‘They Smooth Out Every Curve.’ Why Popcorn Swimsuits Are Everywhere This Summer.

UNLESS YOU’RE describing a Shar-Pei, “crumpled” and “wrinkly” aren’t typically flattering modifiers. But swimsuits in crinkle fabric have emerged as one of summer’s top styles. Sydney Kempler, 30, a Houston marketing specialist and a “big fan,” owns eight versions by brands such as PacSun and H&M. Plush and stretchy, their material, said Kempler, “smooths every lump and bump.” 

In the 1980s and ’90s, a label called Hunza first popularized crinkle suits’ tactile textile, often referred to as “popcorn” or “seersucker” fabric. It got a little help from Julia Roberts, who wore Hunza’s crimped blue-and-white cutout dress in “Pretty Woman.” Relaunched in 2015 as Hunza G by current London creative director Georgiana Huddart, the brand’s suits have become go-tos for It girls like Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa. Now, labels from Bottega Veneta to Good American have jumped on the rumpled beachwear train. And women are paying attention. Online-shopping platform Lyst reported a 6% rise in searches for “textured swimwear” between January and July of this year.

Kempler said she finds popcorn fabrics look dressier and “more expensive” than flat, flimsy Lycra, which can pill and sag easily. She recently paired a crinkled ecru maillot with linen pants to head straight to a bar after some beach time. But Sabra Krock, creative director of swimwear retailer Everything But Water, said the real draw of crinkle suits is their excellent elasticity: “They’re so accommodating for many different shapes and sizes.” 

Knitted from proprietary nylon-elastane yarn, Hunza G’s suits “stretch to fit” without “stretching out,” claims Huddart. Her malleable bikinis and maillots are generally one-size-fits-most, an approach rival brands have adopted. Devyani Ramani, a New York COO of a fashion wholesaler who is in her 30s, bought a wrinkled Hunza G one-piece in her third trimester of pregnancy. She’s confident it will expand to fit now and, once baby’s arrived, snap back to serve her for summers to come.

Kristen Cleary, owner of the Los Angeles store Coast by Coast, said that one-size suits take the anxiety-inducing guesswork out of swimwear searches. For her part, Huddart views standard swim sizing as flawed, noting that many shoppers end up sizing up. But, at 6’3”, she did concede that tall women can sometimes struggle with the length of Hunza’s one-size pieces. To solve this crinkle crisis, she launched Hunza G’s Coverage Collection in June, elongated versions of its signature silhouettes made with extra fabric. 

Although Krock is a wrinkle-waterwear advocate, she’s skeptical that the suits can accommodate all body types. “Women with bigger busts might struggle with the general lack of underwire support,” she said. “And petite women, noted Huddart, could feel overwhelmed with the density of the fabric in a one-piece.” For the latter group, Huddart suggests popcorn bikinis with strapless tops or fine straps. Women who are tall, curvy or both might prefer separates, too, she added. 

Even so, Cleary said that her customers at Coast to Coast “rarely” return popcorn purchases, and that one-size suits can be especially helpful for online shoppers. When it comes to standard suits, Ramani said she ordinarily orders a style in two or three sizes and returns what doesn’t fit. Her single popcorn piece, however, provided instant gratification. 

SAGE CHOICE

A just-skin-baring-enough monokini in an enviable green hue.

Swimsuit, $99, GoodAmerican; Earrings, $195, Necklace, $345, Shop.LizzieFortunato.com; Jia Jia Necklace, $700, MatchesFashion.com; Necklace, $380, JiaJiaJewelry.com; Necklace, $1,250, DavidYurman.com

STRING FLING

The super-skinny straps on this one-size-fits-most option won’t leave you with irksome tanlines (also, don’t forget sunscreen).

Bikini, $215, HunzaG.com; Necklace, $14,500, SorellinaNYC.com; Bracelet, $1,650, CharlotteChesnais.com; Earrings, $185, Shop.LizzieFortunato.com

TRIM PICKINGS

With a low, scoop back, high-cut legs and a bold color combo, this style makes a statement while you splash.

Swimsuit, $120, FreePeople.com; Brass Bangle, $230, Silver Bangle, $300, Brass Bangle, $210, DinosaurDesigns.com; Earrings, $430, CharlotteChesnais.com; Necklace, $1,550, DavidYurman.com

MIDNIGHT DIP

Ah, the black maillot—it’s a swim-wardrobe must-have and as classic as can be, but this one-size take has a perfect plunging neckline.

Swimsuit, $190, LoveAndBikinis.com; Yellow Bracelet, $3,280, Purple Bracelet, $5,000, Tortoise Bracelet, $3,100, Orange Bracelet, $3,200, Blue Bracelet, $5,330, Tortoise Bracelet, $2,750, MarkDavis.com; Earrings, $430, CharlotteChesnais.com; Sunglasses, $524, OliverPeoples.com; Necklace, $180, Ver-ti-go.com

DRY FUN

Rendered in Tencel Lyocell, this playfully printed option is technically a bodysuit and best for sunbathers, landlubbers and anyone who’s just a little too scared of sharks to dip her toes in.

Bodysuit, $450, MaraHoffman.com, Sunglasses, $542, OliverPeoples.com; Earrings, $430, CharlotteChesnais.com, Necklace, $588, Bracelet, $276, AurelieBidermann.com

Styling Assist by Christina Middleton, Make up by Roy Liu, Talent: Julia Miller for Stetts Models

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