NAUTICAL BUT NICE

SUSTAINABLE SUMMER SWIMWEAR THAT'S BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

NAUTICAL AND NICE

The classics are proving their worth this season, so earn your stripes in navy and white or stand out in red.

RH Swimwear designer and founder Ruth Hurley says the look is timeless and versatile.

“We will never fall out of love with the stripe,” she says. “Vertical stripes have been a preference for the past few years, which is slightly less classic (and slightly more flattering), and we love to play with oversized stripes too.

“Blue and white has extremely wide appeal, especially with swimwear which always has a nautical vibe. Red though is a strong trend this year, including everything through from bright shades to deeper, earthier tones. It can look very striking on the beach, especially in a one-piece.

“In terms of print trends, polka is a must buy this season and for colour trends, yellows and lavender are having a moment.”

TIED IN KNOTS

Whether you prefer a one-piece or a bikini, swimwear designers are putting a feminine twist on staple silhouettes.

“Tie features have been a trend for a year or so,” Ruth says. “We’ve shown this in a new way this summer by adding removable ties to the straps of our Ties bikini and Ties one-piece.

“Knots are a new trend we’re seeing a lot of this year. Our knot bandeau features an enlarged centre knot and tie-up back.

“It’s boho chic and looks fab on smaller chested ladies who require little support.”

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Shoppers are increasingly demanding swimwear that’s beautiful inside and out.

Peony designer Becky Morton is one of many making the transition to recycled and sustainable swimwear styles.

“We want to feel good about what we do every day and once we started talking to our customers we knew it was something they wanted too,” she says.

“We are also proud that 80 per cent of our fabrications meet Standard 100 by Oeko Tex, which means that the fabrics are much more gentle on the environment. We feel this is a very strong place to start from.”

RH Swimwear’s designs are a polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and blended with spandex.

“We’d been looking for a recycled fabric to use for a while and were so excited when we found the one for our summer collection,” Ruth says.

“It feels amazing — so soft and luxurious.

“We’ve been on a journey for a while to implement more sustainable and ethical practices into our company.

“I think swim and resortwear is linked to the beauty of nature, beaches and oceans, so the sustainable movement is probably more (evident for us) than any other fashion sector. We need to keep these clean and protected if we selfishly want to keep enjoying them for years to come.”

Look one:

RH Swimwear Ties one-piece red stripe, $89, rhswimwear.com.au

Look two:

Peony Hayman string tri, $69, and Hayman Sun bottoms, $69, peonyswimwear.com

Look three:

RH Swimwear Ties top, $49, and Mod bottoms, $39, rhswimwear.com.au

Look four:

Seafolly Sea Stripe one-piece, $159.95, seafolly.com.au