Whether you’ve been hitting the beach or pool already, or are about to, you know the water is your second home this summer. Bostonians can even schedule a dip during the work week, thanks to the super cool rooftop pool at The Colonnade Hotel (colonnadehotel.com). The chic Back Bay oasis features an all-day menu and bar, plus private cabanas, open to the public for a fee.
The question for any of these venues is of course, what do you wear? Luckily, the options for bathing suits are better than ever this year. Designs that are by turns fun and flattering abound, embracing new or revived trends — from fetching patterns and cuts to designer standouts. Here’s a handful of ideas to ponder while you get your beach or pool bag ready.
Mad for Plaid: A pattern that’s usually reserved for fall, plaid gets a sunny and multicolor makeover in the Underwire One Piece ($69.99 on vineyardvines.com) in Plaid-Mallard Blue. It offers medium coverage (on both top and bottom) and the cutest silhouette. The underwire cups provide plenty of support and the fabric comes with built-in SPF 50 protection. Or, if you’d rather go for just a hint of plaid and make it a bikini, there’s also the adorable Burberry Check Trim Bikini ($480 on us.burberry.com). It’s a halter neck style that comes in white surrounded by the signature check and side-ties on the briefs.
Retro stripes: A throwback to the preppy, bright rainbow stripes from the ‘80s, the Multi Stripe Arezzo V-Neck Panel Swimsuit ($115 on bodenusa.com) relies on an under-bust panel and adjustable straps for smoothing, sculpting, and support. It’s also made of primarily recycled materials.
A+ Sun Protection: Sometimes you need a break from the sun, but still want to be active in the water. In that case, look to designs like the North Point Crop Rashguard ($44.97 on athleta.gap.com), which matches the Clean Full Swim Bottom ($24.97 on athleta.gap.com). Its Recycled H₂ECO swim fabric has a powerful stretch and is quick-drying, and what’s more, it’s rated UPF 40+ thanks to its robust sun protection.
Ruffles: Forget boring suits; the Seersucker Ruffle Bikini Top ($68 on southerntide.com) and matching Cross Over Seersucker Bikini Bottom ($58 on southerntide.com) takes classic light blue mini stripes and combines them with flirty ruffles on the top. What’s more, the crossover detail on the front of the bottoms extends the design element, and enhances the fit.
Zigs and Zags: The Italian design house Missoni strikes again with its signature pattern of swirl-chevrons. The Viscose Blend Chevron Bikini with Lurex ($550 on missoni.com) has a triangle bra and low-waisted briefs, and they come in a knit that’s shaded with lurex threads that shimmer subtly. It’s summertime glam, incarnate. Dive in.
