Awendaw, which rests just along the Intracoastal Waterway. Raised by an educator mother and an avid sailor, naturalist, and author father, Sara was taught at a very early age the importance of the area's coastal and marine wildlife. The conservation mission of Loggerhead Apparel is directly tied to lending support to groups like The South Carolina Aquarium and the Friends of Coastal South Carolina, who work to protect and preserve sea turtles and other marine wildlife and habitats.

Co-found Zac & Sara Painter with their children, Sullivan and Seabrook

The Painters live in Upstate SC with their 2 children, Sullivan "Sully" and Seabrook, and the family frequently visits the Lowcountry area's local beaches – particularly the children's namesake islands – as well as their Charleston-area family, friends, and retail and conservation partners.