Thinking about next summer’s swimsuit, even though winter just started? Well, this is the best time to see what the coming trends are, and most fashion magazines are already shooting summer spreads. Before you head out to the store, keep in mind what the trends are going to be, and which designers to watch for. Which is why choosing one piece swimsuits is not an easy task. You need to consider various factors that will help you in getting the best swimwear for you.

The bikini has become one of the most recognizable swimsuits in summer fashion. Most department stores will tell you that the bikini is the highest-selling swimsuit bought by young women. In the sixty years since the first bikini, it has continued to get smaller and smaller, even though becoming the worlds best-selling swimsuit fashion. When the bikini first came out, many people believed that only extroverted women would accept it. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that women in the United States, with the influence of the media and Hollywood, quickly started accepting bikini fashions.

Swimsuit trends are influenced by many factors; media, celebrities, the Internet, and reality television shows. Location is also important, in that climate plays a good part in analyzing swimsuit trends. Not only is a region important to swimsuit sales, but also economical conditions. A coastal state like California is considered pretty influential on swimwear trends and sales, whereas a state that may not have such a warm climate does not.

The emergence of fashion or gossip magazines and reality television shows has influenced swimwear trends, based on media and celebrity endorsements. A swimwear trend among juniors is based largely on MTV and shows geared to that age group. While MTV is considered music television, it had shifted its focus from music to reality TV, fashion shows, contest shows, and other ‘real-life’ events. One recent show on MTV is a real teen drama based out of Laguna Beach, California titled “Laguna Beach”. This show was based on the beach and therefore constantly showing rich, young girls in all the coolest bathing suits.

Shows like Laguna Beach, America’s Next Top Model, The OC, or even Dr. 90210, a reality-based show on the plastic surgery world in Beverly Hills fixing everyone’s imperfect bodies, all have an effect on swimwear fashions worn by women around the world. Music videos are also known for showing women living the glamorous life, mostly dressed in bikinis.

For the summer of 2007, there are many trends to watch for. Swimsuit silhouettes describe the shape of the suit; for example, triangle top, tie-side, tankini, etc.

Junior swimwear incorporates popular bikini silhouette tops such as halter-tops, triangle tops and bandeau tops with popular silhouette bottoms such as tie-side, scoop bottom, and hipsters, also known as “boy shorts”. Fabrics used in swimsuits include cotton Lycra, Lycra, microfiber, nylon spandex, and tricot. Lycra is the most basic and commonly used swimsuit material. Tricot is usually used with solid palettes and is known as a “better’ fabric for swimwear.

Swimsuits can be found in a variety of patterns and textures. Some popular prints for 2007 will be animal prints, art deco, polka dots, and geometric shapes. New textures will also include braiding, ruffling and metallic. Along with texture, many swimsuits will feature accent pieces such as jewels, beading, metals, lace, overlay, and appliqués.

The color palette of 2007 swimsuits will be influenced by the inspiration of designers as well and current color trends. This season, look for colors that are rich and vibrant. Jewel tones, such as emerald, steel blue, bronze, chocolate, are going to make a splash in retail stores. As with any season, the main colors, black and white, will still be available with the jewel-like colors as accent pieces, or maybe worn plain. The inspiration for most suits will range from feminine to nautical, including glamorous, vintage, or retro looks as well.

So before you plan on shopping for your next swimsuit, check out the trends and colors to get an idea of how to look hip and trendy for a low price. If you know what to look for, you don’t need to break the bank to look like a million bucks.