With summer upon us and holiday wardrobes at the ready, beachwear is already making its presence felt on the internet and the highstreet. Coming through in myriad colours, fabrics, silhouettes, embellishments and prints, there are a few trends that are coming through stronger than others and guarantee to keep one ahead of the curve poolside. 

SWIMWEAR

From printed swimsuits and nautical bikini sets to 1920s-style high waisted briefs and ruffles that will wow on any beach, here are this season’s swimwear trends that will take you from sun lounger to soaking in the sea to supping cocktails in the beach bar as the sun sets. 

Nautical stripes

… Not one just for the sailors, solid stripes on simple shapes is a key trend this summer. Swimsuits with high-cut leg openings and  vertical stripes have a sporty feel  and will create an elongating effect.    

Playful motifs

… Cute cuddly toys, tropical birds and cartoon prints are adding funk to elegant scooped necklines and low cut backs. 

The Vintage or Retro Look

… High-waisted briefs highlight the slimmest part of one’s frame and are very flattering. Some might think slightly conservative in appearance, nevertheless this trend has held its own for several summers now and Rihanna is not the only person to thank for that. They not only hide many sins but also resonate the undeniable glamour of the 60’s. Retro prints in body-sculpting fabrics are equally hot!

Details

… Delicate laser cut and scalloped details create interest without fuss and the result is chic coverage with top marks for understated style.

Flirty Latino

… Flimsy ruffles and off-the-shoulder tops add whimsical glamour. Throw in a wide brim hat and giant acetate earrings and one is ready to own the look and the beach.

Crochet

… Perhaps the most unlikely of trends for swimwear given that most designers work to create seamless and skimming pieces, the crochet has stepped up from cover-ups to take on the one and two piece too. This traditional technique of interlocking loops of yarn has been funked up using bold colours and unusual shapes not normally seen on a swimsuit.

COVER-UPS

This item of beachwear has decidedly moved up in the world. Where once a sarong wrapped around one’s waist or looped around the neck would have done the job, today that would be tantamount to committing social suicide! 

The Kaftan

… Extremely versatile, the kaftan flows elegantly from poolside to a leisurely lunch or party and a well-chosen one can become one’s armour as well as make us feel infinitely sexy and feminine. Available in different lengths and shapes, inspired by exotic locations, treasure maps and rich tapestries and using rich floral prints, beads, swing shapes, lace and hand crafted macrame work, the kaftan can be feminine and floaty romanticism or wild and fierce.

Other covers

… Rompers, jumpsuits, shorts and dresses cannot be ruled out when dressing for sun and sand. These items in breezy fabrics can be very versatile and with a dash of attitude will see one sail through choppy waters! In the ephemeral world of fashion the right beachwear is our vacation hero.