Totes Isotoner Corporation, stylized totes»ISOTONER and often abbreviated to Totes, is an international
umbrella
An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a person against rain. The term ''umbrella'' is traditionally used when protec ...
,
footwear
Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which typically serve the purpose of protective clothing, protection against adversities of the environment such as wear from rough ground; stability on slippery ground; and temperature.
*Shoes and si ...
, and cold weather accessory supplier, headquartered in
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati ( ; colloquially nicknamed Cincy) is a city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Settled in 1788, the city is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking River (Kentucky), Licking and Ohio Ri ...
, United States. Totes is regularly billed in press reports as "the world's largest marketer of umbrellas". The company has divisions in the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
,
UK, and
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
.

The company sells products under ''totes'', ''ISOTONER'', and ''ESNY'' brands. Totes branded products include
umbrellas, rubber footwear,
ponchos
A poncho (; ; ; "blanket", "woolen fabric") is a kind of plainly formed, loose outer garment originating in the Americas, traditionally and still usually made of fabric, and designed to keep the body warm. Ponchos have been used by the Indige ...
, rain hats, and travel bags. Several licensed gift and boot products also carry the totes brand name. Mostly known for private label footwear, ESNY, now part of Totes Isotoner, is associated with branded products such as
flip-flops
Flip-flops are a type of light sandal-like shoe, typically worn as a form of casual footwear. They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap known as a toe thong that passes between the first and second toes and around ...
,
sandals
Sandals are an open type of shoe, consisting of a Sole (shoe), sole held to the wearer's foot by straps going over the instep and around the ankle. Sandals can also have a heel. While the distinction between sandals and other types of footwear ...
, and ESNY Occasions
wedding
A wedding is a ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnicity, ethnicities, Race (human categorization), races, religions, Religious denomination, denominations, Cou ...
footwear. Totes Isotoner and ESNY branded products are carried by most national retailers in the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
, and
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
. Totes Isotoner itself has several sub-brands, including Cirrus, SolBounce, Zenz and Toasties.
History
Totes Isotoner traces its roots back to the Roll-O-Radio Company, a mail-order radio kit supplier, which was incorporated in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1924. In 1931, Roll-O-Radio Co. became "Perfect Manufacturing Company (Inc.)", whose So-Lo Works in
Oakley, Ohio developed a popular shoe-resoling product. Perfect Manufacturing Company moved to
Loveland, Ohio in 1942 with a name change to "So-Lo Works, Incorporated". From the mid-1940s to the late 1950s, company president Joe J. Marx designed, manufactured and marketed his successful "totes" line of foldable waterproof apparel, starting with "totes" women's slip-on overshoes for rainy days and culminating in Skooba-"totes" full-length
dry exposure suits for diving and water-skiing. Bradford E. Phillips purchased So-Lo Works Inc. in 1961, renamed the company "Totes Incorporated" in 1965 and included "totes" collapsible umbrellas in the firm's repertoire in 1970, By the mid-1980s, Totes Inc. had become the world's largest supplier of such umbrellas. In 1994, Phillips sold Totes Inc. to Boston investment firm
Bain Capital
Bain Capital, LP is an American Investment company, private investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, with around $185 billion of assets under management. It specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, p ...
.
In 1997, Totes Inc. merged with ARIS»ISOTONER Incorporated, a producer of leather gloves. Aris Isotoner traced its roots to 1918, when French glovemaker Paul Chanut and American glove reseller Larry Stanton founded the Aris Glove Company, developing the first stretchable nylon glove with leather coverings and naming their design "ISOTONER" (a portmanteau of "isometric" and "toning") to highlight the glove's selling points. The American
Sara Lee Corporation
The Sara Lee Corporation was an American consumer-goods company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. The Sara Lee name was used of a number of frozen and packaged foods, often known for the long-running slogan "Everybody doesn't like something, b ...
purchased Aris in 1974, changing the firm's name to Aris Isotoner. After the 1997 merger, the successor company was named "Totes Isotoner Corporation" to showcase the respective flagship products of Totes Inc. and Aris Isotoner. In 2001, Bain Capital sold Totes Isotoner to private equity fund Swander Pace Capital, which resold it in 2007 to
MidOcean Partners
MidOcean Partners is a New York City , New York based alternative asset management firm that specializes in mid-sized private equity and alternative leveraged investments.
