This year’s beachwear draws creativity from a myriad of legendary and contemporary frills. Plus-size women are shopping for statement styles that they’re eager to buy and wear. Designers are crossing day and evening lifestyle attire over into fashionable swimwear. That’s injecting exquisite new materials, colors, patterns, construction techniques, shapes, and trimmings into this growing leisure market. Check out the latest runway, beach, and pool favorites for this upcoming summer.
Patchwork dresses. Peasant tops. Fringe detailing. Today’s designers are merging those retro bohemian looks into modern beachwear. You’ll find mixed prints and fabrics, lavish paisleys, crisscross lace-up tops, and nonchalant off-the-shoulder allure. Boho-infused swimwear’s flowy, ethnic, and vintage elements encourage timeless self-expression. Embrace that free-spirited gypsy attitude with confidence as a nude-colored lining peeks through this black lacy one-piece Becca ETC swimsuit. Its ruffled skirt reinforces the classic peasant vibe.
Strappy Restraints
An exciting array of strappy styles representing the adventurous bondage fixation are trending for 2016. You’ll notice skin-baring strips in crisscross patterns and straight lines over chest, midriff, or back areas. Maybe you’d feel sexier in evenly structured rows of sleek side bindings connecting separate one- or two-piece sections. This Becca ETC neon fuchsia tankini with artistic strapwork is a decidedly bold way to proclaim your empowering fashion dominance. The wild color and edgy bands may help you embrace this brazen craze even beyond the beach.
Boudoir Beauty
Rich in lace, romantic floral prints, embroidered and cutout filigrees, and soft ruffles, this year’s boudoir looks in pretty pastels will exude femininity. Double-duty apparel that works equally well in private and public also is practical when packing for vacations. Featuring a flouncy halter with ornamental cutouts, this irresistible InMocean two-piece swimsuit is flirty enough for intimate nocturnal encounters indoors yet appropriate for group daytime activities outside. The coral hipster bottom’s ruching is a flattering touch.
High-Neck Swimsuits
Maillot and crop-top two-piece swimsuits with high necklines are popular looks this season. Embellishments from braiding to crochet to extravagant patterns make high necks cool ways to celebrate warm, welcoming weather. Flaunting an elaborately interwoven kaleidoscope of colors, this tribal-inspired Kenneth Cole Reaction hankini swimsuit can take you from outdoors to inside. Fuller coverage allows you to slip into shorts with the halter top to make a presentable appearance off the water.
Print High-Waist Bikini Bottoms
A wide-ranging fad since 2015, high waists are injecting that sought-after vintage quality into contemporary swimwear this year. These reinvented two-piece suits let you reveal some, but not too much, skin in subtle ways. Floral, geometric, digital, ethnic, and animal prints are big favorites for the upcoming summer season. Combining those trends in a delightful color wheel of vivid and pastel shades from turquoise to orange, this multihued garden mosaic La Blanca two-piece suit will be a hit any pool party.
Handcrafted Trimmings
In a complimentary nod to fine handcrafters everywhere, decorative details will boast crochet, embroidery, and tassels. Fancy yet unpretentious adornments give each piece a captivating and unique multi-functional feel, so you can sneak swimwear into your everyday wardrobe. Be a standout in this fresh, white crochet-edged La Blanca cover up that displays the intricate throwback charm of grandma’s dainty needlework. Wrap it around any solid-color sheath dress to add a little flair to after-hours socializing.
Other Trendy Styles
Mesh inserts: Unexpected designs always gain notice. For intriguing appeal, cleverly placed mesh inserts can brandish just the right amounts of skin while concealing the rest. This style is similar to the cutout, but sheer diaphanous mesh fills in those bare spaces for visual interest with fabric support. Similar versions feature crochet inserts for enticing peek-a-boo drama. Select swimsuits that show off as much as you dare.
Ruffles: Transferring ruffles from dresses and blouses to beachwear creates adorable looks. Tankinis, swimskirts, and bottoms highlight flouncy frills that make these figure-flattering suits stand out in crowds. You’ll see multi-layered and edge-trimming ruffles that sway gracefully when you walk, run, and dance.
Bandeaus: Traditional bandeaus are bikini tops without any support from straps, cups, twisted fronts, or shirred material. But modern one- and two-piece versions add those extra touches to keep your top in place. Choose bright colors or bold patterns to make fun, flirty, vibrant impressions.
To find these and many other popular styles, browse Swimsuits Direct’s plus-size swimwear. You’ll appreciate our diverse designer selection, fast shipping, and lenient 30-day no-hassle return policy.