THE 3 Cs OF SWIMWEAR 2023 TRENDS

Words by Kirsten Jacobs | Images: Supplied

Blue skies, warm days, and calm in the air. Summer is here. And if the past few weeks are any indication, South Africa is in for one hot summer. Of course, summer isn’t complete without a few days lounging poolside or relaxing on the beach.

Before you take the plunge into the icy cold waters of the South African seas, make sure to take a dip into the three Cs of swimwear trends for 2023: cut-outs, cover-ups, and colour overload.

Forget about basic swimwear - this season, we’re exploring cut-outs galore. Cut-outs add an elevated element to your swimsuit, giving them greater longevity in your wardrobe. These are designed to be worn beyond the beach, and thus serve a dual purpose: wear them to swim, and then throw on a pair of jeans and heels and you’ve got a cute dinner + drinks outfit.

The key with cut-outs is choosing a silhouette with a mid to high-leg cut to elongate your legs and opt for figure-flattering cut-outs that enhance your favourite parts of your body. Cut-outs on the waist pull in your midsection and create the illusion of a curvier body, whereas cutouts on the top part of your swimsuit emphasise your shoulders and chest area.

Let’s be real - a beach day never ends at the beach. After your dip, you’ll end your evening with sundowners and a tapas dinner with friends. Make this transition easy with chic cover-ups that act as a second outfit. The benefit of cover-ups is that you don’t need to pack a separate outfit - simply wear them to and from the beach and remove them when you want to swim.

Trending silhouettes include wrap sarongs, textured dresses made of mesh, chiffon, or crochet, and linen shirts worn open with matching beach pants or shorts. Pair with woven sandals, a tote bag and oversized sunnies, and you’re ready for a day at the beach and whatever the evening brings.

Summer is the time for colour. Now is not the season to shy away. Be bold and loud with neon shades that stand out in the crowd. The beauty of neon is that it instantly adds a vibrant edge to any silhouette.

Upgrade the humble one-piece by opting for an electric blue shade, or colour block with a contrasting two-piece that shows off your daring style. If you want your neon swimsuit to pop, make sure to pair it with more balanced, neutral additions like a white linen skirt and brown sandals.