The firm, founded in February 2003, is based in Midtown Manhattan. MidOc ...
. In 2014, Totes Isotoner was acquired by
Investcorp
Investcorp is a global manager of alternative investment products, for private and institutional clients. Founded in Bahrain in 1982, the firm has offices in United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, India, China, ...
and
Freeman Spogli & Co. Thus far in the new millennium, Totes Isotoner has increased its product range, overseas presence and monetary value.
1920s
The Roll-O-Radio Co. was incorporated on 9 April 1924 as a new business in Cincinnati, Ohio, with premises on Pearl and Race Streets in 1925 and on Third and Sycamore Streets from 1926 to 1930. As its name suggests, the company specialized in selling radio kits, including crystal sets and power supplies.
1930s
On 1 June 1931, Roll-O-Radio Co. changed its name by charter amendment to "Perfect Manufacturing Company (Inc.)". After their Marx-Flarsheim advertising agency merged with the Archer Company in Cincinnati, president Joe J. Marx and treasurer Henry B. Flarsheim entered the manufacturing business with Roland R. Bollman of the Perfect Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati. Both Flarsheim and Bollman retired in 1935, when Marx, president, purchased the entire stock of the Perfect Manufacturing Company, which was then based in Oakley, Ohio. The firm’s So-Lo Works division made a rubber salve for resoling worn-out shoes during the Great Depression. The advertising slogan "Millions now use SO-LO to fix shoes for as low as 1¢ a repair" hinted at the name’s possible origin.
1940s
In 1941, the So-Lo Works division acquires a one-story factory building at Twightwee near the
Little Miami River
The Little Miami River () is a Class I tributary of the Ohio River that flows U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map, accessed May 26, 2011 through five counties in southwestern Ohio ...
in Loveland, Ohio, from the former occupant, the George E. Smith Company, candy manufacturer. 1 June 1943 sees a change of name by charter amendment to "So-Lo Works, Incorporated". During the Second World War, the US Government contracts So-Lo Works to manufacture military supplies including shoe dubbing and canned food in the new premises. The firm continues to serve the country’s civilian population through output of “make-do and mend” household repair products. So-Lo Works boosts morale and productivity by engaging all workers in management decision-making and by developing welfare and recreational facilities.
After the Allied victory in 1945, So-Lo Works quickly reconverts to civilian production with a reduced workforce. By a change in patterns, rubber protectors for anti-aircraft gun handles convert to women’s slip-on overshoes. In 1949, this very line leads to the development of tough, lightweight, foldable, stretchy latex-rubber overshoes called “totes” (slogan: “tote ‘em in your pocket”). So-Lo “totes” soon lead a market previously dominated by the major rubber manufacturers’ bulkier winter boots. Between 1945 and 1954, the firm’s prototypes earn six patents and registered designs. Ever the showman, company president Marx promotes his “totes” at any sales opportunity. In 1949, reportedly, the company makes 24,000 pairs per week and cannot fulfill all its orders.
1950s

In 1950, So-Lo Works Incorporated vice-president Fred R. Heckman dies and the firm’s name changes to So-Lo Marx Rubber Co. of Loveland, Ohio. Later the same year, the company invites parents to submit snapshots of their children putting on their "totes" for use in national advertising. During the 1950s, the "totes" product family expands. The "world’s lightest" Hip-"totes" thigh-length fishing waders appear in 1955, while 1956 sees the introduction of Trouser-"totes", tough lightweight leggings for deer hunters. The firm markets the "world’s finest" Skooba-"totes" dry suits a year after a high-school student and a sporting-goods sales clerk trial the prototypes in the nearby Little Miami River early in 1957. Divers and water skiers alike welcome these low-cost full-length seamless exposure suits, which enable them to operate all year round.
