By Margaux Levy,
Whether you're talking designs that are technically made for taking a plunge in the water or bodysuits that are inspired by maillots, there is no denying how the lines between swimwear and ready-to-wear have been blurred especially since the pandemic hit and practical fuss-free dressing reigns.
This month, American designer LaQuan Smith who is known for his sensual cuts, corsets and embrace of body positivity, is launching a debut 11-piece swimwear line with online retailer Forward. The designs? Not unlike Smith's own hard-edged runway designs.
Looking ahead, brands are also dipping into swimwear-as-loungewear territory. Rosetta Getty reportedly designed a long-sleeved crop top for Resort 2022 based on the style of a best-selling maillot with twisted detail.
With the gradual reopening and slow anticipation to venture outdoors, we say it's perhaps high time, a piece of swimwear makes its way into your wardrobe. Ahead, our top 10 picks for your consideration.
You've might have spotted this on the runway during the Louis Vuitton's Singapore Spinoff Show in Singapore not too long ago. Covered in the capsule’s summery blue lagoon Monogram gradient print, the piece comes with drawstrings at the bottom if you feel like creating a ruched look.
For a trippy psychedelic look at the beach, throw on this Fendi swimsuit that features a '70s-inspired monogram pattern designed by New York-based visual artist Sarah Coleman.
Strike a bold look in this Burberry swimsuit that features edges bearing the English brand's trademark plaid stripes. Hot tip: Dress this out of the pool/water with pair of cargos for a hip Y2K look.
Escape to a fairy tale fantasy in this Versace swimsuit that's covered in the Trésor de la Mer print which takes its inspiration from the mysticism of Atlantis and imagined Rebirth of Venus.
Slip into this elegant azure blue one-piece to catch waves or a dip in the pool.
New to Net-a-Porter is Californian sustainable swimwear label Abysses which holds firm to the belief that a swimsuit should fit like a second skin. Its signature Lotte swimsuits are designed using a smooth, limestone-based neoprene and feature ergonomic bonded seams that'll flatter any figure.
Turn heads with this glam one-piece from the homegrown label which features embroidered sequin skulls and roses.
Looking for something with a vintage charm? This swimsuit with Dior's Toile de Jouy Reverse motif pattern has that '50s influence going on.
This '90s-inflected design is from Italian label Oseree's first eco-friendly collection and was produced entirely from Econyl, a fabric made from regenerated nylon threads from waste materials like fishing nets, carpet fluff and rigid tulle.
Digging into the archives, Demna Gvasalia turns up this playful one-piece design which features multi-coloured heart motifs and a flirty open-back detail.