Clothing store TABS launched its first women’s collection at the Bermuda Fashion Festival last weekend.

TABS, which stands for “The Authentic Bermuda Shorts”, is located on Reid Street, Hamilton, having launched five years ago.

Rebecca Singleton, founder and chief executive officer of TABS, said this was the natural next step for the brand, to broaden its product offering having carried an exclusive men’s line since the shop opened.

“Our customers and retailers have been asking for a wider range of items,” Ms Singleton said.

The feedback for the women’s line has been positive. “It’s only been a few days but the fit and fabric is so comfortable and flattering it’s hard not to love the items when you try them on,” she added.

The new ladies collection comes in paradise prints and eye-catching solids from hibiscus pink to reef line blue.

“We have been making women’s Bermuda shorts in both stretch cotton and cotton twill for about four years now,” Ms Singleton said. “But I wanted to make a short that was more comfortable, cooler and stylish.

“Culottes are the answer. Our twist on the Bermuda short for ladies exudes vintage chic. These classy culottes will take you from the boardroom to the boat. Ideal for a casual brunch, the office or a night on the town, pair with heels and a flowy shirt or go casual with sandals and a crop top,” she said.

Besides this new expansion, TABS has caught the eye of retailers abroad. Having attended US trade shows, the brand gained popularity in the US and in the Cayman Islands where they are now being sold. “As a Bermudian, I’m proud to be exporting Bermuda-inspired apparel,” Ms Singleton said.

“We’ve been expanding our product offering. Watch out for men’s blazers, shirts and long trousers, which will be coming later this year.

“But the heart of our brand is still the Bermuda short. We offer over 30 colours in three different fabrics, from our classic cotton to a more casual stretch cotton and our formal cotton and linen blend.

TABS has been featured in several international publications, including GQ, Travel + Leisure and the New York Times. Winner of a “Best of Bermuda” award for four consecutive years, TABS is a lifestyle brand specialising in Bermuda shorts but with a range of products from shirts and blazers to women’s dresses and children’s Bermuda shorts.

• For more information, visit www.tabsbermuda.com