When shopping for swimwear, consider whether you’ll be spending most of your time in the pool, on the beach or at the lake. “Chlorine can be really, really hard on delicate fibres in swimwear,” says Jessi Stewart, a buyer at Calgary-based Swimco. “So the higher blend of polyester you have in a suit, the longer it will last if you are swimming in chlorine a lot.” However, those styles may not feel as soft against your skin as nylon or spandex options, notes Stewart.
For sun protection, look for UPF-rated fabrics. Styles with a UPF factor of 50 will block around 98 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. For the environmentally minded, many brands now offer swimwear made in part with recycled polyester and recycled nylon. Econyl, for example, is a regenerated nylon made with materials such as used fishing nets, scrap fabric and carpet flooring.
Of course, it’s also about finding the right design and fit. For women, high-neck swimsuits, bandeau tops and cropped long-sleeved styles are very popular right now, says Stewart. Textured fabrics such as rib, crinkle and seersucker are trending, especially on solids. Stewart expects that “really saturated, more earthy tones” such as emerald green and dark olive will continue to be popular, and notes that “in almost every single line I view somebody’s got something yellow.”
On the men’s side, Stewart is noticing a rise in multipurpose styles such as a swim short or a lightweight, breathable shirt that can go from the gym to the beach or the pool. Also, longer board shorts, which echo styles from the nineties, are making a comeback after the popularity of shorter Euro styles in recent years.
Finally, she recommends trying on swimwear in person, if possible, to ensure a good fit. While men’s sizing is standard, for women, “typically your dress size is not going to be your size that you buy in a swimsuit,” says Stewart. “Quite a number of people buy swimwear that’s too big for them.”
Because swimsuits “can stretch half a size in the water” and lose their shape a bit over time, she suggests starting with something that fits snugger than you are used to. If you are shopping online and it’s a brand you’re not already familiar with, consider ordering your usual size, and one size down, to see the difference at home – just make sure the return policy covers swimwear.
Six buys to try
These picks from Canadian brands are all made in part with recycled materials
In the men’s section
Available in three colourways, these swim trunks are made in Canada with a quick-drying, 100-per-cent recycled polyester fabric. They are fully lined and have a 5.5-inch inseam as well as multiple pockets. Bather Dawn Afterglow swim trunk, $115 through bather.com.
Featuring a 15-inch outseam, these are made with a comfortable, four-way stretch shell fabric that’s designed to resist fading. Plus, the liner made of polyester and elastane is odour-resistant and quick-drying. Saxx Oh Buoy 2n1 swim trunk, $80 through swimco.com.
These unisex pull-on swim shorts from Vancouver-based Ocin have a 6.5-inch inseam, which allows for more freedom of movement. Made with Econyl nylon and offering UPF 50+ protection, they are designed to be worn in the water as well as every day. Ocin Everyday short, $155 through ocin.co.
In the women’s section
This ribbed one-piece is fully lined and made in Toronto with Econyl recycled nylon. There’s a bra liner for extra bust support, and the adjustable straps help ensure a better fit and can be styled two different ways. Bathing Belle Spritz one-piece swimsuit, $219 through bathingbelle.com.
Made in Canada using an ecofriendly Italian fabric made with regenerated fibres, this sporty one-piece is fully lined and offers UPF 50+ protection. Available in grey and black, and sizes extra-small to extra-large. Beth Richards Knot one-piece swimsuit, US$250 through bethrichards.com.
These swim separates from Montreal-based label Everyday Sunday are made with a spandex and recycled nylon rib jersey fabric. The underwire top features removable cups and adjustable and convertible straps for a customizable fit. Everyday Sunday underwire bikini top, $60 through everydaysunday.com. Everyday Sunday retro waist bottom, $50 through everydaysunday.com.
