What is Colombian swimwear?
Colombian swimwear refers to the vibrant, colorful bikinis and one-piece bathing suits that have become iconic of Colombia’s beach culture. Characterized by lively tropical prints and embellishments like ruffles, tassels, and pom poms, Colombian swimwear embraces the nation’s festive spirit and love of the sea.
Colombia offers gorgeous beaches and resort destinations like Cartagena that draw tourists seeking sun, sand, and the vibrant energy of Latin culture. These tropical getaways call for fashionable swimsuits embracing sensual silhouettes with lively colors and prints. Colombian swimwear brands understand this market, delivering trendy bikini styles catering to the local aesthetic.
Key Elements that Define Colombian Bikini Style
When curating the quintessential Colombian bikini look, include these signature details:
- Vibrant colors and prints – Choose lively hues like ruby red, sunflower yellow, or aqua blue. Mix in vibrant floral and tropical prints. Both solids and prints make bold statements.
- Strategic skin revealing – Flaunt assets with strategic cuts outs, high-leg bottoms, and plunging necklines. Show off bronzed skin against brightly colored fabrics.
- Feminine accents – Add soft ruffled trims, dainty lace accents, or delicate jewelry-like hardware. These touches play up sensual allure.
- Artisanal embellishments – Incorporate handcrafted details like crochet, macramé, fringe, or delicate beadwork. This nods to traditional Latin folk art.
- Retro pin-up silhouettes – Try high-waisted bottoms, sweetheart bustlines, halter ties, and flirty skirted cuts. These reference 1950s glamor for va-va-voom curves.
Popular Bikini Styles in Colombia
Colombian women favor revealing bikini cuts in lively hues and patterns that complement their curves and bronze skin tones. Common styles include:
Teeny Tiny Bikinis
Skimpy bikini variations like micros, slingshots, and Brazilian cuts expose lots of skin. Neutrals like black and white or vivid neons keep these itsy bitsy suits sizzling hot.
High-Leg Bikinis
High-cut bikini bottoms with narrow strips over the hips create the illusion of longer legs. This style elongates the figure.
Thong & G-String Bikinis
Cheeky bottoms including thongs, G-strings, and tangas bare the rear for that perfect tan line. These suits highlight the curves.
Bandeau Bikini Tops
Straight-across bandeau tops offer clean, simple coverage up top to balance skimpy bottoms. Built-in support structures keep these tube tops in place.
One-Shoulder Bikini Tops
Asymmetrical one-shoulder bikini tops add modern style. The single strap and angular lines create visual intrigue and shapely dimension.
Ruffled Bikinis
Flirtatious ruffles trimming bikini tops, bottoms, and connectors feminize silhouettes. The touch of texture plays up figure flattery and softness.
Popular Colombian Swimwear Brands
Leading swimwear labels designing bikinis with trendy Colombian style include:
Agua Bendita
Known for: Whimsical prints, ruffles, boho-chic style
This popular Colombian swimwear brand takes inspiration from the culture’s artisanal motifs and vibrant spirit. Creative placements of ruffles on bandeaus, one-pieces, and two-pieces create flattering feminine silhouettes. Eye-catching kaleidoscopic prints and embellishments enhance the artful aesthetic.
Aquarela
Known for: Innovative fabrics, sporty cuts, mix & match
Founded by former Miss Colombia Valerie Dominguez, Aquarela focuses on stylish sport swimsuits with technical performance features. State-of-the-art fabrics provide coverage and control during rigorous watersports while still looking sexy. The coordinating mix-and-match pieces promote easy style versatility.
Maaji
Known for: Vibrant prints, reversible styles, mix & match
Maaji bikinis feature explosively fun prints drawing from Colombia’s abundant tropical flowers and fauna. Many pieces are reversible with contrasting prints on interior lining. Collectible seashell tags on the mix-and-match separates inspire building personalized swim wardrobes.
Bahia Maria
Known for: Artisanal details, handcrafted touches, ethical production
This eco-conscious label supports local indigenous artisans by incorporating handmade macramé and crochet touches on its swimsuits. Natural fabrics and vegetable dye prints channel Bahia Maria’s sustainable mission. Free-spirited silhouettes include fringe, lace, embroidery and tassel trims.
Mercedita
Known for:Retro pin-up style, cheeky cuts, figure-enhancing details
Mercedita celebrates voluptuous femininity taking cues from vintage 1950s glamor. Strategic ruching, gentle push-up padding, and flirty frills sculpt incredibly flattering fits. Signature details like flounced bustlines, belted waists, and ruched rear coverage enhance womanly assets.
