This is an archive trend report from the Spring Summer 2010 season.
The defining shift that season was toward coverage. One-piece swimsuits and monokinis came back strongly, and the collections managed to cover more of the body without becoming conservative, which is a harder design problem than it sounds.
One-piece swimsuits
Prominent that season, as Miami’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim indicated. The one-piece stopped being the dull option and became a genuinely stylish one.
Monokinis
The monokini covers modestly while remaining a strong look, and it has a practical advantage: the construction conceals the stomach in a way a two-piece cannot.
Bikini shapes
- Side tie-ups, which allow the fit to be adjusted at the hip.
- Bandeau tops with underwires and high-stretch materials, giving support without straps.
- Sweetheart necklines, frequently combined with embellishment.
- Bikini vests, worn with small skirts, boy shorts or bikini bottoms.
- V-necklines, which add apparent length to the upper body.
- Shoulder-less and one-shoulder cuts, which set the season’s more dramatic register.
Maxi cover-ups
A significant part of the season. Maxis appeared in every construction, from straight cuts through to floaty voluminous shapes, in sheer and lightweight fabrics and bright colors, across all sleeve lengths and silhouettes.
The cover-up is the piece that turns swimwear into an outfit, which is why it became a design category rather than an afterthought.
Cut-outs
The season’s boldest development. Asymmetrical openings placed at various points on a swimsuit.
There is a straightforward rule for wearing them, and it is the most useful advice in the whole report. Place cut-outs where you want to draw attention, and avoid them where you would rather not. A cut-out is a spotlight, and it works entirely on that basis.
Embellishment
Beads, sequins and metallic rings were the recurring elements. Frills ran throughout the collections, and string embellishments, both vertical and asymmetrical, appeared widely.
Colors
Jewel tones dominated, with a bright and bold palette. Fuchsia, emerald, blue and purple led, and classic black and white remained reliable.
Prints
Alongside block colors, the print range covered geometric, animal, abstract and floral designs, in a bold, vibrant and warm color scheme with pastels also used.
Graphic prints were the defining print of the season, reading as modern and urban rather than decorative.
Accessories
Large, sporty, bold beach bags, chosen on theme rather than by size.
Frequently asked questions
Where should cut-outs be placed?
Wherever you want attention drawn. Avoid them where you would rather not draw the eye, because a cut-out functions as a spotlight.
Which shape conceals the midsection?
A monokini, whose construction covers the stomach while keeping a strong silhouette.
What was the defining print?
Graphic prints, which read as modern and urban against the more decorative florals and abstracts.
See also our swimwear guide and beach essentials.
