Media Partner Spotlight: The Best of Intima, part of the Intima Group, is one of the leading international publications dedicated to lingerie, swimwear and bodywear innovation.
Defining the Next Swim Season
Swimwear continues to evolve far beyond seasonal beach fashion, becoming a true innovation field for functional textiles. Today’s materials must combine technical performance, comfort and durability while also delivering a strong visual identity. At the same time, protection from the sun is becoming an increasingly important factor in modern swimwear development. UV-protective fabrics with long-lasting performance properties are gaining relevance as consumers look for products that combine style, functionality and reliable protection both in and out of the water.
The new PERFORMANCE DAYS Material Story “Best of Swimwear” highlights exactly this development: contemporary bouclé structures such as Croisette merge tactile richness with a clean and refined aesthetic, while compressive qualities like Sensitive® Sculpt made with ECONYL® yarn demonstrate how performance and responsible production can work hand in hand. Stretch crépon effects with vibrant textured surfaces create modern visual depth, lightweight recycled ripstops with 4-way stretch bring together durability and comfort, and textured two-tone jacquards combine UV protection with versatile swimwear-to-activewear performance.
At the upcoming PERFORMANCE DAYS, visitors can once again discover the dedicated Bodywear Area, showcasing the latest innovations, trends and sourcing highlights for swimwear, bodywear and next-generation performance intimates. From advanced yarn technologies to upcoming fabric developments and fashion-forward surface innovations, the area will offer a focused overview of where the swimwear market is heading next.
Material Section
This Material Story highlights innovative materials shaping the future of swimwear. From sculpting stretch qualities and textured surfaces to lightweight recycled constructions, these developments combine performance, comfort and durability for the next generation of swimwear.
From Category to Function: Rethinking Bodywear
Francesca Spinetta, Editorial Director of the Intima Group magazines and official media partner of the Bodywear Area at PERFORMANCE DAYS, is one of the industry’s leading experts in bodywear and swimwear trends. In this interview, she shares her perspective on the evolving role of bodywear across swim, lingerie and activewear, and explains how material innovation continues to reshape both product development and consumer expectations, insights that will also be explored in the upcoming The Best of Swim feature “Signs before the Wave.”
PERFORMANCE DAYS: PERFORMANCE DAYS has been developing a dedicated BODYWEAR area. From your perspective, how relevant is this focus today?
Francesca Spinetta: It’s not simply a focus, it’s a necessary correction. Bodywear is no longer just a segment; it has become the logic through which garments across multiple categories, including swimwear, are now developed. What PERFORMANCE DAYS is doing by starting with materials reflects where product decisions are actually being made today. That is why this approach is so relevant.
Read more here.
Francesca Spinetta (second from left), Editorial Director of The Best of Intima, during her latest visit to PERFORMANCE DAYS in conversation with Jos Berry and Nichole de Carle.
The Future of Swimwear: Fast, Smart & Seamless
As part of the growing Bodywear Area at PERFORMANCE DAYS, the Intima Group with Best of Swimwear, spoke with Nichole de Carle, founder of London Contour Experts Group and curator of the Bodywear Area, about the future of swimwear, where seamless technology, smart fabrics, and multifunctional design are redefining the category.
Intima Group: Nichole, what’s next for swimwear?
Nichole de Carle: Think beyond the beach. Swimwear is becoming part of a multi-functional wardrobe, pieces you can swim, train, and live in. It’s all about performance meets style.
Read more here.
Nichole de Carle, founder London Contour Experts Group and curator of the Bodywear Area, at PERFORMANCE DAYS.
Don´t miss PERFORMANCE DAYS Expert Talks session on S/S 28 Trends
What will define the next generation of performance apparel? Which material innovations, colors and constructions will shape the future of Bodywear, Activewear and Outdoor?
In this exclusive PERFORMANCE DAYS Trend Presentation from last Spring fair, Nichole de Carle, founder of London Contour Experts Group and curator of the Bodywear Area at PERFORMANCE DAYS talks about the key visual and material directions for Spring/Summer 2028, from functional aesthetics and expressive performance surfaces to innovative fibers, advanced yarns and circular material solutions redefining comfort, versatility and movement.
A special highlight: renowned trend expert Jos Berry shares her insights on the evolving “Female Agenda” in all things ONSKIN and explores the growing importance of female-focused innovation within the performance apparel market.
Watch the Expert Talk On Demand on the following LINK.
Jos Berry (l.), founding visionary of Concepts Paris, and Nichole de Carle, founder London Contour Experts Group, discussing fabric highlights at the Bodywear Area.
About the Author
Astrid Schlüchter
PERFORMANCE DAYS
Starting February 2024, Astrid Schlüchter is taking on the role of Senior Communication Manager at PERFORMANCE DAYS. To drive further growth with innovative communication strategies, PERFORMANCE DAYS is bringing Astrid Schlüchter on board not only as a seasoned industry expert but also as a renowned specialist journalist. Before joining PERFORMANCE DAYS, the trained fashion designer led the editorial team of the print and online medium SAZsport as Editor-in-Chief and was instrumental in the development of the Sports Retail Congress. Prior to that, Schlüchter worked for a long time as a freelance writer for various media in the sports, fashion, and lifestyle segments.