Where to Shop for Bikinis in Colombia’s Top Destinations
When traveling to leading Colombian destinations, visit these boutiques for the best local and international swimwear labels:
Cartagena
- Agua Bendita retail stores
- Boca Chica swim shop at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
- Boutique artisan shops in Getsemani neighborhood
Santa Marta
- La Tienda de Celia at Hotel Irotama
- Plaza de Mercado vendors
San Andres Island
- Sun & Sea Beachwear shops
- New Monaco Duty Free stores
- La Riviera swimwear shop
How Colombian Women Style Bikinis
From the beach to the disco, Colombian women know how to rock tiny bikinis with high fashion flair. Here’s the inside scoop on how locals wear it best:
As Beachwear
At the beach and poolside, the micro bikini reigns supreme, showing off enviable gym-honed bodies. Splashes of gold jewelry complement deep tans. Loose waves or tousled top knots complete the sexy relaxed vibe.
As Bodysuits
At clubs and parties, bandeau tops or cropped triangle tops substitute for shirts, layered under cropped denim vests. High-waisted cutoffs balance itsy bitsy bottoms. Sky-high wedges elongate the legs.
With Streetwear
Around town, go boho chic wearing crochet cover-ups or lace kimono styles over bikini tops with cutoff shorts. Finish with woven sandals and circle bags for casual tropical flair.
How Different Body Shapes Can Flatter Themselves
Colombian women expertly accentuate their best assets by selecting cuts made to flatter their individual shape:
Hourglass figures
Balanced proportions mean hourglass bodies look amazing in almost any bikini style. Great options include halter tops to show off the shoulders and neckline, sweetheart bustlines to accentuate the chest, and mid- to high-rise bottoms to highlight the waist.
Pear figures
Balance bottom-heavy pears by directing attention upwards with patterned or brightly colored tops plus embellished bust details. Pair with solid color bottoms in dark shades to slenderize hips and legs.
Boyish figures
Create the illusion of womanly curves on straight figures with ruffles, peplum tops, push-up pads, and diagonal draping. Bottoms should sit higher on the waist to emulate an hourglass. Add dainty jewelry and accessories.
Petite figures
Elongate the silhouette of small frames with high-cut leg openings, horizontal color blocking, and bikini straps extended into a crossback. Bandeaus streamline and balance proportions.
Athletic figures
Show off toned abs and muscular shoulders/legs with strappy cage-style tops, simple bandeaus, and scanty Brazilian bottoms.
Plus size figures
Flatter fuller figures by supporting and contouring curves. Underwire tops offer heavy bust support while ruched gathering slims the waist. High-waisted bottoms smooth hips.
Year-Round Swimwear Trends in Colombia
Thanks to balmy weather along extensive coastlines, beaches bustle with bikini-clad locals year-round. The swimwear trends shift from season to season:
Summer (December to March)
Peak swim season means flaunting newly streamlined bikini bodies after winter hibernation. Itsy teeny bikinis in neon brights make bold statements poolside. Metallics add glam.
Fall (March to May)
As temperatures decline slightly in autumn, warm hues like ruby reds, blazing oranges and sunny yellows infuse energy. Crochet cover-ups layer over swimwear.
Winter (June to August)
The “cool” dry winter motivates wearing hot looks like strappy caged tops and cheeky bottoms to raise temperatures. Deep jewel tones like emerald and sapphire match moodier skies.
Spring (August to November)
Blossoming florals usher optimism in spring while crisp whites refresh. Soft pastels and sorbet brights signal renewal. Whimsical ruffles adorn bikini straps and trim.
Accessorizing Swimwear the Colombian Way
Beyond the swimsuit itself, Colombian women amplify their beachside flair by incorporating signature accessories:
Statement Sunglasses
Oversize frames with mirrored lenses or vibrant transparent hues make bold accessories for blocking sun and attracting attention. Popular styles feature round, butterfly or cat eye shapes.
Wide Brim Hats
In aspirational vacation mode, everyone dons a classic straw sunhat. The traditional woven material nods to artisan heritage. Deep crowns provide face shade from intense rays.
Beach Tunics & Cover Ups
Breezy cotton tunics, crochet ponchos, or lace kimonos layered over a bikini add bohemian vibes. These light covers easily pull on to enter shops and restaurants near the sand while still looking stylish.
Jewelry
Delicate gold necklaces bearing pendants, shell charms, and nautical symbols complement deep tans. Stacked bangles or carved cuffs add artisanal flair. Body chains and anklets elongate the frame.
Tote Bags
Colorful woven totes big enough to hold beach essentials like sunscreen, magazines, and snacks tout laidback practicality. Waterproof leather or woven plastic options keep items dry inside.
Caring for Swimsuits in Colombia’s Climate
To preserve beloved bikinis when living or vacationing in hot, humid Colombian weather:
Control Sun Exposure
Shield swimwear from bleach staining and fading by limiting direct sun contact. Wear cover ups when not swimming. Seek shade breaks under umbrellas.
Rinse Chlorine/Saltwater Residues
Rinsing suits in fresh water after swimming removes drying chloride and salt compounds that degrade delicate fabrics. Carry a small towel for quick on-site wipe downs.
