Swedish Swimsuit: Bikini Styles, Brands & More

What Is Swedish Swimwear?

Swedish swimwear refers to bathing suits and bikinis that originate from or are designed in Sweden. The main characteristics of Swedish swimwear are simplicity, functionality, and an appreciation for natural fabrics and forms.

Sweden has made significant contributions to the evolution of the modern swimsuit for women. Swedish brands lead innovation in functional fabric technology, forward-thinking silhouettes focused on comfort and confidence, and sustainability initiatives in swimwear manufacturing.

History of Swimsuits in Sweden

Swimming and aquatic sports hold an integral role in Swedish culture tracing back over a century. Swedes embrace swimming and sunbathing during long summer days when the weather allows. Their affinity for water activities has fueled innovations in swimsuit designs catering to athletic functionality.

Timeline of notable events in Sweden’s swimsuit history include:

• Early 1900s – Wool swimsuits in dark hues become popular aquatic attire.
• 1930s – Formfitting maillot styles gain traction inspired by olympians.
• 1940s – Pin-up girl style swimsuits with bare shoulders and legs emerge.
• 1950s – Strapless, sweetheart bikini tops increase for tanning purposes.
• 1960s – String bikini introduced; views on modesty relax as Swedish society becomes more liberal.
• 1970s – Athletic nylon swimsuits gain adoption for sport usage.
• 1980s – Fluorescent, high-cut swimsuits come into fashion.
• 1990s – Minimalist styles focusing on clean lines and functionality take hold.

Common themes across the evolution of Swedish swimwear include athletic performance, feminine functionality, figure-flattering silhouettes, bold colors and prints, strappy details, and enduring quality.

Iconic Swedish Swimsuit Brands

Several Swedish swimwear labels lead global innovation in functional fabrics, inclusive sizing, sustainability, and digitally-printed designs catering to athletic builds.

Speedo

Founded in Stockholm in 1927, Speedo creates performance swimsuits worn by Olympians and competitive swimmers worldwide. They pioneered the use of nylon and elastic fabrics for improved flexibility and streamlining. Notable innovations include:

• First nylon competition swimsuit (1956)
• UV-protectant fabrics (1996)
• Water-repellant “Aquablade” fabric (2016)
• Fastskin LZR Racer line worn for record swimming times

Today, Speedo continues advancing performance swimwear technology from their design studio in Sweden.

Panos Emporio

Since its inception in 1984, Panos Emporio has won acclaim for its athleisure-inspired swimsuits made in Sweden. Beyond cuts flattering taller Nordic builds, the brand stays at the forefront of fabric innovation. Notable achievements include:

• High-tech fabric made from recycled plastic bottles
• Digitally printed designs embedded into fabric
• Patented support system replacing underwire and padding
• Range of size-inclusive and mastectomy suits

Sweden Swim

Founded in 2017, Sweden Swim exemplifies modern Scandinavian style with minimalist bikini separates focused on clean lines. The suits come sustainably made using recycled nylon fabrics and renewable pine tree wood pulp.

Boob Design

This intimates label founded in Gothenburg creates swim tops with wireless molded cups providing fuller bust support up to a K cup. Their signature adjustable designs allow women comfortable movement during vigorous activity.

Common Styles & Features of Swedish Swimsuits

While international trends influence Swedish swimwear designs, several signature elements recur frequently across brands:

Athletic Inspiration

Many Swedish swimsuits borrow functional features from activewear to optimize athletic performance. These include:

• Sporty, non-padded tops – Flattering athletic shapes like crop, racerback, crossback, or U-necklines
• Lower torso coverage – Higher-rising bikini bottoms or shorts for secure leg movement
• Technical quick-drying fabrics like nylon/Lycra blends
• Built-in compression for bust support without underwire

Sustainability

Eco-conscious manufacturing plays a key role across Swedish swim brands today. Common initiatives include:

• Using regenerated nylon made from recycled plastic waste
• Fabrics derived from natural materials like algae or pine pulp cellulose
• Non-toxic dyes that minimize water waste in production
• Ethical manufacturing policies and supply chain transparency

Inclusive Sizing

Size diversity receives greater attention in Swedish swimwear lines through extended size ranges and adjustable styling features. These include:

• Extended sizing – caters to petite, tall, curvy, and plus size body types
• Mastectomy suits – pockets and customizable prosthetic inserts
• Adjustability elements – straps, hooks, drawstrings
• Removable pads, belts, straps

This thoughtful inclusiveness allows more women to access well-fitting, stylish swim options.

Digitally Printed Patterns

Advancements in digital textile printing technologies have opened up limitless aesthetic design possibilities. Swedish brands like Panos Emporio lead the way printing abstract prints, swirling graphics and nature scapes directly into the fabric itself for vivid, lasting color saturation.

