 nautica is a us-based apparel brand of the vf corporation featuring primarily men's sportswear. nautica was founded in 1983 by clothing designer, david chu, and a partner. it was purchased for cash and stock in 1984 by state-o-main, a new york based apparel company. state-o-main changed its name to nautica in 1994. vf corporation purchased nautica in 2003. nautica took its name from the latin word "nauticus" for naval and in italian language nautica means seamanship. since one of mankind's first accomplishments in exploring the world was to take to the seas, a spinnaker logo was designed as a symbol of adventure, action and classicism. ==see also== *list of swimwear brands ==references==  ==external links== * 
Clothing_companies_of_the_United_States Companies_based_in_New_York_City Companies_established_in_1983 Swimwear_manufacturers Underwear_brands Watch_manufacturing_companies_of_the_United_States