Hottest trends in swimwear and what you should get, according to body type

Hit the pool. Do it in style. Summer’s got its advantages

Hit the pool. Do it in style. Summer’s got its advantages

Malaika Arora Khan is known for her style quotient(Photo courtesy: Instagram.com/malaikaarorakhanofficial)

Summer is officially here. And it threatens to be a really hot one. What better way to cool off over the weekend than by hitting the pool, be it at an Alibaug rental or a resort in Goa? And that makes the right swimwear more important than ever. We’ve rounded up the trends, cuts, and colours that will help you sail through summer like a pro.

Retro is in Who better to turn to for style advice than Malaika Arora Khan? The style editor of clothing at TheLabelLife.com gives her vote to the classic one-piece swimsuit. “Tweak it by adding mesh detailing, a one-shoulder silhouette, ruffles, plunging necklines or torso cut-outs. Seventies style silhouettes are back and you can give the decade a nod with retro-inspired high waist two-piece swimsuits,” Khan says.

A look from The Label Life’s swimwear collection (Photo courtesy: The Label Life )

And if recent runway shows are anything to go by, lace-up swimsuits are a go-to this year, as are strapless bandeau tops worn over bikini bottoms. Athleisure is still a reigning trend making sports luxe swimwear a no-brainer. Scuba swimsuits, full-sleeved versions and high-neck crop tops worn with bikini bottoms are some ways to sport this trend. Crochet swimwear is being highly favoured by those who love the bohemian look, whereas leather is a favourite for a more sophisticated and slick vibe.

Make a statement

According to Aakriti Grover, founder of swimwear label Flirtatious, this season also belongs to sophisticated cuts, low necklines and bare backs. “Use tribal prints, and an abundance of tassels and fringes to make a stylish statement,” she adds. Nidhi Munim, founder of her eponymous swimwear label, favours retro-inspired swimwear with high leg cut-outs in optical prints and ’80s style typography for women.

Monochrome swimwear continues to reign supreme as they allow one to go all-out with accessories. Khan feels there is no going wrong with ombre, shades of grey and marsala this season, whereas Munim is all for high-octane pinks and colour blocking.

Pour homme

“Men should opt for swimming trunks in punk-inspired and graffiti prints influenced by the hip hop culture,” Munim says. Quirky patterns and nautical stripes are evergreen classics for men. Jammers, which look like lycra cycling shorts, work for toned bodies.

Common mistakes

Ignoring your body type is the biggest mistake both men and women make when buying swimwear. It is important to understand what will complement your shape instead of following trends blindly. “For instance, a ruched torso lends comfort while layered ruffles create the illusion of a fuller bust. Read the sizing chart and the product description carefully while buying your swimwear online,” Khan elaborates.

(Illustration: Ravi Jadhav)

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Jabong: A host of options catering to every budget.

Prices starting from Rs. 420

Koovs: Trendy swimwear for men and women by their in-house label as well as Indian and international brands.

Prices starting from Rs. 599

The Beach Company: An exciting range of swimwear and accessories for men, women and children.

Prices starting from Rs. 1,290

The Label Life: Stylish swimwear especially designed for the Indian women’s frame.

Prices starting from Rs. 1,740

Shivan & Narresh: : A one-stop for women looking for a designer fix. .

Prices starting from Rs. 13,500