Swimwear manufacturers have set their sights on reaching a new highwater mark for Cruise '98. Riding the wave of a strong selling season, designers have embellished on the jewels of '97 and borrowed inspiration from the latest ready-to-wear gems. The result is an irresistible crop of swimsuits which is fine-tuned to fashion trends and anchored in wearability.

Decidedly soft and unusual silhouettes bring interest to the '98 season. Top news celebrates a more natural bustline with tube tops, draped "cowl" necklines and asymmetrical one-shoulder maillots. Cami-tops and baby doll looks with empire waistlines borrow inspiration from the lingerie drawer. Hidden control panels and liners with extra Lycra(r) spandex bring waistline relief by gently sculpting the female physique.

For juniors, drawstring ties, keyhole treatments and reversible fabrics update the top-selling apron halter. The full trunk hipster bottom rejuvenates the popular boycut short and cut-out bodies shake up the traditional tank. Camouflaging wraps and coordinating coverups take bathing beauties from poolside to party.

From caffe latte to espresso, the swimwear palette is energized with brown as the new neutral. Brown replaces black almost completely and looks most directional when paired with fashion's freshest hues of periwinkle and pistachio.

Soft, pretty colors look right for Cruise '98, including splashes of violet, pink and baby blue pastels.

All of these colors and styles appear within four key trends which bring news to the '98 swimwear season. They are best interpreted in fabric blends of silky-soft Tactel(r) nylon, lustrous Antron(r) nylon and cottony-soft Supplex(r) nylon, all blended with Lycra form a beautiful, body-caressing fit that moves with the wearer.

Hot Swirls

The house of Missani becomes the style inspiration for fashionable sun worshippers. The signature knitwear--with its tell-tale bands, swirls and stripes of color--is translated to a dazzling array of swimwear prints in every imaginable color combination. Zigzag patterns look haute couture in blends of Antron with Lycra for brilliant color clarity and a sensuous, second-skin fit.

True Romance

Swimwear designers are seeing American shores through rose-tinted glasses for Cruise '98. Tulip and rose prints spring up among sweet stripes and pretty plaids. Heart prints and decals and gingham checks are shameless flirts, especially with ruffle edging and lace accents. Painterly Monet-inspired florals, rich lace and printed mesh overlays speak to the sophisticated side of true romance.

Surf's Up

Surfer looks hit the beach with tidal wave force. Technoactive tanks and two-pieces with scuba stripes, racy piping and bold logo branding are cut to fit like a glove in lightweight, quick-drying blends of Supplex with Lycra. Performance spectators look ready for action with sleek zipper detailing, jolts of metallic silver and board short bottoms.

Block Party

Bold, graphic shapes are stacked in striking color combinations such as cool blues, greens and purples paired with hot chocolate. Swimwear designers utilize color blocking with artistic precision to sculpt a sleek hourglass silhouette. Squares, rectangles and swirls stay sharp and crisp in color-rich blends of Tactel and Lycra.

Special thanks to DuPont for its insights into the 1998 swimwear season.