Swimwear Forecast S/S 22

Connected
Joining future tech with age-old
insights to create a more united,
intelligent world

Bold silhouettes, versatile styles and fabric

innovations reflect a growing consumer focus on
wellness, as well as the increasing influence of
digital aesthetics

@lilmiquela / @nois7
 Connected
Joining future tech with age-old insights
to create a more united, intelligent world

Our three S/S 22 forecasts are grouped around the theme of
emotional response, which will be the most powerful driver
of consumers' needs and wants in the coming years
Connected explores how we relate to ourselves and others
in a world of extreme disruption. How do we develop
relationships in a non-physical way? How do we create a
sense of the material in virtual worlds? How do we manage
our health and wellbeing? And how do we connect with a
higher meaning beyond the here and now?
The result is a highly versatile trend of juxtapositions and
seemingly opposing ideas – digital tools to recreate
natural or even spiritual experiences; clothes and interiors
with
healing and filtering properties; ancient mysticism as a
way to see the future; open-source collaboration over
single-source competition. Technology and talismans,
spirituality and science – they all have a place here.
The common thread in these ideas is that design will be
less about the product or experience in itself, and more
about how it serves humanity, whether it’s a smart-tech
jacket, new materials offering enhanced comfort and
protection, or a virtual therapy app providing reassurance.
In 2022, we will be re-evaluating and reprioritising what
we connect with and how, and we will be doing this in
increasingly agile, hybrid and unconventional ways.
 Action Points
1. Embrace digital influences: physical and digital
realities are becoming more entwined. CGI avatar
models are starring in major campaigns, and
female gamers are on the rise. Take inspiration
from digital worlds by embracing off-kilter
silhouettes or by exaggerating details to create
hero pieces.
2. Be a champion for women and diversity: create
swimwear that celebrates women of all shapes,
sizes and colours. Show women at their best and
most powerful.
3. Tap into the popularity of mystical themes: the
popularity of astrology, crystals and alternative
healing practices will seep into design. Explore this
with crystal charm details, or via prints and cosmic
motifs for a more commercial approach.
4. Up-spec your fabrics: innovations are
happening within fabric development that make
healing materials more accessible for swimwear. If
you are incorporating wellness elements into your
designs, such as copper, jade or vitamin infusions,
let the fabrics stand out and use details to add
interest.

Car d o Par is
 Swimwear Colour Palette S/S 22

Connected
This palette embraces 098-31-13 093-60-15 088-88-09 058-83-18 062-55-25 127-59-13 050-83-41
expressive tones that will
make an impact both online
and in real life. Some tones
have an electrified and digital

Turquoise Tonic

Seaweed Green
Deep Ocean

Pure Water

Iris Flower
edge, while tranquil blues,

Aloe Gel

Light
greens and mineral hues
ground the palette and align
with wellness themes.
Embrace shine in the form of
the Copper and Lilac Haze.
19-4526 TC X 16-4719 TC X 12-5206 TC X 12-0322 TC X 16-0237 TC X 17-3919 TC X 13-0650 TC X

028-55-15 011-56-12 014-40-26 017-45-35 030-67-34

Burnished Sunset
Pink Amethyst

Mango Sorbet
Rabbit's Paw

Fiery Orange

Lilac Haze
Copper

16-1333 TC X 8021 C 16-1518 TC X 18-1536 TC X 18-1445 TC X 15-1058 TC X 10196 C

* All colour names are speci c to WGSN. Find out more about Coloro.
 Earthy Minerals
The concept: With broader consumer interest in alternative
healing methods and wellness, crystals and mineral infusions
will influence designs and fabric innovations, moving from
wellness markets to the mainstream.
Fabric & design: Jade-infused fabrics can have a cooling and
soothing effect on the skin – explore these for high-ticket
items. Swim brand Sundari includes crystals in its designs so
that consumers' can shop based on their aesthetic
preferences and their energy needs.
@sist er so f t het her s
Colour & print: For colour, focus on neutrals and crystal pastel
shades. For print, explore the shapes that occur naturally in
the cross section of crystals.
Relevant for: wellness, swimwear, cover-ups
Delivery: Spring 1

Just a Co r pse

S und ar i S wim @phy llicia.bo nanno Malababa

 Empowered Avatars
The concept: Gaming culture is booming, and almost half the
world's gamers are female. As a result, online personas are
becoming extensions of the self, and this is influencing design.
Embrace digitally-inspired shapes and empowering silhouettes.
Silhouette: Use asymmetric shapes to make a strong impact
that will appeal to youth and stand out on social media. For a
more commercial approach, explore cutout placement and
embrace fabric interest.
Fabric: Texture and high shine is important, but source fabrics @lilmiq uela

with plastic-free coatings as a more sustainable option. Layer

power mesh for a digitally-inspired look, as seen at Prism.
Relevant for: youth, online markets, swimsuits, bikinis
Delivery: Spring 2

1 Gr anar y

@cad wallad er Pr ism S am Bailey

 Female Forms

S kims H y pe Beachwear

The concept: Social movements around racial justice, women's

equality and body positivity have put empowerment at the
centre of global consciousness. For swimwear, this result in a Alexand er McQ ueen

stronger focus on styles, details and colours that celebrate

women of all shapes, sizes and races as powerful and strong.
Silhouette: Take inspiration from lingerie and bodywear, but
with a tougher edge. Cutouts and mesh panelling show off the
body, and intelligent placements lead the eye in a flattering
way.
Fabric & colour: Use mesh for panelling, layering and offbeat
cover-up fabrics. For colour, it's essential to take an inclusive
approach to nudes, as seen at brands such as Skims. See the
neutrals, browns and blacks from our S/S 22 core palette. H y pe Beachwear

Relevant for: swimsuits, bikinis, bodysuits

O YE S wimwear
Delivery: Summer 1
 Exaggerated Realities

Juan d e Dio s Punt amar

The concept: Bring exaggerated shapes from the digital world

into real life, offering a bold update on the Structured Forms
trend from our A/W 21/22 forecast. This is all about unique May gel Co r o nel

elements that stand out and can be worn #beyondthebeach.

