Canada : Swimco plaid patterns plays new role

November 26, 2007

Top swimwear brands are kicking off their kilts and proudly presenting plaid on everything from tiny bikinis, to long boardshorts, to perfectly fitting tankinis. Plaid swimwear and beachwear is one of the hottest ways for winter vacationers to hop into beach-ready fashion.

Starting in November 2007, plaid patterns are the surest way for sun-seeking vacationers to show their fashion savvy at the beach, resort pool or cruiseship deck. Colours have marched well beyond the ho-hum of red and green tartans, to a limitless list of options including black with vibrant aqua and red, and royal blue jewel tone with accents of white and navy.

Plaid swimwear is bringing traditional patterns forward into today's fashion by using bright tones, metallic trim and youthful colour combinations.

"You can change your personal style by choosing a delicate cowgirl plaid or great big European-inspired tartan", commented Elisa Jacobs, Swimco's buyer for junior styles. Brands to look for include Roxy, JAG, Hurley, Billabong, Raisins and Quiksilver.

Plaid is a pattern with centuries of history, often used to identify a family's heritage. In the past, plaid kilts were worn as early as the 1500's and featured "tartan" patterns woven out of dark wool with sparse usage of expensive coloured wool. Traditions were established when tartans were associated as a family badge of loyalty.

In the 1970s, plaid turned from conservative looks to punk-appeal when funky fashion leaders began wearing it to make a statement. This pattern is associated with old-school images of golfers, private schools and royalty.

Ironically, when worn in today's splashy combinations, it shows the wearer's preppy fashion sense. With today's unique colour groupings, combined with fine swimwear styles, plaid is chic.

Swimco is proud to be Western Canada's leading swimwear retailer, with 13 stores and nearly 150 employees. Lori Bacon, her husband Dave Bacon, and her brother Steve Forseth are at the helm, steering the company with the same family values that started it all 33 years ago.

Swimco