Prints of tides: Bright graphics and patterns on trend for summer swimwear

Take a dive into gingham or floral this summer.

Your bathing suit doesn’t have to be plain. Go for bold hues — even designs inspired by art.

“Bright prints and patterns are always on trend when it comes to swimwear,” says Kay-Lin Richardson, director of sales at Panache Swimwear. “Just like with your apparel and accessories, swimsuits are a way to express your individual style and also show off the latest trends. What’s more, prints and patterns are also a practical way to draw the eye to your best assets and distract from any lumps or bumps that you’re looking to hide.”

It’s also fun to mix-and-match prints with solids or other complementary patterns, if you are daring, Richardson says.

Swimwear is the perfect place to experiment with colors, too, as anything goes on the beach, she says.

Bold and bright hues are energizing, says Mary Rose MacKinnon, L.L. Bean spokeswoman, because they are active, festive and joyful. They can make a statement that is mood-lifting, carefree and whimsical.

Bright florals announce that summer is in full bloom and it’s time to head outside for sun, sand and surf, MacKinnon says.

Bold patterns can draw attention to your best features, and pull the eyes away from those less-spectacular spots.

There are even swimsuits with patterns that represent art, such as Revolve, which paired with top influencers to interpret and design swimwear with inspiration from Jamaica’s vibrant culture. Yanvalou Designs company showcases original Haitian art licensed from Haitian master Frantz Zephirin and internationally renowned contemporary artists and emerging artists Pizaro and Ras Kimy.

“Prints and patterns are ways to express yourself, be different,” says company founder Ben Wilson. “Yanvalou Designs takes this to the next level. Our prints are works of art and conversation pieces.”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-320-7889 or jharrop@tribweb.com.