By Suzanne Bernhardt

As Season 2018 begins to wind down, manufacturers and designers turn their thoughts and attention to creating new collections for Season 2019. The Swim Journal reached out to several key industry suppliers around the world to get their take on what fabrics, components, prints and solids will make their way to the design studios as preparations are made for the upcoming season.

Nearly all the suppliers we spoke to predicted that Season 2019 will roll in on a wave of color. Prints will be much more sophisticated, elaborate and brilliantly portrayed. Fabrics offer more versatility, with benefits specific to each category—whether it’s activewear, swimwear, lingerie, resortwear, surfwear or athleisure wear.

Hyosung Corporation, based in Seoul, Korea, with U.S.-based operations in New York, is always thinking ahead, with a sharp eye on future trends. Hyosung’s top-selling Creora performance-driven fabrics for the swimwear and beachwear industry include:

• creora® highcloTM: super chlorine-resistant spandex/elastane for longevity and color retention.
• creora® Color+: dyeable spandex/elastane for vibrant colors and sharper tones.
• creora® Power fit: high power spandex/elastane compression knits for core stability and chlorine-resistance.
• creora® eco-soft: low heat settable spandex/elastane to blend with polypropylene and luxury touch cellulosic yarns for beachwear.

Hyosung identifies four trends for Season 2019: “Neo Tech,” “Rave,” “Paradiso” and “Surf In.”

“Neo Tech” refers to the need for competition swim styles to perform as a second skin. Fabrics get lighter, with high-density construction providing an anti-drag feature. Styling is comprised of clean lines with seamless bonding. As fitness swimwear and gym-to-swim styling continue to grow in popularity, the emphasis is on fit, support and stability, with an eye toward creative color and print combinations. Transfer placements and sublimation prints create a stylish sporty appeal across the category.

“Rave” culture refers to the 1980s music revival, and the experimentation of colors and textures. Fabric surfaces advance in all directions, from jacquards to seersucker, creating interest and excitement—especially when infused with vibrant color. Florescent, high-iridescent and glossy treatments return. It is meant to look fake, funky and fun—it’s a new age with an 80s feel.

“Paradiso” looks to nature and exotic destinations for print and color inspiration. The marriage of superior fabrications with innovative print and color direction and expert construction creates the perfect style. High-power knits feature a silky soft hand, and surface appearance ranges from semi-matte to shimmering brilliance. Body contouring through the use of compression outer fabrics and linings continues in importance, with the purpose of attaining a smooth silhouette while boosting the confidence of the wearer.

“Surf In” is a call to environmental responsibility and action. The surfer influence requires freedom of movement with multi-functional styling to take the wearer from water sports to the beach café. Recycled synthetics like Hyosung’s MIPAN® Regen recycled nylon and Regen™ recycled polyester accomplish the goal of creating eco-conscious styling with the added feature of UV protection. Prints in this category take on an aged, sundried look.

Texollini, a Los Angeles-based supplier, has been a leader in innovative and trend-driven fabrics for 28 years. Its trademarked Superfino and Ultrafino fine-gauge fabric brands for swimwear feature a luxurious hand, color retention and UV protection. Trends for Season 2019 are broken down into four segments: “Miss Robot,” “Super Natural,” “Intimate Things” and “All in One.”

The “Miss Robot” category features technological and innovative influencers from the active and contemporary sportswear markets. Fabric treatments in this category feature Lurex, metallic, iridescents and textured jacquards. Prints run the gamut from graphic and abstract patterning to retro and even celestial and space-age themes. Important accents include laser cuts, mesh, zippers, reflective tapes and suspenders. Solid colors range from mid-tone brights to sturdy darks and hazy pastels. Styles in this segment are sporty and athletic with racer backs, retro bottoms and strap bands. Layering is key.

“Super Natural” refers to taking inspiration from the earth while protecting its environment. The use of eco-responsible fabrics and manufacturing processes is of growing concern and importance in the swimwear industry. Texollini utilizes trendy and sustainable fabrics such as Repreve nylon or polyester jersey made from recycled plastic bottles. Forest, floral, palm leaves and tropical prints are prevalent in this segment, as well as contemporary camouflage, feathers and tie-dyes. Solids include deep earth tones in olive, brown, terra cotta, coral and khaki. One-pieces and one-shoulder bikinis continue to be strong styles.

“Intimate Things” reflects a pronounced crossover from lingerie to swimwear. Ultra-soft fabrics include nylon, shantung, textured jacquard, shiny jerseys, lace and velvet. Prints include ditsy florals, stripes, polka dots and checks. Colors range from feminine blush, rose, nude and off-white to a wide range of blues. Sexy and flirtatious styling includes one-shoulder styles, mesh and sheer insets, ruffles, bows, lace-ups, keyholes and strappy details with tassel trims. Cover-ups add an extra element of luxury.

“All in One” depicts a movement away from the basic one-piece, utilizing a variety of new-age fabrics, texture and design while taking inspiration from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Fabrics focus on nylon jerseys, poor-boy ribs, and neoprene in prints that incorporate bold stripes, florals and abstracts. Colors include pastels of heather gray, pink and lavender as well as brights. One-piece suits now feature cut-outs, high-leg eyes, one-shoulder styling, plunging necklines, low backs and Brazilian thong cuts.

La Lame, based in New York, has been supplying a huge selection of fabrics, trims and embroidery since 1946. According to Glen Schneer, vice president, metallics in shades of copper, gold and pewter will be prevalent in solids and stripes as well as in the application of embellishments. Decorative details like embroidery beading, motifs and sequins will continue in importance. Striped woven seersucker with stretch will head up the nautical trend. To accentuate the active wear influence, logos and heat-sealed labels will be displayed on the outside of the garment or swimsuit. And, as sort of an oxymoron, see-through plastics will create the new cover-up.

Since 1978, Textra (a name that blends “textile” and “extra”), based in Italy, has been supplying beautiful, graphic and colorful printed fabrics for swimwear, beachwear and more. According to Chiara Gaia Pozzi, CEO, the trends the company has been studying for Season 2019 are broken down into four categories. “Into the Wild” refers to a collection of botanical motifs, oversized leaf prints, vibrant nature-inspired colors and exotic elements exemplifying the spirit of nature. “Beach Intelligence – The Future Is Now” is portrayed through the use of high-tech fabrics including liquid surface, digital textures, iridescence, Lurex and the use of abstract design in brilliant color. “Active Freedom” is a collection of easy-wear comfortable fabrics aimed at relaxation and detox—clearing away the negative while making room for the positive. Soothing colors in eye-pleasing patterns are presented. “Bohemian Gypsy” is a grouping of cultural prints—Boho and crochet, African, retro and pop art.