In Focus Trends
Deborah Jamieson, Australian and New Zealand agent for Promostyl
WOMEN
STYLES
Bathing suits with bra cups are the market superstars. Made more sophisticated using soft geometrics and graphic cut-outs, they renew the proposition of bandeau tops and triangles that have cut-outs yet offer support.
FABRICS
New swimsuits are chic and graphic with high-performance fabrications and contrasting trims that accentuate the effect of anatomical cut-outs.
High tech yet sensual body-hugging knits are favoured - some with micro reliefs. Others are completely smooth and glazed for perfect aerodynamic sex appeal.
COLOURS
A range of saturated aquatic colours are popular. As is a cosmetics colour wheel mixed in a more jarring way, with a trio of candy pastels in blue/green/lilac. For a more sophisticated approach associated with white, earthy tones perked up with lively accents such as blue or red are made more grown-up with touches of gold.
MEN:
STYLES
There's a trend towards uplifting bandeau style swim trunks. Long Bermudas or low waisted shorts with a wider cut at the hips are still present for the coming season, but at the high-end of the market swimwear is becoming tighter, skimpier and smaller.
FABRICS
High-performance fabrications with contrasting trims, this season the retro trend takes a back seat. It's time to look to the future.
COLOURS
Simple/sharp brights with sophisticated mineral naturals are juxtaposed with warm and cool colours.
Tony Bannister, Director of Scout
WOMEN:
STYLES
Split into two looks, a blend of 1960's graphic shapes, cut-outs, skimpy bikinis and sporty racer styles with banding are juxtaposed with softer more feminine lingerie inspired designs.
FABRICS
High shine contrasts with soft prints and trims. Fabrics are more neutral based, blended with synthetics and stretch for comfort and performance
COLOURS
Bright, bold and colourful, 1980's colour blocking is in yellow, green and orange. Pastels are combined with yellows, greens, pinks and lots of white.
MEN:
STYLES
Sporty styles of board shorts and shorter length swimmers have lots of banding. Touches of 1970's athletic influences - think iconic brands from that era - sit alongside a more retro route with 1950's short swimmers and board shorts with an Americana West Coast surf feel from the archives.
FABRICS
Graphic logo's and motif treatments are printed on lots of paper touch cottons and synthetic. Tro
COLOURS
A classic sporty palette has a base of white, navy, marl grey and cherry red. Rich saturated brights with sun bleached pastels and neutrals mix with jade and cranberry.