1960s
In the early 1960s, Skooba-“totes” dry suits not only prove popular across the US with divers, water skiers and now cavers, but also find favor with their counterparts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and the United Kingdom. In November 1961, Bradford E. Phillips, a Western Felt Works sales representative for industrial rubber and textiles, acquires 100% of So-Lo Marx’s outstanding capital stock. He continues as the sole stockholder until June 1994. Marx remains on the board until he retires to
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota () is a city in and the county seat of Sarasota County, Florida, United States. It is located in Southwest Florida, the southern end of the Tampa Bay area, and north of Fort Myers, Florida, Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, Florida, Punta Gord ...
, where he passes away, aged 70, in December 1967.
1 April 1965 sees So-Lo Marx Rubber Co. change by charter amendment to "Totes Incorporated". Company president Brad Phillips’s choice of name confirms his intention to refocus on the original lucrative "Totes" product of the late 1940s and early 1950s: lightweight rubber footwear that packs up into a small pouch when not in use. Other So-Lo Marx product lines — diving suits, rubber cement, resoling material, meat tenderizer, bicycle seats, instant gravy, plaster statuette molds — face imminent cancellation.
1970s
In 1970, Phillips adds a collapsible umbrella to the Totes range of wet-weather gear, whose selling point is the ability to fold out of sight when no longer required. Having failed twice to devise his own working prototype, he discovers that L.P. Henryson & Co. Inc. of New York has created a successful design and he buys the company to obtain its 1968 patent. Totes is now on course to become the world’s largest manufacturer of such umbrellas. On 28 February 1972, Totes Incorporated files agreement of merger with Eastman Products Corporation, Marx Pure Foods Inc. and L.P. Henryson Company Inc. In 1975, Phillips introduces a water-repellent hat after considering the time has come again for men's headgear, finding less success later, however, with his stainproof ties.
1980s
In 1983, Phillips secures US patent 454275 for an "umbrella with advertising flag", which acknowledges the pre-existence of the 1968 Henryson Co. collapsible umbrella patent. In 1986, Totes Inc. is reported to be the largest umbrella seller in the US with over half the company's revenue coming from umbrella sales. Totes' umbrella production is outsourced to Taiwan, one of the world's major umbrella-making centers. In 1987, the airline
TWA enables passengers to purchase Totes umbrellas when they are on international flights. In 1988, one-size-fits-all Totes "Toasties", "cozy slipper socks to wear on those cold winter nights", go on sale.
1990s
In 1994,
Bain Capital
Bain Capital, LP is an American Investment company, private investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, with around $185 billion of assets under management. It specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, p ...
acquires Totes. Three years later, in 1997, the totes ISOTONER corporation is formed from the merger of Totes corporation and ARIS»ISOTONER Incorporated, a producer of leather gloves.
Aris Isotoner dates back to 1918, when French glovemaker Paul Chanut and American glove reseller Larry Stanton found the Aris Glove Company. They develop the first stretchable nylon glove with leather coverings. They name it ISOTONER (combining the terms "isometric" and "toning") to reflect the stretchability and comfortable fit of this commercially successful glove. After being purchased by the American
Sara Lee Corporation
The Sara Lee Corporation was an American consumer-goods company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. The Sara Lee name was used of a number of frozen and packaged foods, often known for the long-running slogan "Everybody doesn't like something, b ...
in 1974, Aris changes its name to Aris Isotoner.
So the "Totes" and the "Isotoner" in the company name reference both merged firms' flagship products. The change of name from "Totes Incorporated" to "Totes Isotoner Corporation" is registered on 1 August 1997. By late 1998, Totes Isotoner has a new headquarters in
West Chester Township, Butler County, Ohio
West Chester Township is one of the thirteen townships of Butler County, Ohio, United States, located in the southeastern corner of the county. It is the most populous township in Ohio, with a population of 65,242 at the 2020 census. Situated b ...
and a website at totes.com.
