It would be hard not to love the logo for “Northern Knots,” a new Katonah-based apparel company that launched last November. A panting Golden Retriever with an “NK” medallion around its neck seems to beckon you to come frolic on the beach.

Company co-founders John and Mark Swertfager were seeking a creative summer project several years ago when they became inspired by the “beach babies” lifestyle they adored.

The two college-aged brothers from Katonah had spent many summers with family on Cape Cod and in South Carolina, and felt moved to create a clothing line that embodied the spirit of comfort and laid-back living.

Attending a New England prep school, where he was surrounded by a similar fashion style, helped plant the seed for the business, according to John Swertfager who is the older of the two brothers.

“We love the water and the classy, preppy look,” said Swertfager, a junior at Long Island University who is majoring in business. “We are both into fashion and thought we could capture the lifestyle by creating our own clothing line.”

Brands like Vineyard Vines and Southern Tide provided the duo with examples of the sort of line they wanted to sell, Swertfager added. “We chose the name Northern Knots to keep it nautical and also to distinguish it as a company from up North.”

He said that the company’s target customers are college students who go for the reversible “pinnies,” or lacrosse jerseys, and who like the t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts that are emblazoned with the Golden Retriever logo.

The online-only start-up also sells adjustable hats, sunglasses straps, can holders and some women’s shirts—and it dispatches campus “ambassadors” to sell and promote the brand at various colleges and universities.

Future plans include a line of ties and bowties as well as a local retail presence.

“We would like to first sell our products via some local retailers and then eventually have our own shop, once we build brand awareness,” said the young entrepreneur. Swertfager said he and his brother follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and now his father—who is in the business of promotional products, corporate gifts and apparel.

Both John and his brother Mark, a college freshman, are currently working to promote their new business via Facebook and Twitter while living by company’s slogan. It reads: “We believe that comfort is a quality that should never be taken lightly, and here at Northern Knots we promise to keep it chill…it's what makes the good life great."