The keys to success in swimwear

“I have been in this industry for many years and I can tell you that if you realize a loss of 6 percent this year, you are doing incredibly well. The average loss in the sector is between 25 and 30 percent.” With this bold statement, Dutch trend forecaster David Shah opened his trends seminar that will have an impact on the textile sector – especially in swimwear, lingerie and activewear – during the Mare dit Moda fair, which took place from 5 to 7 November at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes (France).

The words set the tone for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of navigating a constantly changing marketplace. Shah emphasized that adaptability and resilience are essential for businesses, which must strike a delicate balance between technological innovation and respect for tradition and culture. It is no longer enough to simply follow aesthetic trends; the textile sector is undergoing a transformation, requiring a genuine commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusion to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The seminar continued by discussing key questions for textile professionals: What are consumers looking for? What strategies can best help the spring/summer 2026 collections meet new consumer demands?

Creative resilience in the face of adversity

In a context of economic uncertainty and constant challenges, swimwear must respond with colorful designs, structure and dynamism and serve as a manifesto of resilience in the face of adversity.

For the SS26 season, classic stripe patterns in bold combinations and color blocking are standout trends that offer effortless elegance.

Expectations of the modern consumer

Today’s consumers are very demanding. They seek an emotional connection with the clothes they buy and expect sustainable efforts from brands. In this context, the integration of sustainable materials and advanced technologies into design becomes essential for brands that want to attract attention.

Biopolymers

Biopolymers are polymers of natural origin produced from renewable sources such as plants, bacteria, algae or organic waste. Unlike conventional plastics derived from petroleum, these materials can be biodegradable or compostable, meaning they break down naturally under certain conditions, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

and recycled fibers are some of the textiles that have gained popularity in recent seasons. They offer the opportunity to create versatile garments that will last, without compromising on style or functionality.

Furthermore, garments such as swimwear and lingerie are no longer limited to their traditional uses; they are developing into permanent values ​​in daily fashion. For example, Shah suggested that swimsuits could be worn on the beach or at a festival, or paired with an oversized blazer for a night out.

Embracing nature

As consumers seek a more authentic connection with their environment, textures inspired by natural elements such as tree bark, eroded surfaces or the movement of water are gaining importance. This approach allows brands to offer an unpolished, organic aesthetic that connects people with the beauty of “imperfection.”

Shah points out that color techniques play a vital role in this aesthetic, with hues that reflect the palette of nature itself. Emphasis is placed on natural dyes derived from algae and plants, avoiding synthetic and industrial dyeing methods.

The aim is to capture the essence of nature by evoking textures inspired by elements such as the roughness of bark or the soft touch of moss, rather than relying on direct imitation.

Water as inspiration

For the coming seasons, water emerges as a central theme, with a color palette ranging from soft lilac to pearl blue. These shades radiate a sense of calm and self-care and appeal to customers who want to look and feel good.

This theme brings to life textures and pearlescent finishes that capture the movement of water in the light and are expressed in soft fabrics that gently embrace the body.

Nostalgic athleisure

The athleisure trend is now evolving into a hybrid – and somewhat nostalgic – aesthetic that works in both urban and natural settings.

This new direction introduces pieces that combine urban and sporty styles, with retro-inspired materials such as terry cloth and crinoline, reminiscent of the 1970s.

Relaxed, sport-inspired silhouettes become essential to the collection, while ribbed fabrics bridge the gap between urban sophistication and outdoor appeal.

Craft connections

In a market full of endless choices, authenticity has become a core value for consumers. Artisan details such as visible stitching and crocheting not only add visual appeal, but also deepen the emotional connection with the garment, which is seen as a unique piece made with dedication and care.

Instead of conventional materials such as mesh, the expert suggested opting for less common textures to create a more refined and artisanal style. Each piece, with its unique details and “imperfections”, tells a story and offers consumers an experience of authenticity and exclusivity.

This article previously appeared on FashionUnited.ES. Translation and editing by Sylvana Lijbaart.