With summer well and truly here, sales of swim shorts and swimming costumes are at their height. Retailers, across the world, are busy helping people to look their best for their holidays. When it comes to beachwear, every year, brings something new and exciting. For 2017, it is retro swimwear that is on trend.
To be specific 80s style swimming costumes, bikinis, trunks and swim shorts. It seems that everyone has stepped back in time and is wearing the styles that were so popular during what was, for fashion, an interesting era.
Short shorts for men
For most men that means wearing swim shorts rather than trunks. This year, shorter cuts are the most widely available. The majority of men´s swimwear designers have gone down the capsule or cargo style route. Virtually all of the swim shorts we have seen in the shops finish mid thigh, and almost all of them feature a simple drawstring waist. This year, the majority of men´s swim shorts have some sort of pocket on the leg, which means they are more practical than last year´s styles, which tended to only have a small coin pocket.
Brighter designs on the way
The colour palette is brighter, but plain shorts still dominate. However, there are signs that this will change later in the season. There are already quite a few spotty, stripy and camouflage style swim shorts appearing in the shops. Nautical stripes look to be particularly popular. They look particularly good when worn off the beach with a short sleeved navy shirt, a pair of boat shoes and aviator sunglasses. A very 80s look.
Skimpier costumes for the ladies
For the women the look is even skimpier than it was last year. Most swimwear designers are encouraging us to show more flesh, but many have taken a clever approach and been careful to offer a range of cuts.
String bikinis
Just like last year, the string bikini still dominates. For those who have the confidence, and right body shape, it is a fantastic look. They are especially good for small breasted women with narrow hips, but do not really work for curvier women.
High waisted bikinis
For women with larger busts, a bandeau or balconette-style top is a much better option. Fortunately, these cuts were popular in the mid 80s, so they fit in perfectly with this year´s retro trend. This style of top looks particularly good with high-waisted bikini bottoms, which is one reason so many retailers have included this cut in their ranges.
High leg and cut out one-pieces
The high leg cut is well and truly back, which is great for those who are lucky enough to have long legs. It is a slimming style, which looks especially good on women who hit the gym regularly.
Right now, there are also some great cut-out one piece swimming costumes in the shops. Most designers have cut away part of the side of the costume. Others have taken the approach of creating interest by holding the front and back together using large metal hoops, which creates an unusual and interesting look.
Buying the right type for your body type
Before you go shopping for a new swimming costume, it is worth taking the time to read this article. In it you will learn how to narrow down your options and buy the best style for your body type.
All images starring supermodel Marloes Horst In FOR LOVE & LEMONS summer swimwear collection.