2000s
In July 2001, Bain Capital completes sale of Totes Isotoner to San Francisco private equity fund Swander Pace Capital. In December 2001, the company is reported to have "gone global" with "about 1000 employees" and "offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris and Hong Kong". In 2006, Totes Isotoner buys ESNY, the casual footwear division of New York-based E.S. Originals Inc., whose particular product focus is fashion flip-flops and canvas shoes.
MidOcean Partners
MidOcean Partners is a New York City , New York based alternative asset management firm that specializes in mid-sized private equity and alternative leveraged investments.
The firm, founded in February 2003, is based in Midtown Manhattan. MidOc ...
, a New York based private equity firm targeting investments in the middle market, acquires Totes Isotoner in January 2007 in a $288 million deal. MidOcean helps the company to expand its product offerings globally completing five acquisitions, including Northern Cap and Glove, Acorn Products, Manzella, Just Sheepskin and Grandoe.
2010s
In 2014, MidOcean agrees to sell Totes Isotoner to
Investcorp
Investcorp is a global manager of alternative investment products, for private and institutional clients. Founded in Bahrain in 1982, the firm has offices in United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, India, China, ...
and
Freeman Spogli & Co. The deal values Totes Isotoner at between $500 million and $600 million. Freeman Spogli fully exits its investment in Totes in 2019. In April 2019, Totes Isotoner registers the trademark "Totes Cirrus" for the purpose of launching in the final months of the year a lightweight and virtually compression-proof rainboot billed as "tough as boots, light as clouds" and using proprietary Everywear compound technology.
2020s
In February 2020, Totes Isotoner introduced "Sol Bounce" flip flops, slides and water shoes, using the Everywear technology. That technology was also built in a new comfort footwear line from Isotoner, "Zenz." By 2020, totes UK launched a range of
vegan
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products and the consumption of animal source foods, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A person who practices veganism is known as a ve ...
slippers.
In June 2024, totes Isotoner was acquired by
Marquee Brands and
Randa Apparel & Accessories.
Gallery
File:'totes' coat spray (observe).jpg, 'totes' coat Spray Bottle
Controversy
*In 1933, 32-year-old Perfect Manufacturing Company
rubber-cement mixer Thomas Estees was found dead after inhaling rubber-cement fumes as he worked the night shift in an unventilated room whose extractor fan had stopped operating. Police were told that rubber-cement fumes would kill a person within ten minutes.
*In 1962, an estimated $100,000 damage was done to the So-Lo Marx Rubber Company by a fire and explosion in which one person was injured. A gas tank being welded suddenly exploded, setting chemicals in the area on fire, blasting out a wall and shattering windows up to half a mile away.
*In 1995, Isotoner Gloves allegedly worn by
O. J. Simpson
Orenthal James Simpson (July 9, 1947 – April 10, 2024), also known by his nickname "the Juice", was an American professional American football, football player, actor, and media personality who played in the National Football League (NFL) ...
were presented by the prosecution in
his murder trial.
*In 2009, the
Ohio Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Ohio is the highest court in the U.S. state of Ohio, with final authority over interpretations of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. The court has seven members, a chief justice and six associate justices, ...
ruled in favor of Totes Isotoner Incorporated in a high-profile discrimination case filed by LaNisa Allen, a former employee. Allen had been terminated for taking unauthorized breaks to
pump breast milk.
Allen v. totes/Isotoner Corp.,123 Ohio St.3d 216, 2009-Ohio-4231
Supreme Court of Ohio, August 27, 2009
See also
*Umbrella
An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a person against rain. The term ''umbrella'' is traditionally used when protec ...
References
External links
Totes»ISOTONER
(company web site)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Totes Isotoner
Manufacturing companies based in Cincinnati
Private equity portfolio companies
Shoe companies of the United States
Umbrella manufacturers
Underwater diving equipment manufacturers
Bain Capital companies
2024 mergers and acquisitions
2014 mergers and acquisitions