e benefits based on shapes and sizes. Introduced by Dupont Lycra and The Swimwear Manufacturers Association, the name of the new system is Suitable Solutions. The idea is to create a standard that all manufacturers will use which will, in turn, simplify the swimsuit buying process. As the economy improves, people are treating themselves to more frequent vacations in warm destinations. This trend is spawning a large number of new styles. Like many other designers, Nautica introduced a line of mix-and-match suits. As Robert Wolf, Spokesman for Nautica Swimwear says We are no longer living in that fantasy where a women with a size 8 top wears a size 8 bottom. Women can now customize various shapes, styles and sizes for the top and bottom. This trend has lead to the introduction of styles such as the tankini, bandini, and the camikini. These styles mix bikini bottoms with a tank top, bandeau top, or a camisole respectively. The tankini now accounts for 30% of bathing suit sales. As the creator of the Anne Cole line of bathing suits and the widely acknowledged creator of the tankini, Cole has been selling bathing suits for years. When asked how women have changed in the last 50 years, Cole says The average size was a 12 to 14 Now when I go to Bloomindales, the 6,8,10 sizes sell out first. She attributes this change to the exercise era. FutureWe can expect three main changes to take place over the next five years. Firstly, the increasing size of many North Americans will impact various aspects of the swimsuit industry. Secondly, the performance industry will become more focused on research and development in order to remain competitive in the market. Thirdly, health concerns related to sunbathing will increase and potentially cause a drastic redesign of the bathing suit. Increasing ObesityThe size of the average American is rapidly increasing, as shown by the following facts: 63% of men and 55% of women over the age of 25 are overwei...
