SWIMWEAR Rich colors, bold patterns, accessories make a splash on the fashion scene

Shoppers will find an amazing array of new styles to fit any shape.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Swimwear shoppers could get deluged by the tidal wave of sexy new styles this season.
An ever-expanding range of silhouettes makes this season even more interesting than 2002, and styles are awash in rich colors and bold patterns. Bikinis, tankinis, halters and maillots are back, along with creative new options.
The must-have 'ini'
For example, Liz Claiborne Swimwear launches the "skirtini," a two-piece swimsuit with a sarong-style short skirt that doubles as a swimsuit and a cover-up in sizes 8-16.
"Matching sarongs and cover-ups have always been a fashion staple in swimwear," says Lisa Pikul, a designer for the brand. "With this swimsuit, we made it more convenient for our customers without taking away style. The skirt, which is attached to the swimsuit bottoms, is made of the same lightweight fabric as the swimsuit, making it perfect for activities both in and out of water."
In another version, Fashion Bug introduces the "hankini," a tank top with an uneven handkerchief hem worn with a denim-like hot-pant bottom.
There's also the low-slung belted bikini -- picture Halle Berry emerging from the surf in "Die Another Day" -- a hot retro look. Marshalls is carrying the style in bright colors and neutrals, as well as tropical-print swimwear with sheer pants as popular apres-swim accessories.
"Hawaii's Big Island style is in full swing this season," says Marshalls "shopping expert" Colleen Healy. "Bandeau bikinis in bold prints with matching sheer pants are cool on a hot day. Itsy-bitsy triangle string bikinis are paired with matching sarongs and neutral slides for a seaside lunch or festive outdoor party."
Fitting customers' needs
Rose Marie Reid, the first women's swimwear designer to incorporate inside brassieres and tummy-control panels and whose bathing suits were worn by the likes of Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, has created maillots in bright tie-dye-inspired floral prints of red, orange and gold. The nylon-spandex suits have extra stomach control and soft bra cups to enhance the wearer's figure.
"Given the current economy, shoppers are being very specific about what they want and need this season," says Vincent Rojas, chairman and CEO of Maxine Swim Group, the brand's parent company. "Women today know that they want fit features and control fabrics, but it has to be fashionable and affordable, too."
Florals abound
Jantzen, an industry leader, combines retro, sporty and feminine in more than 100 new designs characterized by strong florals, tie-dyes and exploded floral patterns on white backgrounds. There are four lines: soft watercolor florals on sexy halter-strap plunging-neckline tanks in "Cha Cha"; Hawaiian florals and turquoise and pink one-piece suits, halter bikinis and matching mini skirts in "On the Lanai"; solid tanks and nautical stripes with contrasting striped belts in "Cruz Line"; and bandau, tank and triangle ribbed tops with mix-and-match bottom separates in "Longitude."
Fading colors and other wear and tear problems because of chlorine, salt water and sun exposure are always a concern. RadiciSpandex S-17B is a new fabric used in Christina and Bebe swimwear to give pieces resilience.
Stripe and floral motifs are combined in one-piece Christina suits with matching wraps, while a bubble gum-pink, rhinestone-accented bottom with a matching polka-dot bikini top is a key look in the Bebe line. Body ID and Caribbean Joe lines at Kaufmann's show numerous trends, ranging from explosive florals and bright colors to stylish cover-ups and coordinating tops and bottoms.
Don't forget swimwear accessories: sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, sunblock with at least SPF 15, a wide-brimmed hat, a beach towel and a large tote in which to carry it all.
"The oversized conversational tote with a whimsical scene or embroidery is big," said Robert Rutkauskas, vice president and fashion director for Kaufmann's. "The summer slide or thong in bright colors with jewels, also, and the espadrille is back as a poolside companion to the bathing suit."