Beachwear includes items of apparel or accessoriesspecifically for use at the beach. Though this particular segment of clothingis still in infancy stage in India, but the global market provides a tremendousscope for developments and research in this field. With the advantage ofvarious factors such as easy availability of raw materials, strong base oftraditional textile art, the Indian market can definitely make a mark in thissegment of clothing too.


Designing of any product specifically clothing line requiresvarious factors which now is not an option but a necessity. Accordingly today'sglobally oriented consumer looks for the following in any design:


  • Comfort
  • Design
  • Fit
  • Utility
  • Cost


Functionality of material used, performance of textile andfit of the swimwear are important factors to be considered while designing forswimwear. Transformability of beachwear into casual wear or lounge wear isanother growing trend and demand among consumers.


Designing and promotion of this category of body wear is stilla taboo. The requirement for this garment may be minimal but cannot be ignored.It is high time we got it out of the closet and gave it its due share ofrecognition.


To further reinforce on the lack of innovations taking placein this segment the researcher conducted a survey to assess and evaluate theprevailing trends in beachwear specifically in terms of design features andfabric use.


The investigation showed that there is stagnancy in thedesign factor of the beachwear flooding the commercial market today. Also restrictionin usage of innovative fabrics for beachwear is another area that can be lookedinto, to give the customer a perfect blend of design with comfort andfunctionality- the mantra for global success today.


Aim of the survey


The study aimed to determine the current trends in beachwearin terms of functional and structural features.


Objectives


  • To conduct a survey of retail stores located in Bangalore specifically dealing with sportswear, beachwear and activewear.
  • To assess the current market trend in terms of fabric use in beachwear.
  • To evaluate the design features prevailing in beachwear in todays market.


A schedule was used and the data was collected from 20retailers dealing with beachwear located in Bangalore.

 

Results and Discussion


Graph 1: Specific demand of the consumer


The graph depicts that 60% of the respondents felt that comfort was an important demand of the consumers in their beachwear followed by 45% for them preferring functional purpose of the beachwear as important. These factors can be kept in mind when designing and developing a beachwear collection.


Graph 2: Trend in structural design feature of beachwear


The graph shows that the most commonly used features are halter necks, tie ups in the form of strings and straps. Hence it can be concluded that there is definitely an opportunity to impact the global and domestic market with new design features that adhere to the aesthetic and comfort factor as well.


Graph 3: Fabrics Used for Beachwear:


The graph shows that experimentation with fabrics has not yet been introduced in to the consumer market and there is a vast possibility of offering the customer a wider variety to choose from by using new range of fabrics. Hence the result of the survey concludes the following:

 

  1. The data showed the commonly used design features were halter neck, tank tops, straps and strings were frequently used.
  2. Lycra, Knits and natural fabrics like cotton are the commonly used fabrics.


Conclusion


Hence it is evident that there is remarkable scope for experimentation and introducing new innovative design features (both structural and functional). Further any products developed with functional novelty will be accepted as well as lead to a definite demand and have an impact on the free trade global as well as domestic scenario.


About the Authors


Geetha Rai is M.Sc., PGD in International Trade, M. Phil, HOD, Baldwin Women's Methodist College, Bangalore and Dr. S. Kauvery Bai, M.Sc., M.Phil, Phd, Professor, Department of Textiles & Clothing, Smt VHD Central Institute of Home Science, Bangalore.