Swimwear 2013

While it is still snowing in so many parts of the globe, for those of us in the tropics, swimwear is an all-year round fashion necessity. We hit the beach when it gets even hotter, like now when summer is officially here in the Southeast Asian region of the world. And there is no better time to talk about swimwear than now when summer is already upon us. The rest of the world will just have to wait for their time to come.

Unlike fashion trends, swimwear trends move relatively slower for the simple reason that it is not that easy to reinvent the bikini or the one piece swimsuit. There is a very delicate balance between sex appeal and functionality and there are limits to what designers can do. But they are still influenced by certain fashion trends. So what swimsuits should we choose to wear to the beach this summer? Take a look at what swimwear trends are coming up in the fashion world these days.

Fringes, Flounces, Ruffles and Other Additions

Judging from what we see in the runways, a trend for swimwear this 2013 seems to be details such as ruffles, fringes and flounces. Criss-cross designs and ties are also in, judging from the swimwear collection shown by Victoria’s Secret, Herve Leger and so many more. Ruffled swimwear has been popular with celebrities for some time now and the trend seems to be continuing on to 2013. Metallic finishes and other tasteful hardware details also seem to be in fashion these days as is shown by collections from Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu and Cote d’Or. Crystal embellishments are also evident from the runway collections we have seen so far. Take a look at the breathtaking samples we have here. 

Ruffled detailing on a hot pink bikini set from CIA Maritima, a one piece swimsuit from Victoria’s Secret 2013 collection, and an off-white tankini with ruffles from Michael Kors

A two-piece number with a fringed bandeau from L Space, a fringed monokini from L Space as well, and a bikini with a fringe top and fringed ties from Seafolly

Beach Bunny presents a purple two piece with rhinestone and metal hardware, and a black number with metal-finished hardware. A third example is a bandeau with a detachable stone necklace for embellishment

Prints, Prints and More Prints

Animal prints, floral prints, stripes, polka dots and tropical prints in bold, colorful hues are the in thing this season for swimwear. Two-tone combos and mix-matching printed tops or bottoms with solid colored tops or bottoms are also in style. The variety is limitless, bold and colorful. The statement is clear; summer is all about color and fun. The spirit of adventure pervades the atmosphere of beachwear and it is all about having a good time.

Victoria’s Secret presents all types of prints for swimwear 2013 from animal prints, geometrics, dots and stripes

Retro-Inspired Swimwear

The bombshell is back in swimwear fashion for 2013 with the fabulous lineup of 1950s inspired swimsuits in the tradition of Marilyn Monroe to Jayne Mansfield. Playful with emphasis on the women’s curves, they ooze with unabashed sex appeal. Bustiers, low necklines, high-waisted bikini bottoms, bandeaus and hipster style bottoms are on the fashion runways of Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood to DSquared2. 

Retro bikinis with preppy allure in stripes, dots and colorful prints with boylegs, high waists or skirted bottoms