1970s Retro Revival Styling

Many swedish bikinis and one-pieces showcase elements of 1970’s vintage style. Common throwback features include:

• High-cut bikini legs and one-piece legs
• Plunging sweetheart, V-neck, scoop and square necklines
• Thick shoulder straps
• Bold contrast piping details
• Retro botanical prints and color-blocking

These nostalgic touches offer modern interpretations of a classic Swedish aesthetic.

What Are The Sustainable Manufacturing Practices of Swedish Swimwear?

Sweden leads in sustainable production methods for swimwear as part of an eco-conscious cultural mindset. Common initiatives include:

Econyl Regenerated Nylon

Today over 35 Swedish swim brands utilize Econyl made 100% from recycled materials like fishing nets and textile scraps. This infinitely reusable nylon fabric feels soft while preventing waste from entering landfills and oceans.

Reduced Microplastics Shedding

New standards limit microplastics pollution from synthetic fabrics entering waterways during production and everyday wear. Swedish brands focus on durable fabric construction and nanoparticles to minimize environmental shedding.

Renewable Materials

Some product lines utilize wood pulp from sustainable pine tree farming rather than petroleum to produce swim fabric. The renewable plant-based cellulose offers a biodegradable alternative.

Ethical Manufacturing

Many Swedish companies oversee their own domestic manufacturing rather than rely on exploitive offshore factories with lax labor policies. Worker well-being and fair wages take priority.

What Are The Trends & Innovations of Swedish Swimwear?

Swedish swimwear brands continually further performance features, inclusive sizing, digitally-printed designs, and sustainability through key innovations like:

Fabric Technology

Technical advances enable fabrics to stay chlorine-proof, offer UPF sun protection, retain shape through countless wears and machine cycles, and dry quickly after ocean swims or pool sessions.

Adjustability & Customization

Removable pads, cinchable straps, changeable necklines, and modular components allow women to adapt swimsuit silhouettes for personalized flattery and security during vigorous activity.

Digital Pattern Printing

Digitally printed graphics fused directly into the fabric itself create stunning high-definition visual effects no traditional dying technique can replicate. The colors remain vibrant even after extensive washings.

Size Expansions

Extended sizing charts and adjustable elements provide more women access to well-fitting stylish swimsuits accommodating diverse body shapes and proportions.

Eco Materials

Next-gen eco-materials transform recycled fishing nets, car tires, and wood pulp into luxe sustainable nylon fabrics indistinguishable from conventional textiles.

Smart Minimalism

Understated Scandinavian aesthetic sees renewed popularity as women embrace simplistic bikini separates that can easily mix-and-match into multiple stylish outfits.

Where Swedes Buy Swimwear Domestically

When sourcing swimsuits within Sweden itself, popular retail channels include:

Department Stores

Swedish department store chains like Åhléns and Nordstrom offer conveninent one-stop swimwear shopping with inclusive sizing. Their buyer teams curate selections from both domestic and international brands across price points.

Specialty Lingerie Boutiques

Intimate apparel shops carry bra-sized swim tops supporting larger cup sizes along with mix-and-match bottoms. These stores focus specifically on expert fittings.

Sporting Goods Stores

Performance athletic chains often sell technical swim separates ideal for training laps and outdoor water sports.

Resort Shop Boutiques

Upscale resort destinations stock vacation-ready swimsuits from European designers unavailable through mainstream stores.

Factory Outlets

Brand-direct factory stores located off the beaten track access overstock past season merch at substantial discounts.

Online Retailers

Ecommerce sites based domestically ship affordably within Sweden itself bypassing customs duties.

Size Standards & Measurement Conversions for Swedish Swimwear

Understanding European size charts proves essential for finding the optimal swimsuit fit. Swedish brands adhere to the continental EU clothing size system.

Women’s Size Chart

Tops sized by bra cups generally align across regions. But pay attention to DD+ labeling variants to ensure accurate fit. Some brands offer extended size charts.

Measurement Conversions

Meticulously following the centimeter format on Swedish size guides ensures the best-fitting suit silhouette.

Quick conversion estimates:

• 2.5 cm = 1 inch
• 1 inch = 2.54 cm

Or reference detailed international measurement conversion tools to translate specs perfectly.

Duty & Taxes Considerations for Buying From Swedish Swimsuit Brands

Import regulations vary by country regarding applicable fees when ordering swimwear internationally online for delivery beyond EU borders:

Duties

Textiles like swimsuits may incur import duties ranging 5-12% assessed on the combined value of merchandise + shipping + insurance.

VAT Taxes

Value-added taxes add around 15-20% to prices at checkout then later get refunded as deferred taxes. This temporary charge balances once the parcel clears customs.

Customs Processing Fees

Expect to pay customs brokerage fees around $20-40 levied by courier companies like DHL, FedEx etc. on international packages.

Verify regulations for your specific situation and retain all receipts to track costs for any reimbursements later on taxes initially charged then waived.