Silhouette: Adding exaggerated structure to straps and hems is
the easiest way to elevate an item commercially. Removable
elements add transitional appeal, offering better cost per wear.
Self-fabric appliqué or ruffles on legs and hems add 3D
interest.
Colour: Use block colours and encourage mixing and matching
of styles via merchandising. See our S/S 22 Colour Forecast
for more direction.
Relevant for: swimwear, resort, cover-ups, beach-to-bar Bahia Mar ia

Drop: Summer 2 @t hef o lklo r e

 Cosmic Influences

O ser ee @nasa

The concept: For S/S 22, mystical and galactic themes will be
important inspiration points, influenced by rising interest in
astrology. Shimmer and shine can be used to create high- @mit o swimwear

impact summer pieces that seamlessly transition into A/W, and

this cross-seasonal longevity will also increase consumer
appeal.
Silhouette & details: One-pieces are great for showing off
galaxy themes on fabric or print. Use fabric manipulations
such as pleated accents to highlight shine on higher-price
product.
Materials & textiles:To achieve high-shine and metallic finishes
on recycled jersey, explore plastic-free laminates. Recycled
Lurex can be added to create an eco-conscious glitter finish. @esmesd r awer t o o

Relevant for: modular swimwear, cover-ups

Kend all Clar ke
Delivery: Summer 3
 Elevated Simplicity
The concept: Post-pandemic, retailers will seek quick wins with
silhouettes that consumers know and love. Drive newness in
core shapes by elevating construction and details. These
pieces will have style longevity and transseasonal appeal.
Fabric & construction: Add wellness qualities to high-ticket
items, such as fabrics infused with caffeine for reducing the
appearance of cellulite, or aloe to moisturise. Create subtle
cut-and-sews and contoured fits via intricate construction.
Explore bonded seams for elevated sporty looks and sleeker
E r nest Leo t y styles.
Design details: Focus on the straps and details of core shapes
to create sophisticated interest without detracting from the
elegant simplicity of the overall design.
Relevant for: sport, swim
Delivery: all deliveries

Pr ism

Ano t her Magazine E lka Regnt ø j N eiwai

 Influences
2 @lilmiquela
1 MITI
This fabric supplier innovates
in the latest technologies for
bio, infusion and recycled
fabrics for performance wear.
3 Maygel Coronel
Miquela is an avatar with
millions of social media
followers, and she has paved
the way for CGI models to
front fashion campaigns.
5 Defensive Textiles
Our comprehensive report
details textiles with added
benefits for health, hygiene,
healing – a must-read for
future fabric innovations.
4 Broochini
Leading the way with infusion
fabrics, Broochini embeds its
styles with both beauty and
wellness properties.
This Colombian swim brand
uses elegant, exaggerated
design details on its
#beyondthebeach pieces.
6 The Gem Goddess
This influencer, tarot reader
and crystal enthusiast runs
an online store for others to
buy into her spiritual lifestyle.
 WGSN Future Strategies 2022
The report timeline for WGSN's 2022 trends

FUTURE DRIVERS
Annual
November 2019

The global macro- Seasonal A/W 21/22:

Annual Oct 2019 – Feb 2020
economic drivers that

FUTURE INNOVATIONS
November 2019 Annual
will shape 2022, and Seasonal S/S 22:

TREND FORECASTS
strategies for success January 2020
The 12 areas of Apr 2020 – Aug 2020

BIG IDEAS
innovation that will lead Future Drivers and
transformation across Future Innovations Trend Forecasts present
industries in 2022, and contextualised for the the seasonal design
their implications for Fashion, Beauty, and directions for each
FUTURE CONSUMER

Annual business and culture department, with more

Lifestyle & Interiors
January 2020 than 40 reports
industries
published twice a year
The key consumer
sentiments and
profiles that will Fashion / Beauty / Lifestyle
disrupt industries in Fashion / Beauty / Lifestyle & Interiors only
2022 Insight / Fashion / & Interiors only
Lifestyle & Interiors only
Insight only

Business Strategy Product Design

 WGSN Future Strategies 2022
The trend matrix, from Future Drivers to Trend Forecasts
DRIVERS
FUTURE

The Fear Factor Climate Urgency Degrowth for Good Balancing Age Mass to Micro Global Power Shift Migratory Patterns

Digital Identities Digital Identities The Pleasure

INNOVATIONS

Principle Digital Identities

The Pleasure Principle Made in Nature
FUTURE

The Pleasure Principle

Creating Intimacy The Tactile Internet
Survival Mode The Tactile Internet Decolonisation
Time Affluence Pre-Futures
The Horror De-Materialisation
BIG IDEAS

Tech-Celleration Design Resolution Leverage

the Local
Selling Survival Pleasure With Purpose
FORECASTS

New Mythologies A/W 21/22 Conscious Clarity A/W 21/22 Phantasmagoria A/W 21/22
TREND

Connected S/S 22 Resourceful S/S 22 Euphoric S/S 22

Business Strategy Product Design