Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Paul Crist, owner of Hotel Mercurio since 2002, and fashion designer Todd Barnes announce the launch of Mercurio Swim, men's swimwear. The swimwear line is available at their new boutique and atelier at Lazaro Cardenas 279-C, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, on the south side of Puerto Vallarta.

The swimwear line was conceived in order to address several shortcomings in the swimwear market in the region. First, Crist and Barnes concur that the quality of men's swimwear on offer is less than it could be. To address this,Mercurio Swim is producing swimwear using high-quality fabrics, and careful hand stitching. Mercurio Swim produces apparel that is stylish, well fitting, and durable.

Cheaper fabrics, elastics and thread tend to break down when exposed to swimming pool chemicals, salt water, and suntan lotions. The imported Italian elastic and luxurious fabrics that Mercurio Swim uses will outlast cheaper materials. Stitching is another problem with commercially produced swimwear. The precision of the stitching in the seams of the swimwear produced by Mercurio Swim ensure a long-wearing garment.

Second, the selection for larger and more mature men is notably lacking in stores selling men's casual wear in the area. Mercurio Swim is currently in the design phase of developing swim apparel to meet the needs of the mature and larger male market niche with stylish and durable swimwear.

Finally, with many stores selling swimwear of the same cut and fabric, it's common to see four or five men wearing the same swimsuit at the beach. Mercurio Swim produces very limited numbers of any swimsuit style and fabric. "Once it's gone, it's gone, and we won't make any more of that particular style," said Barnes.

Store hours are 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. In October, the hours will be extended to 10:00 pm as the winter tourist season ramps up. An online store will be inaugurated in the near future at mercurioswim.com.

Mercurio Swim and Hotel Mercurio, both located in Puerto Vallarta, are owned and managed by Paul Crist. Since inception of the Mercurio brand in 2002, our mission has been to earn our customer's loyalty with high quality, excellent value, integrity and enthusiasm. We function as a team, operate ethically, and focus on meeting, and striving to exceed, the expectations of our customers.

For more information about Mercurio Swim or Hotel Mercurio, contact Paul Crist. Tel: 866-388-2689, Cell: (+521) 322-294-1820, Email: paulcrist(at)hotel-mercurio.com.

Hotel Mercurio is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, just a half block up the hill from Olas Altas on Calle Francisca Rodríguez (the street perpendicular to the beach where Los Muertos Pier is located.) For more information about "Puerto Vallarta's Favorite Gay Hotel," click HERE or visit hotel-mercurio.com.