Splash into summer with choice of colorful tankinis, sarongs, suits
By Samantha Critchell
Associated Press
The first thing to remember when shopping for a new bathing suit this year is to forget everything you already know.
Associated Press
Big, splashy, colorful prints are everywhere while only a handful of sleek black suits are in stores; two-piece tankinis — which made their first appearance at the pool only a few years ago — are now the norm; and skirted suits are hip.
Traditional swimsuits in Speedo's 2002 collection feature bold colors, tie-dye designs and eye-catching geometric prints.
Fashion influences are obvious in the bohemian styles and textured fabrics.
"Women don't want to be told you can or can't do anything. It's almost a problem that fashion has become so democratic," says Lesley Jane Seymour, editor in chief of Marie Claire magazine. "You have to learn what looks good on you. You can't just buy a bikini because bikinis are in and blame someone else if you don't look good."
Among the choices out there for summer 2002 are a tie-top tankini in a safari print from Liz Claiborne Swimwear that features a looser silhouette and drawstring waist; a floral sarong sheath from Rose Marie Reid Swimwear that gets it name from the sarong-style fabric overlay that covers a woman's hips without looking dowdy; a white textured tankini top and "denim" bottom (made from Lycra, nylon and cotton) from Anne Cole, which when worn with its accompanying skirt looks more like a casual chic outfit; and funky tie-dye and geometric-print tank suits from Speedo.
Popular color palates for this year include aqua, turquoise and jade, and red, coral and hot pink.
