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

The Many Bikinis of Rihanna

Rihanna was born and raised in Barbados, but has been entertaining the world with her chart topping music for years.  She is known almost as much for her songs as she is for constantly reinventing herself and her style. Traveling the world has never stopped Rihanna from enjoying her time in the sun. Whether she is in Hawaii, France, Mexico or even her home country of Barbados, RiRi is a sun worshiping goddess who has no shortage of awe inspiring suits in her closet. One of my favorite looks that she dons is the one piece monokini! She is one of those rare people who could wear a potato sack and still look gorgeous. So imagine the damage she can do in one of these to die for one piece suits.

The common misconception is that if someone is wearing a one piece that they are probably trying to hide some of their imperfections. As the world can attest, this couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to Rihanna. While the one piece can lend itself to a more modest style, with today's wide variety of styles there is a one piece monokini for all personalities. In every magazine on the shelf the pages are littered with celebrities and their amazing bikinis. Leave it to Rihanna to go against the grain and remind the world that being your own person and trying something different truly helps one "shine bright like a diamond".

 

 

To get Rihanna's look check out these styles and more HERE!

ALL TIED UP

Move over florals, make way bright colors, and get ready for something a bit more exciting.
Cut outs and bandage suits are a fun and sexy way to enjoy your time in the sun. Looking to
add a little edge to your style? This is a great way to mix your feminine side with your wild side. There’s a suit for all adventure levels and whether it’s just a little something extra or a full, tie me up look, there is something for everyone.

Find your style, shop the look:

Cia Maritima 2013: Aloha Hawaii

Cia Maritima's is Brazil's most sought after swimwear brand but this season Cia Maritima designer Benny Rosset turned to the USA's tropical outpost, Hawaii, for inspiration for his Summer 2013 collection. Cia Maritima's new collection of beautifully constructed swimwear incorporates prints with iconic Hawaiian imagery such as pineapples, palm trees, tropical ferns and hibiscus flowers.

Strappy accents and creative cut-outs add interest to one pieces and monokinis.

Cia Maritima 2013 is sexy, sophisticated and terrifically tropical. We will carry select pieces on www.allwetbeachwear.com very soon... stay tuned!

Common Swimwear Misconceptions and Myths Exposed

Buying a swimsuit can be a daunting process but it doesn't have to be. We hear a number of myths and misconceptions come up in the dressing room. We decided to expose a few of the biggest illusions and set the record straight.

Myth: "With a bra size D, I can never find a fashionable swimsuit that has the support I need."

There are beautiful swimsuits with proper coverage for all sizes. There are several companies that even make a triangle top that adjusts to fit up to a D cup, the Hermanny Satina Minkonos One Piece for example.

Myth: "I am in great shape but I need a full coverage bikini bottom to cover my derriere."

Covering your backside in fabric is only going to make it look bigger! If you have a well-toned bum opt for a moderate to skimpy coverage bikini. It may feel a little mischievous at first but you will soon get used to it. If you have nice shape a minimal coverage bikini bottom will look more fashionable and more appealing.

Luli Fama Sabrosura Berry Darling

Myth: "I love white bikinis but I am afraid it will turn sheer when wet."

Designer bikinis are made with the highest quality fabrics and are fully lined. So not to worry, they will not become transparent when wet.  White swimsuits come in a variety of styles from simple classic white swimsuits like the Vix Solid White Twisted Bandeau and Monaco Bottom to the very glam Beach Bunny Kourtney SS Calypso White Bikini. Everyone should have atleast 1 white swimsuit in thier swimwear wardrobe.

Myth: "Bandeau bikinis will flatten my small bust."

A well chosen bandeau can accentuate a small bust. Look for bandeau's with soft foam cups and with design details like texture, fringe and ruffles that add dimension and create the illusion of fullness.

Despi Marilyn Mare Bandeau Bikini

Myth: "Elaborate hardware will tarnish in the water."

Designers like Vix, Despi, Poko Pano and L*Space have been in business for years and even decades. They have build a faithful following by providing a level of high quality and craftsmanship. Their quality control practices ensure that the products that come to market are made to love and last.

Myth: "Now that I am older, I can't wear sexy swimwear like I used to."

There are sexy swimsuits for every age. A cut-out monokini in a chic solid color or a bikini with luxurious gold or silver detail will look fabulous and appropriate on women of all ages. 

L*Space Stardust Fringe One Piece Nude

Myth: "I've seen it all."

Designers are pushing the limits of swimwear design with strategic cut outs, hand-beading and embroidery, and sophisticated prints. All Wet Beachwear is constantly updating our stock of swimwear. Check our new arrivals page year-round for the latest designs.

Swimsuit Fashion Throughout History:

As you may have guessed, All Wet Beachwear loves everything about swimwear fashion.  Whether bikinis, one pieces or cover ups we love it all! Therefore, we decided to dedicate this blog post to the history of swimsuit fashion. From the days when swimwear fashion consisted of your birthday suit to present day celebrity lines this post exposes it all.

Back in classical antiquity there was no such thing as swimwear fashion. Men and women bathed in the nude.  It was only in the 18th century when people started covering their bodies when swimming.  In fact, the swimsuit was created for the purpose of hiding the human body.  It was thought to be immoral to show ones body and thus the swimsuit was born.

In the 19th century public bathing started to become more popular. The 19th century swimwear fashion was nothing like today's.  Women wearing 19th century swimsuits were covered, almost entirely. These swimsuits were usually made of wool and resembled a gown covering the body from a woman’s shoulders down to her knees. In addition, they included a set of trousers with leggings.

Bikini’s began to be introduced just after World War II.  Interestingly enough, bikinis were named after the site of nuclear weapons testing, Bikini Atoll, because they had an “explosive effect”. The early two piece suits were not the sexy ones we know today, instead they covered much more of the body.  It wasn’t until the “60’s that bikini’s began to become known as sexy, revealing swimwear.

In 2010 swimwear is oh so popular. Celebrities to the ever day average girls spend hours picking out just the right suit.  There are countless designers and styles to pick from and covering up the body generally isn’t the goal. And, the very sexy Monokini has found its way into the closets of some of the most stylish women.

What will the next biggest swimwear fashion be?