What’s the best way to get a beach body? By hitting the beach, of course—and it doesn’t hurt to flaunt a new suit while you’re at it. From ’70s crochet to plunging one-pieces to surf-ready sleeves, here’s what’s hot and trending by the water this summer, as reported by local stylist Crystal Carson.

Handmade tale

It’s no surprise that beach bums have been quick to embrace the laid-back, boho-chic feel of crochet—the look is made for island vacations and long days spent seaside. “Think about those cheesy doilies that your grandma used to have,” explains Carson by phone. “That’s really cool on swimsuits now.”

The intricate craft, in which yarn is hand-looped to create a patterned textile, was huge in the ’70s, and is now found in everything from modest one-pieces to halter tops to barely-there string bikinis. Vancouver-based designer Anna Kosturova’s hand-crocheted pieces (from $115, online), for example, are embellished with cowrie shells, braided ties, and multihued tassels, while Robin Piccone’s crochet monokinis (from $179 at Swimco [various locations]) leave the middle unlined to show off the suit’s handiwork.

The delicate workmanship makes these suits ideal for lounging, though swimmers and other active beach athletes may want to look elsewhere. “This is more of a fashion look than a functional one,” says Carson.

All-in-one

Nineties chokers, overalls, and platform shoes have made a comeback on runways, and the era is riding high poolside too. From cutout one-pieces to off-the-shoulder bathers, monokinis are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, though it’s the dangerously high-cut suits ripped from the slow-mo scenes of Baywatch that seem to be leading the pack.

“Those are amazing when you’re travelling or in beach towns, because you can go from day to night,” raves Carson. “You can throw a long skirt and necklace over top of it, and you’re ready to go for dinner right from the beach.”

Fun features like graphic patterns, zip-up details, and peekaboo mesh panels, such as those in local swimwear designer Beth Richards’s styles (from $250, online), offer modern updates to the basic monokini. But if you’re interested in the minimalist plunging back line of the circa-1992 Pamela Anderson suit, test-drive a few options to find how much—or little—they can really hide.

“There’s no wiggle room, literally,” Carson says of the style. “So that’s definitely something to be conscious of when you’re considering your body type.”

Long story

If function over fashion is your style m.o., you’ll be happy to hear that long sleeves are making a surprising splash in swimwear. According to Carson, scuba-diving and Sea-Dooing gear is inspiring utility in chic swim tops that work just as well as rash guards.

“It definitely has this surfer-meets-femme-fatale kind of vibe,” she says. “A lot of the pieces have this really thick fabric with sexy, deep cuts or lace-ups, and many are also body-con.”

For maximum comfort and versatility, look for formfitting long-sleeve tops stitched from nylon or Lycra, like the Canadian-made Azurro crop top by New York–based athletic line Michi ($195, online). Mesh inserts, cheeky cutouts, and scuba-esque colour-blocking make the suit resort-pool-appropriate, while the flexible, moisture-wicking fabric moves with your body through hiking, swimming, and surfing—a perfect pick for Vancouverites.

“If you want to prevent sunburns, but still be outside and active, this is a really great option,” notes Carson.