Brighter, bolder swimwear for 2012

Before hitting the beach this summer, make sure you're ready with swimwear that is not only stylish but comfortable, and appropriate for your body type, too.

 

Cata Tibayan reports on 24 Oras Tuesday that one-piece swimsuits are in again, so you can put those tankinis away for now. 

Swap your polka dots, hearts and animal prints for bright and bold colors like tangerine and aqua, but choose colors that compliment your skin tone.

 

"For morenas, I would love for them to be in more earthy shades, bright hues, because that would look very, very nice on morena skin. Fair skinned women can experiment more in terms of color. They can do pastel shades, bright shades. They can do black; it's very versatile," says Joanna Ladrido, owner and stylist of Glitterati.

 

Bikinis with beads and wraps that sit on the waist are also in, but beware of unwanted tan lines. "These bikinis are specially made for the night, because the tan line you might get from it when you wear it during the day might be weird," explains Ladrido.

 

The 50s are also back, with high-waist bikini bottoms for women with narrow hips, or those who have recently given birth.

 

"It hides the imperfections here in the lower area of your abdomen, and it also cinches your body closer," says Adrian Concepcion, stylist of Soak swimwear.

 

While classic beach designs like plain white and nautical stripes are still summer must-haves, it's best to check for adequate padding to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. Concepcion says it's better to be safe than sorry, and wear nipple tape for any swimwear. "Kahit naman maganda ‘yung pagkakagawa you don't know how the crash of the wave will hit you," he says.  

 

Swimwear for men

Men's swimwear isn't boring either, with florals, bright shades, and classic stripes for this summer. According to one male stylist, more and more guys are willing to experiment with different kinds of fashion, like shorter shorts. "This time, bolder colors are not something strange anymore. It's something exciting," he says.

 

Men can also wear canvas shoes and fedora hats to mix things up a bit. "I want to feel comfortable, but I want to look good at the same time, too," says a male shopper in a report by Lia Mañalac Del Castillo on News to Go on Wednesday.  

 

Tribal and Aztec

 

According to the report, tribal and Aztec designs are in for 2012. Meanwhile, classic plain black and plain white swimsuits are jazzed up with metallic accents.

 

"It actually makes it edgier; it's not just your usual plain swimsuit," says Nothing But Water operations manager Carol Paqueo.

 

No matter your body type, you can find a swimsuit that will accentuate what you have, while helping you hide the parts you'd rather not flaunt.

 

For pear-shaped body types, halters and monokinis are a good choice. "Triangle shaped swimsuits would probably suit them best. That's to show what they have and cover what they don't want to show," says fashion stylist Bonny Sy.

 

Forever 21 Marketing Manager Jane Kingsu-Cheng suggests accessorizing to balance heavy tops.

 

"’Pag mas heavy ‘yung top mo, just remember to add a bit of volume sa bottom mo. You can pick bikinis na medyo may frills, or you can add a sarong, tie it around your waist para mas pantay lang ‘yung body frame mo," she says.

 

If you've got an hourglass figure, flaunt your curves with bright colored monokinis and vintage bikinis, which are very much in fashion this year. "It is in right now because people want to mix the past with the present," explains Sy.

 

The more conservative types can opt to wear tankinis or monokinis with ruching, where fabric is gathered. They can also use cover-ups made with sheer fabric.

 

Paqueo says it's all about confidence. "Just be confident. It's not about what you're wearing, it's about being comfortable with what you wear," she says. –KG, GMA News