Swimwear experts highlight the latest looks for the pool or beach | Canada Voices

In the market for a new pair of swim trunks? Kyle Kaminsky, founder of men’s swimwear brand Bather, says that longer board shorts were rising in popularity on the runway this year, even though they are less practical because they won’t dry as quickly.

At the same time, some men are gravitating toward shorter inseams for swimwear, which is why the Toronto-based label recently introduced multipurpose shorts with a 3.5-inch inseam (Bather’s “classic” trunk has a 5.5-inch inseam). Kaminsky has been noticing customers wearing their swim trunks as shorts and to the gym, too, especially with the shorter lengths.

When it comes to pricier swimwear, the design, construction and fabric are what contribute to the cost, says Kaminsky. Quality men’s styles may have reinforced side seams and bar tacking so things don’t rip, well-designed mesh lining that won’t chafe, premium or recycled fabrics with features such as sun protection and custom prints. “You’ll see a lot of flamingos or pineapples [in swimwear] and that’s because there are factories and fabric mills that just print a million yards of fabric and then some of the brands just go and buy that fabric off the shelf,” says Kaminsky, adding that all of Bather’s prints are exclusive and designed in-house.

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With women’s swimwear, the fit and construction are key as well – and every millimetre matters. A brand offering quality swimwear will tweak patterns and prototypes multiple times to make sure the fit is perfect. “Manufacturing in Montreal, having control over everything allows us to do a lot more back and forth with the samples and the prototypes than a lot of brands are doing,” says Nathan Gilbert, creative director of Montreal-based label Shan, adding that the brand also uses prewashed fabrics to minimize fit changes from laundering.

Try things on if you can, says Gilbert. Sizing can vary from brand to brand and even from style to style, and with two-piece sets you might need a different size for your top and your bottom. Depending on the design, you might need to size up or down to make sure that there’s no loose fabric and the swimsuit “really holds everywhere,” says Gilbert. “Like, let’s say a high-waisted bottom, you might want to size down a tiny bit.”

In terms of trends, Gilbert has been noticing – at the recent Miami Swim Week and on the market – a lot of one-piece suits with plunging and open backs; small, high waisted bikini bottoms; and brown hues such as caramel and tan, although he notes that bright blues and bold colours continue to be popular.

Six buys to try

In the men’s section

Bather Over Dyed swim trunk

Each pair of swim trunks from this made-in-Canada collaboration between Bather and Toronto artist Jefford Lam is individually hand-dyed and one-of-a-kind. The shorts are fully lined and made with a 100-per-cent recycled quick-dry nylon shell. $175

Buy

Quince Italian swim trunks

These minimalist swim trunks are made with a recycled nylon-blend fabric that offers UPF 50 sun protection and that is resistant to fading, snags and pilling. They are offered in 10 colours and inseams of 5.5, 7 or 9 inches. $115

Buy

Hugo quick-dry swim shorts

These blue-and-white, leaf-print swim shorts have a longer, 7-inch inseam and are made with a quick-drying polyester fabric. They are available in multiple patterns and sizes S to 2XL. $139

Buy

In the women’s section

Shan Timeless Plunging one-piece

Designed and made in Montreal using an Italian Lycra jersey fabric, this one-piece features a deep-V neckline and wide shoulder straps. It is available in several colours and is a classic design that won’t go out of style. $340

Buy

Knix Sculpt Ruched bikini top & bottom

Great for mixing and matching, Knix’s Sculpt range is made with a smoothing, nylon-blend fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection. This deep-V bikini top comes with removable cups and adjustable straps. Top: $70. Bottom: $55.

Buy

Everyday Sunday Capri bikini top & bottom

Canadian label Everyday Sunday offers this textured gingham print in multiple styles of bikini tops and bottoms, plus in a one-piece cutout swimsuit. The Capri top offers underwire support as well as adjustable and convertible straps, and the Biarritz bottom is high-waisted and high-leg. Top: $65. Bottom: $55.

Buy