Swimwear Trends Summer 2012

Summer is perhaps the most eagerly awaited season, and it can often feel like an eternity for it to arrive. Wherever you are planning on heading this summer, whether it be the Med, the States or the more exotic climes of the Far-East, beach confidence and style is of the utmost importance.

Here we run through some of the key swimwear trends to ensure that you dazzle on your beach holiday.

No other season is quite as vibrant and colourful as the summer, which is why bold, statement colours are bang on trend this year. Think zesty shades of yellow, tangerine and magenta to name a few - with the general consensus being the brighter the better!

What's more, this is a trend that can be tapped into by any body shape as there are a range of different styles out there designed to suit each and every body shape. For the more confident sunbather, triangle bikinis with tie-up bikini bottoms allow maximum tanning potential. Whereas one-piece swimwear provide an elegant yet stylish option for those wanting slightly more coverage.

Whilst bright colours have very much always been en vogue, this year the trend is taken to new heights with colours really being ramped up and brightness going off the scale. The key to carrying off this trend is block colour, with plain matching bikini bottoms and tops. Given that the swimwear is such a statement in itself, this trend is best kept simple so the cut is clean and embellishments are minimal. Similarly, on the Summer 2012 catwalks, colour did the talking and accessories were kept to a minimum.

This year's catwalk was also brimming with exotic print swimwear. Believe it or not, patterns are ideal for women of all sizes as they can help to divert attention away from any unwanted areas.

Contrasting palm prints were perhaps the most prominent print for this year. Available in almost any shade, the key to this trend is choosing a fabric with a completely contrasting colour palm-print silhouette across the entire swimwear. Once again, this is a trend that can be enjoyed by almost all, with brighter palm prints ideally suited to the younger generations, and darker prints for a more sophisticated audience.

Alternatively, snake print has continued throughout 2012 and can be a great way of embracing this trend without making so much of a statement. For a more subtle look, choose prints in paler hues such as golds, beiges, browns and creams, or for the more confident and daring, reds, pinks and oranges will compliment any tan.