Past, Present & Future

With Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim starting today and the Swim Show this weekend I am currently like a kid waiting to go to the candy store. I am impatiently anticipating all the excitement that awaits me in Miami, Florida and it can't come soon enough. As I sit here wondering what I will see, the colors, styles, models, music; I can't help but think of all that has come before it.  How is what we see today  influenced by designs of the past. So in order to keep myself, or at least my mind, occupied until the start of the first show I have been taking a look back to see how swimwear has changed and evolved into what we see today. And to prepare myself to see what the future (specifically today, but it still counts) has in store!

The 1920's-1940's

This is the start of bathing suits as we would recognize them today. The first modern suits were essentially the same for men and women. The suits covered the thighs and provided maximum coverage with little shape. As time passed the suits became more figuring hugging and the shorts of the pasts morphed into skirts. Finally in the 1940's the first bikini was introduced and drastically changed the way the world looked at swimwear.

The 1950's to 1970's

The biggest changes in these decades were the evolution from the high waisted bikini to progressively skimpier designs. Another major change of this time was the invention of new materials which allowed for more stretch and more contouring along the figure.

1980's-Present

Although the 80's may seem like a distant memory to some of us it is definitely a reflection of the modern times of swimwear. Although trends have come and gone over the past 3 decades the current suit has remainded mostly unchanged. The true representation of variances between the years stems mostly from coverage, whether it's full, moderate, Brazilian or thong. Regardless of the small updates the current suit styles seem to be holding strong with no signs of going away. 

What does the future have in store? I guess we will just have to wait and see!

Shop the newest styles HERE!

Trend Alert: High-Waisted Bikini

Get yourself pin up ready with these amazing high-waisted bikinis straight from the runway. High-waisted suits are figure flattering and help to give women the hourglass figure they are striving for. By providing a little extra coverage these suits are sexy and feminine and leave a little air of mystery. Like all great trends the high-waisted bikini is not new to the fashion world. The beautiful women of the 40's will forever be immortalized in summer in the numerous photos and ads showcasing one of our all time favorite looks. Today this same style is back and better than ever. To keep the look young and modern today's designers take the classic elements and reinvision it for the modern woman. By keeping a more traditional shape to the bottom and adding in cutouts, hardware, and color blocking it all helps to bring this look into the current decade. With so many versions of this suit there is a style that works for nearly all body types. Hourglasses can wear practically all styles as the high-waist helps to accentuate your already existing curves. Apples, look for bottoms with solid colors and paneling on the bottom for a slimming effect and to hide your midsection. So take a cue from the past and look great in the future with any of these amazing high-waisted options.

Loving the look? Shop these styles and more HERE!

Straight From the Runway: Monokini Madness

Caitlin Kelly Swimwear, Aquarella Swimwear, Gottex, Aquaclara

One of our favorite runway trends at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 in Miami were monokinis. The monokini was originally designed as a topless one piece suit with a wide array of cutouts. Some styles have side or front cutouts or a combination of both. Others have sheer fabric connecting the top piece to the bottom, and some even wrap the fabric around in a unique design to create gaps and openings. Another great feature we loved seeing on the runway was all of the vivid colors, fresh prints, and amazing hardware.

There is a monokini for practically all body shapes. Most are best suited for hourglass figures as they provide additional support at the bust and show off a slim waist with cutouts along the side. Apples and fuller figured shapes may want to look for styles with more coverage around the waist and look more for plunging neckline cutouts. Pears want to look for suits with more detailing along the top half to draw the eye up and create a more proportionate appearance. Lastly, rectangles want to look for styles that create a well defined waist line. Look for suits with side cutouts or ones that have wrap around detailing around the waist. With so many options it's no surprise that the monokini has quickly become the perfect summer must have!

Shop the look and more HERE

Behind the Scenes: How to pack for Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fashion shows and market events are some of the most stressful and most exciting times for us here at All Wet Beachwear. It is where we get to see who and what is up and coming. This year has been no exception. Our very own Senior Buyer is currently preparing for her amazing trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the Brazil Association of Fashion Designers (ABEST). This year we thought it would be a great idea to give our readers a little behind the scenes action on all of the fun!

While the designers are definitely getting our full attention, a trip to Sao Paulo wouldn't be complete without a little site seeing. As bathing suit lovers and sun worshippers ourselves we will inevitably make time to stop by the beach. With so much to see and do we really need to start packing. Check out our Senior Buyer's picks for travel must haves.

Stay tuned until next week when we are able to reveal our favorite moments from the shows and share all of our must have pieces!

Shop great travel pieces HERE