Wednesday, May 15, 2013

SwimAlong 2013: SCUBA Chic

Swimwear as daywear? The Fall 2013 runways shows were awash (haha) with swimwear and SCUBA inspired pieces. SCUBA Chic is totally a thing, and I want to show it to you.
Image from lyst.com
I think this colorblocked suit from Michael Kors hits the trend for me. It's sold out everywhere, but that's why we sew...
Image from lyst.com
The trend is inspired by SCUBA gear, so you'll see sporty elements like chunky plastic zippers and heavyweight, matte fabrics. Seams are in curvy, body-con shapes that accentuate a feminine figure.
Image from bardotstylefile.com
Colorblocking is huge, and fabrics are generally in vibrant, saturated solid colors paired with black. The rare print is graphic with strong geometric shapes. You won't see frills or florals here.

Ready to make your own SCUBA inspired piece?
Why not start with Jalie 3135? This pattern is asking to be colorblocked, and the zipper is already there for you!
Don't fancy a zip? Vintage Kwik Sew 810 has the SCUBA style high neckline and is already princess seamed, so the colorblocking is easy! I found it on Etsy here.
Jalie 3134 is a modern option with front stripe panels and a sporty racerback.

To really get an accurate SCUBA look, you need a heavier, matte fabric that will look like the neoprene used in typical SCUBA gear.
My preference is a Milliskin spandex with a matte finish. Spandex World has an assortment of colors, including this on trend neon green!

Accessorize with zippers and belting! 
To get the look you want, you'll need a #5 molded plastic zipper. These can be tricky to source in colors, but black is readily available.
For your belt, start with flat nylon webbing.  Sewn on a plastic snap buckle and you are ready to hit the surf!
Now if only I could find these shoes in my size...

14 comments:

Brooke said...

LOL - those heels! Wow! Too funny!

Great research and sources - thanks!

Catherine said...

Oh my! Those shoes are hilarious! Love them

Anonymous said...

I'm loving these images you brought together! I know I'd never wear it but I kinda want that whole body suit from Jalie.

Kimberly said...

I love this post. I actually need a skin suit pattern. My two oldest daughters turn purple in the water if we are in longer than about 30 minutes right now. I also think I'd love a SCUBA inspired piece. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'm with threedresses, that bodysuit thing would likely never get worn, but I want it anyway. Would it look too freakish at the pool? ;-) And I love those flipper-shoes, how cool are those?!

KID, MD said...

Aren't they a riot! I had to include them!

KID, MD said...

So funny, right?! I can't believe they really exist!

KID, MD said...

So tempted to buy that one, but with no real use for it either. Surely at some point someone around here will need a wetsuit, right?!

KID, MD said...

Yay! I'm so glad it was useful to you! I'm planning a SCUBA piece for my daughter as well. Can't wait to see yours!

KID, MD said...

I think the bodysuit would be awesome, complete with flipper shoes! I want that bodysuit pattern too. Something about it keeps saying "buy me"...

Loran said...

I HAD that suit at the top, the pink/black, back in about 1992. The belts remind me of the workout wear the cast in Jane Fonda workout videos wore : ) Fun stuff!

KID, MD said...

LOL! It's definitely all coming back around, isn't it?

Brendaintheboro said...

Back in the 60's I made a wetsuit from neoprene. It was glued together.Only colour was black.No pattern available so it was a bit trial and error.It was needed in the cold Northsea,. Happy days. Thanks for the memories you have evoked.

KID, MD said...

Awesome!! Bet that was an adventure in many ways.