Demure Couture

Today’s one-piece swimsuits have gone from dowdy to daring.

By Melissa Tessitor

Photo: Chris Hornbecker

JULY’S RISING MERCURY has a way of enticing us to cast off our clothing and don beach-friendly attire. But despite the siren call of sand and surf, there are plenty of gals who’d rather drink sunscreen than parade their wares in a barely there bikini. They’ll be glad to know that the boldest trends in summer swimwear this season are downright demure.

But before you envision flappers splashing at Coney Island, rest assured that today’s one-piece suits and full-coverage bikinis have come a long way from their dowdy beginnings. While terms like “swim dress” and “majorette shorts” may sound like throwbacks to the heady days before World War II (when women were showing little more than some serious kneecap), daring prints and updated cuts bring decidedly modern appeal to old-school glamour. Look for ultra-feminine details that flatter the figure, like flirty ruffles or hip-hugging ruching.