Written by Amy Scalia 

The days are longer, the temps are warmer and skies are brighter, summer is finally here. Time to get out and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and scenery.

If you’re looking for new swimwear to help you soak in this year’s warm weather seasons, Lindy Deal, UpWest's Curator of Comfort, shares a few new trends to consider: Beach-To-Barbecue style and body inclusive details, as well as sustainability and functionality. “Our swimwear is a personal favorite,” she adds. “It’s all sustainably made, super comfortable, and under $100 for women.”

Beach-To-Barbecue Styles
Elevated necklines like a plunging V, ruffled straps, to quick-dry cotton “one short” design, and a cover-up that offers comforting coverage when you're away from the water. Deal says these styles - borrowed from everyday pieces - are meant to keep up with you all day. “From the beach to barbecue, sand to street, and everywhere in between,” she says. “We love this idea of wearing something that just makes your entire day easier by flowing with anything that comes your way.”

Comfort for Every Body
Feeling comfortable in a swimsuit — is that even possible? Deal says it is thanks to these new designs that give the coverage you want, the comfort you need, and the confidence to play all day. “Styles like the One-Piece Swimsuit, Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit and High-Rise Reversible flatter such a great variety of body types,” she adds. “They all have a sophisticated look and stay-put stability, which can be tough to come by in swimwear.”

Sustainability
It’s good to have friends, especially when they’re all about conscious comfort, too. Our friends at Fair Harbor created several swimwear styles made from plastic bottles with 82% recycled polyester. Their fabrics have a four-way stretch and are water repellent for quick dry. Our friends at Sunski make stylish sunnies from super light recycled plastic. “To us, conscious comfort is about sourcing the softest and coziest fabrics made in sustainable ways,” Deal says. “While it's progress not perfection, we do take pride in our progress each year and we're working to find even more ways to source sustainably.

Functionality
Putting the fun in functionality, new reversible swimwear designs give more looks in one. “The women’s swimwear that’s sustainably-made plus reversible is just the ultimate two-in-one,” says Deal. “And I love the men’s quick-dry one short that’s so versatile you can wear it to the beach, bar, or even just your backyard.”

Deal says comfort is key this summer as we emerge from a year of homebody life. But no matter where you decide to catch some vitamin D as you get back out there, don’t forget your cover-up, UPF hat, sunglasses, waterproof bag, and SPF to help you enjoy the sun in style.