How to Choose the Correct Swimwsuit for you

How to choose the correct swimwsuit for you

August 2022

Summer is on its way! As we look towards the sunny evenings and future holidays, after two years of restrictions, we can finally feel excited about going to the beach and chilling at the pool. Chances are that at the top of your ‘remember this’ checklist (maybe even before your passport) is swimwear. It is essential to have the correct swimwear as this will have you looking and feeling good, not to mention all the nice comments you’ll receive about them on your Instagram posts. With every year we see different trends and styles and if that's the kind of thing you’re interested in incorporating into your look, then you will want to know which styles to pick from. Of course swimwear is not only there to be a fashion accessory, lots of people are interested in swimming as part of keeping fit and healthy or competing in events such as races or triathlons, and therefore it’s important to know which swimwear styles will have you the most streamlined for when you’re smashing out lengths in the pool. As we’re sure you’re aware, the benefits of swimming and holidays are endless and that’s why we're here to help you pick the perfect outfit, for whichever occasion suits you.

Types of Swimwear

There are many different types and styles of swimwear to choose from, depending on your body type and what you will be using it for. This can make shopping for it quite daunting when looking online as the sheer amount of models, makes and brands can make things seem a bit overwhelming. Not to worry - we've put together a few of the main types of swimwear which you should have on your radar this summer.

Womens

Womens U- Back - This is a very popular swimming costume for women and is typically used for competitive and casual swimming. This swimsuit has been commended for its versatility - making it the ideal choice for your next holiday.

Bikinis - An absolute staple of your summer wardrobe, although they are not the best choice for swimming competitively, bikinis are a 'must have' when aiming for that perfect summer tan. Bikinis come in all different shapes and styles, but the main ones to look out for are high waisted bikinis, low wasted, cut out or strapless ones.Be sure to try out each of these styles to find which is the right pick for you.

Tankinis - Tankinis get their name from the combination of a tank top and bikini bottom and were first introduced in the late 1990s. The tankini was designed as a way to provide the modesty of a one piece suit with the convenience of a two piece suit. They’re a great choice if you enjoy being active on holiday. Hailed as the first major innovation in women's swimsuit design in several decades, it has since dominated almost a third of the swimwear market. These innovative bathing suits have definitely become staples in most women's wardrobes where you can get the best of both worlds..

Wetsuit - Wetsuits are the perfect unisex style and will allow for activities in colder waters such as paddleboarding, surfing bodyboarding, and more. Consisting of multiple layers, wetsuits are the perfect choice for splashing around in colder waters. The many layers are able to trap air within them, and therefore keep you nice and warm. They also include a thick, rubbery layer of a material that is called neoprene. Neoprene is usually used in wetsuits because it has gas bubbles of nitrogen trapped inside it, making it a good heat insulator. One of the most important aspects to look out for when considering wetsuit warmth is the thickness of the neoprene. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimetres, represented with two or three numbers separated by a slash. The first number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area, the second number represents the thickness in the legs. The thicker neoprene (the first number) is used for your torso in order to maintain your core body heat - which is extremely important to maintain in order to prevent hypothermia. The thinner neoprene (the second number) is used for your extremities. The thicker the neoprene, the more warmth but less flexibility; thus the thicker neoprene is placed where you need less flexibility (your core) and the thinner neoprene is used where your body is constantly in motion (arms and legs). You may also have seen shorties around on trips to the beach or on holiday. Shorties do exactly what they say on the tin - they are a short-sleeved version of wetsuits.They tend to be used for doing your favourite activities in slightly warmer water (due to their thinner neoprene) and are therefore perfect for taking on holiday.

Mens

Briefs - These are more of an ‘traditional’ look for swimwear, although they are still a very popular choice. If you’re heading on holiday to France you will definitely want to pack a pair of briefs. This is because in France you need to wear these by law in public swimming pools. This law was passed in 1903 and is the rules based on the thinking that it makes the pools more hygienic as briefs are a type of swimwear that are not usually worn out and about..

Shorts - Perhaps the most common kind of swimwear among males (and also sometimes females) are swimming shorts. Most big brands now have shorts you can wear, and it’s becoming a fashion trend to be wearing the biggest brands with cool colours on the beach. This type of swimwear is not good for competitive swimming as they’re not streamlined meaning you’d be held back whilst racing and probably miss out on those podium places. However, swimshorts are ideal for any getaway - whether it's abroad or a sunny day in the UK.

Trends

Just like all things fashion, swimwear has its trends that come and go, but don't worry, we've compiled a list of the hottest new trends for this summer and beyond.

First of all to note, is that brown is back! That’s right, according to the fashion industry brown trunks and swimming costumes are the colour to wear this year.

Another trend which you’re more than likely to see this summer is the fabric look.

You may have noticed increasingly more bikinis look like they’re made out of fabric rather than the traditional thin neoprene material, and that’s simply because this is what is being produced at the moment based on the fashion industry.

Sticking with trends that are standing out this year for women, we have micro straps. These super thin straps make life easier when trying to achieve the bronzed goddess look that we all love and want.

Although swimwear options are less varied for men than they are for women, there are still some great upcoming trends that you'll want to be aware of.

One trend which is starting to show, is the move away from traditional block colours and towards bright patterned trunks. According to the fashion industry, the brighter the colours the better.

Another thing males can look out for is those big designer brands. Of course, your trucks will always look better with a designer logo on the side.

Finally, one of the biggest trends which has grown a lot in previous years and applies to males and females is interesting patterns. The more stripes, stars or shapes your swimwear contains - the better.