There is no need to jet off to catch a tan this week, and as the heatwave here hits it peak, now is as good a time as any to invest in statement swimwear for the sun soaked season.
Thankfully, Miami’s Swim Fashion Week started with a splash on 14 July and ended yesterday, giving us poolside inspo a’plenty.
From new cuts and constructions to the unrivalled colour of the season, these are the best takeaways from the swimwear capital – plus the ones you can buy now.
Corset crazy
We’ve seen corset dresses explode in popularity in recent years. Vivienne Westwood’s archive corset tops also swept through the It-girl crowd, led by the likes of Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa. And now, you can add a little 18th Century shaping to your swimwear. Poster Girl, the London based brand who showed their Cruise 2023 collection in Miami on Saturday, sent out a turquoise and purple front laced corset swimming top with matching bikinis. Dilara FındıkoÄlu, the Turkish designer working from London, makes also them super sleek and Elizabethan style in baby pink, lilac and red.
Dilara FındıkoÄlu, £429, dilarafindikoglu.com
Long sleeve dream
While super skimpy remained the go-to during the swimwear shows this year, some outfits leant into the more conservative as well. The highlight was at Matte Collection’s catwalk, when a model appeared in a long sleeve, lime green pleated bikini top with matching bottoms. The less than subtle look was accessorised up with metallic stilettos, stacks of gold jewellery and chunky hoop earrings – not so comfortable for sandy settings. Kim Kardashian has given them a seal of approval, wearing a silver wetsuit style, sleeved swimming costume in her Sports Illustrated cover story in May this year. Shop the surfer style at Matches, where this Jade Swim top is currently reduced from £110 to £33.
Jade Swim, £33, matchesfashion.com
Sarong step up
Sure, you’ve got your classic sarong. But summer 2022 is about going the extra mile, and that means sourcing yourself one with a fresh edge. In Miami, a crochet knit style was the answer. JMP The Label, a body positive brand founded last year by MTV’s Juliette Porter, made them natural beige shade, while at the Cupshe x Jojo Fletcher Collection, they came white with tassels. Free People do a similar version with a high slit, well suited for sandals and shell necklaces.
Free People, £58, freepeople.com
I’m a Barbie Girl
Talk of Barbiecore has swept through the fashion industry, led by images of Margot Robbie in hot pink fits going viral as she films Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie film on Venice Beach. If top to toe pink looks, as seen on Dua Lipa and Anne Hathaway recently, are a slightly daunting, the swimwear collections offered a more entry level option for getting involved in the trend. At Australian label Abyss by Abby, asymmetric bikinis came in vivacious, satin pinks, and at Sinesia Karol they came strapless in the shade, with silver diamanté embellishments. You can find similar versions at Motel Rocks and Revolve.
Motel Rocks, top £18, motelrocks.com
It’s a trend for Ken’s out there too. At the Swim Upcycle Challenge x Istituto Marangoni catwalk, male models wore fuchsia budgie smugglers. Gents - head to Wolf and Badger.
SHOKAN 28, £139, wolfandbadger.com
Star power straps
A little statement can go a long way when it comes to swimsuit straps. It was the case on the Praia catwalk, where one inky blue and white swimsuit was finished with ochre orange, knitted straps and dangling tassels. Zimmermann do a similar crochet fringing on theirs, or choose to ham up the drama with Zara’s one shoulder, maxi ruffle style. And for those wanting go all out, Poster Girl made ones with hefty belt buckle straps. We’ll add one wide brim hat and a frozen margarita to that, please.
Zimmermann, £240, matchesfashion.com
