We all know that fashion comes and goes. Trends keep us on our toes, but they also say something about the social climate we live in. And, that doesn’t exclude bathing suits.

Clothing for swimming, bathing, and seaside wear has been an important and influential area of fashionable dress since the late nineteenth century. The evolution of swimming and bathing costumes has been closely associated with trends in mainstream fashion and advancements in textile technology, but has also reflected broader societal attitudes about personal hygiene, body exposure and modesty, and whether or not it was appropriate for women to participate in active sports.

Entering the swimwear market requires an understanding of the industry and its history. For instance, bikinis are not a modern invention. A fourth-century Greek mural depicts girls wearing two-piece outfits. Still, swimwear took centuries to go from covering the entire body to the styles currently available. This evolution is representative of the changes that have occurred in the swimsuit industry. Recognizing these changes and current trends will ensure that your business is ready for the future of swimwear.

Around sixty years ago, the world’s first bikini made its debut at a poolside fashion show in Paris. The swimsuit is now so ubiquitous that it’s hard to comprehend how shocking people once found it. When the bikini first arrived, its revealing cut scandalized even the French fashion models who were supposed to wear it; they refused, and the original designer had to enlist a stripper instead.

Callista Gifford-DeHart, founder and owner of Blue Coral Swimwear, understands importance of a good, well-fitting bikini and swimsuit.

Blue Coral Swimwear started in Delray Beach Florida three years ago, but Callista started right here in Western New York. The up and coming women’s swimwear line focuses on unique designs that flatter different features on women, all while providing support and quality that makes it truly unique.

Callista Gifford-DeHart was raised in nearby Pavilion, went to Genesee Community College, and graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She went on to earn an MBA from Kaplan University and comes from a family of small business owners.

Her determination, creativity, and smarts led her to become a Quality Supervisor for the nation’s largest bedding manufacture. But, while she made her way through the corporate world, her childhood fascination with swimwear drove her to indulge in her passion.

She often made yearly trips to see her grandparents in Tarpon Springs Florida, just north of Tampa. On every visit she would also have to see what the latest swimwear trends were and purchase either a new summer swimsuit or cover up.

Once she moved to Florida she noticed a trend. A lot of women’s swimsuits looked the same.  She became tired of seeing the same thing over and over again and wanted something different.

Callista’s style can best be described as eclectic. She feels fashion and creates from her emotions like a painter creating a masterpiece. She grew up idolizing the fashion styles of Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel and their ability to create sophistication and make breathtaking statements through nuanced styling.

Those ideas can be seen through her two current lines of swimwear, and the new upcoming ‘Summer Romance’ line that will be released in the Spring of 2018.

If you swim regularly, you’ll know that the materials used in fabrication are very important when it comes to choosing your swimwear. This is why the top swimwear manufacturers invest a great deal of money in researching and developing new materials that can help you improve your performance, comfort levels and the longevity of your suit. For those of us who have rarely thought about why this is so crucial to swimwear design, below you will find a comprehensive guide to the different types of technical materials used by the top swimwear brands and why they are used.

Sexiness isn’t about being young, hot and wearing a bikini. It’s about being powerful and feeling like you belong in your skin and it feels good. Your bikini should complement your style, and they should work to frame your body.

Blue Coral Swimwear and Callista Gifford-Dehart are focused on making women feel beautiful in their own skin. Callista’s experience in manufacturing and sewing ensures that these manufactured in America women’s swimsuits and cover ups will last many seasons.