NEW YORK (AP) -- Who needs a calendar to mark the official start of summer when a new swimsuit would say the same thing?
For some, the new bathing suit is a rite of the new season. "It's always fun to buy a new bikini," said Colleen Sherin, fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue. "It's small, doesn't take up a lot of closet space. And it's always tempting because you're usually buying one because something fun is happening, whether it's relaxing or a vacation or just the start of summer. It's an easy pick-me-up."
A lot of money is spent on that spiritual lift: a total of close to $4.3 billion, according to market researcher The NPD Group for the year starting April 2009 and running through this past March. It's a sales increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year.
The bikini is the top seller at Saks -- with the favorite silhouettes being string and halter necks -- but Sherin has seen a steady increase in one-pieces, especially those with plunging necklines or bandeau tops.
Other seasonal trends:
ADVERTISEMENT
-- Lingerie looks. The bustier-style bodice, in both one-piece suits and tankinis, is popular this summer, said Rosemarie DiLorenzo, co-founder and creative director of Swimwear Anywhere, manufacturer of designer swim licenses. You'll also see delicate lace trim.
-- Feminine details. Many of the spring fashion trends translate to swim, especially floral prints and ruffles, said Sherin.
-- Vintage inspiration. Ruching and draping makes for a glamorous, old-Hollywood silhouette -- and camouflage for figure flaws.
Adding to the retro pinup vibe is the downward shift of the leg line, she says. "Fashion designers are always looking back and then modernizing."
The skirted suit is also getting a lot of play at all levels of the swimwear market.
David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl's department stores, says this shape is new to the younger crowd and they like it. They gravitate toward flippy, short skirts but there are more modest options that still are a far cry from the matronly swim skirts of generations ago, he says.
--Peach, pink and makeup colors. Designer Carmen Marc Valvo likes to see women in colorful suits -- it just seems tropical, he says. And, he adds, white looks great against sun-kissed skin.
Hacker says get-me-noticed pink and turquoise are prominently displayed at Kohl's, and he sees graphic prints as another trend.
ADVERTISEMENT
Still, black suits are still the bulk of the business, says Valvo, estimating 65 percent of his swimwear sales are black. "The black swimsuit is the equivalent of the little black dress."
