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Although beachwear and swimwear were some of the biggest victims of covid-19, which also hit the fashion industry this year, the tide It began to drop in October, and these days –although they have been through water in various parts of the country– bikinis and onesies, shorts and bathing suits enjoy their spring in the closet and are ready to weigh anchor. It may interest you: What that you can not miss in your pint at the end of the year

“The first two months of the year, swimwear and beachwear garments had very positive results compared to last year, growing 40%. In October, thanks to the reactivation of the industries, the opening and the possibility of traveling, this performance improved considerably; So far we have grown 8% in the category, compared to last year," says Karen Siegert Franco, director of Grupo Éxito's interior and sports textile business, which recently launched a collection with one of the most recognized brands in this sector. segment, such as Onda de Mar.Although this label is almost synonymous with swimwear, the launch explores other possibilities offered by beachwear as it is a universe with casual, sporty and loungewear touches for complement the beach or pool ensemble. "More than a swimwear brand, we are a style brand attentive to fashion trends and social behavior," explains Margarita Corrales, manager of the label that with this union of forces debuted in lines of dresses, t-shirts, trousers, kimonos, jackets, trousers and underwear. (Keep reading: The 4 Colombian destinations preferred by foreigners). "We offer clothes and looks for convenience and comfort, designed for new consumption habits," adds Siegert.

Beyond looking for a swimsuit that hides the so-called 'weak points', multiuse and creativity are the new demands of consumers, who, even confined “and in cities like Bogotá, they kept buying swimsuits”, says Nicole Acosta, designer of these lines. "Then they would post their photos on social media wearing their bikini top over a T-shirt," says the co-founder of the Bahama Mama" label. This responds to the trend of seeking alternatives (other than boarding a plane) to get around to other places; some travel through the decoration; others, from cooking recipes, and still others recreate the outfits of different cultures or involve their craft techniques without leaving home.

“Our tops, in addition to looking good on occasions associated with summer, can be used as outer garments,” says María Ponce de León, designer of the Cordillera brand, which weaves each top by the embera indigenous people -chamíes of Dos Quebradas (Risaralda). "Pieces like these can be worn over a basic t-shirt to go to work, layered to go out to parties in colder cities, like Bogotá, or over a jacket or a turtleneck to give a special touch."

“We all like to have a bathing suit for a photo, to play with the children, swim or tan without leaving marks (we look for practical options with removable straps)”, says Catalina Zuluaga, designer of the Lobo Rosa label .(You may be interested in: 16 days of activism to put an end to violence against women).Hence the strength of multifunctionals through ornamental touches typical of the casual universe (such as boleros on the shoulders), flat-bottomed textiles, accessories “such as kimonos and kaftans, which are bathrobes but you wear them in Bogotá with jeans and tennis shoes, and double-sided designs, with a flat bottom on one side and a print on the other,” says Acosta . For his part, Corrales suggests “crop tops and bodies as perfect examples of garments that work for day to day or for moments of sun, beach and summer”.

Despite the advancement of antibacterial, quick-drying and UV protection textile technologies, the client's request is in respect for the environment: “Bases of recycled materials, less harmful and wasteful dyeing techniques, exploring remnant materials to create exclusive pieces, multi-use styles and unique sizes”, diocese Rosalina Villanueva, future expert for the WGSN trend agency. In addition to the textile bases made from recycled PET from the ocean and fishing nets, Bahama Mama explore fibers from cotton, linen and cannabis. “And we work for fair trade with artisan communities and with the Juventud de la Tierra foundation; for each purchase of a swimsuit, we donate the planting of a tree in Guasca (Cundinamarca)”, says Acosta. The latter are another alternative. “On dates close to bank holidays there is greater interest in searching for clothes from the warmer land, bathing suits, sandals”, says Ana Jiménez, country manager of the platform for buying and selling second-hand clothes GoTrendier , who emphasizes the rigor of curating to give this type of garment a new opportunity. “Since they are intimate, we only accept those that are new and have a label and sanitary protector. GoTrendier is very specific in this type of garments, and those that do not meet the conditions are removed from the platform”, he concludes.

Inclusive silhouettes. There will be something for everyone, as there are fewer and fewer rules when it comes to choosing the ideal swimsuit. “Classic commercial silhouettes predominate. What's new is in the colours, patterns and small design twists”, explains Rosalina Villanueva, future expert for the WGSN trends agency.Colors and patterns. With the desire to travel through flavors, decoration and clothing, floral motifs, tropical leaves, inspiration from the sea, animal skins and stripes set the tone. “Inspiration for the sea and the nature of the ocean give us deep blues and turquoise, aloe green and seaweed, bright lavender, mango, fiery red and metallic pastels,” says Villanueva.Retro Men. Nostalgia will mark the men's range. And, although in Colombia wide bermuda shorts are the most requested, short silhouettes will gain relevance. "They are inspired by the classic sports silhouette of the 70s and 80s, giving a more casual and comfortable aesthetic (and better tans)," says the WGSN expert, who highlights the importance of choosing clean designs.

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