If you're among the masses who have left fashion behind for work-from-home comfort during a year of quarantine, you may be more than ready to shed those dowdy sweats and walk in the sun. New swimwear might be the inspiration you need for a day (or two or three) at the beach. When summer hits, you also want to be fashionable to properly enjoy the pool or beach and that means you need some great swimwear.
Designers have some fresh ideas so you can weigh the practical with the purely beautiful, and put your best flip-flop clad foot forward into the sand. Just make sure to choose something that you like and that is solidly functional. Following those two simple ideas, you’ll never go wrong when it comes to swimwear.
Is there a perfect length for men's swimsuits? Men's Health magazine says the best fit for most every height and body shape is around 2 inches above the knee. So think trunks, and leave those skimpy Speedos for the pool, unless you've managed a perfect body and a perfect tan that you can’t help but show off.
Patterns might be stripes, camo, graphic prints or even (not a stretch here) beach themed. Daily Paper even has a series based on Van Gogh artwork. Also tricky is a board short by Vilebrequin that's a solid color, but turns into a print when wet. Other considerations should include eco fabrics, quick-dry and made for efficient packing.
Meanwhile, Esquire suggests some staples: tried-and-true Patagonia baggies, retro patterns and a pair that doubles as training shorts in case you're thinking triathlon. GQ magazine breaks from the inches-above-the-knee baggies with a trend back to '70s-style running shorts, if you should be so bold. Solid colors, including fluorescents like lemon or fuschia, and statement making prints also are trend worthy. Branding is another way to go, but if that's not your style, consider trunks patterned with bright colored photographic prints. Any will make it easier for your beach companions to find you should you wander off for a stroll or a cold beverage. For the eco minded, return to the ocean with solid-color shorts by Bluebuck, made from up-cycled marine waste.
First off, know that you won't have to abandon your security-blanket comfort clothes immediately, even at the beach. Designers are ready to help you make the transition with soft pastels and luxe, gentle fabrics this year.
For example, check out the stretchy, ribbed knit one-piece or two-piece cited by Harper's Bazaar. Just what you might love, if you're fighting a few extra pandemic pounds. Another two-piece actually has a cowl-neck top. We're talking cozy here.
InStyle magazine also is showing off one-piece, slimming options. Many are classics, but color blocking, cutouts, ruffles and off-shoulder looks increase the trend factor. Here's an idea: A couple of swimsuits--one a casual stripe, the other a dressy mesh--can double as work-from-home office tops with the right blazer and pants. The better to quick-switch from workday to Friday afternoon beeline to the beach.
If you're ready to break from the comfort clothing and go full-on glam, Marie Claire magazine has just the thing: the little black swimsuit. Whether bikini or one-piece, classic or sparkly, high-waisted, bustier or yes, even stretchy and cozy, you can't go wrong with basic black. Plus, you'll stand out in a sea of pastels and tropical brights.
Ruffles, frills and even the teeny-weenie polka dot bikini are other choices. Whatever your style and shape, you'll be sure to find something that will get you off of the couch, out of the house and on to the beach.
