2014 Swim Trends
Ready or not, swimsuit season is here.
The time has come to take the plunge,
so we asked Sara McMaster, the
swimwear buyer for Neiman Marcus,
what to look for to be in the swim
this spring.
THE ONE PIECE McMaster says the strongest trend this year is the one piece. But this season, the all-over coverage the one piece provides looks a little different from past seasons’ one piece. Look for strappy cutouts that reveal just a bit more skin.
THE RASHGUARD Another emerging trend is the rashguard. What’s that? The rashguard is the shirt you see on surfers. It’s become a big story in the swim industry in general, and is popping up in catelogs from Land’s End to JCrew to Neiman Marcus. Most have UPF protection.
“At Neiman Marcus, we’re trying to do this look in a very fashionable way,” says McMaster. Parasol makes a rashguard with a UPF of 50-plus.”
In fact, when you receive your April Neiman Marcus book, it will feature the rashguard, which the retailer refers to as "fashguard."
THE BIKINI McMaster says bikinis have also undergone an update: This year, while the bandeau top is strong, look for a corset or bustier top. The underwire is visible, giving it a distinctive look. The bustier is also popular in the one piece this season.
OTHER TRENDS TO NOTE Swimwear follows ready-to-wear trends. “If a ready-to-wear trend is strong, the swim customer is ready to embrace it in swimwear next following season. Accordingly, black and white is still consistently strong, and pink is popular. Animal prints and color blocking are also still part of the scene.
FLOURESCENT PHOBIA Seriously, women know the worst part about swimsuit shopping (outside the unforgiving three-way mirrors) is the fluorescent lighting in the dressing room. Neiman Marcus can help you eliminate the anxiety-ridden dressing room. By working with a trusted sales associate, customers can order any suit they want from the store’s virtual display and receive it in the mail next day. Uncomfortable about choosing a size? You can order two and try them on in the privacy of your own home. Shipping is overnight and returns are free.
This season's one-piece features strategic cutouts, and black and white is a strong trend.
Left, OYE Swimwear, Elsa Lace & Lattice one-piece swimsuit. Right, OYE Swimwear, Elvira Sheer wrapped one-piece swimsuit
Clover Canyon, Intersection zip-up one-piece suit and coverup
The rashguard is one of the swim season's biggest trends. Jean Paul Gaultier, Printed Halter two-piece to complete the look.
Parasol, UPF 50 Active Ombre printed long-sleeve swim shirt
Swimwear by Milly, cropped long-sleeve floral rashguard top, Blue & Biarritz string bikini top and string bikini bottom
The bikini story: Left, Parasol, UPF 50 Boho twisted bandeau bikini top and side-ruched bikini bottom.
Right, Marysia, Honolulu jagged-trim top and swim bottom
Light and airy watercolor prints seen in spring ready-to-wear. Gottex, Koh Phanhgan printed one-piece swimsuit and coverup
Color blocking is popular again this season, as is pink. Both follow ready-to-wear trends.
Left, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Mrs. Bond colorblock maillot. Right, OYE Swimwear, Stella mesh-side one-piece swimsuit in raspberry
