Latest news with #HunzaG
Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
7 swimwear trends you'll see everywhere this summer, from flattering one-pieces to printed bikinis
We've made it – swim season is upon us! Whether it's your next trip to the waters of Devon or a sweltering beach trip in Crete (jealous? Us?), it's time to start planning out the best bikinis and one-pieces to see you through the summer. From neutral monochrome palettes to 3D rosettes, we have the perfect roundup of swimwear trends that are bound to make a statement for your next swim adventure... Nothing says summer holiday quite like colourful florals. This season, we're seeing them through fun prints and hyper-realistic, three-dimensional corsage details. Regardless of whether you lean towards subtlty or go all out, florals are bound to make a poolside impression. A true ride or die in your swimwear arsenal, IMO. With its well-rounded versatility, it has earned its place in our suitcase. 'This is a trend that we are already seeing going viral,' reports Zoe Price-Smith, Chief Design & Product Officer at Boux Avenue. 'Our Rivioli Swimsuit in black has already almost sold out!' Luckily, you can still get your hands on the white colourway. The epitome of summer, crochet brings that '70s Cali cool regardless of where you are. To buy into its handcrafted charm, turn to established faves like Free People along with dedicated swimwear brands like Frankies Bikinis and Triangl. There's no such thing as overboard with this trend, so we'll be coordinating with crochet sandals for good measure. Think gingham and stripes are strictly for the park? Think again. With brands like Hunza G debuting their first gingham collection, or Triangl's new season stripes, we would be remiss not to put them on your radar. Gradients are a stand-out this season (and I must admit, a personal fave). From ocean blues to sunset tones, they are the best way to revel in summer brights. Our obsession with boho has made its way to our swimwear. Heavy-hitting hardware like grommets and studs, earthy stoneware and delicate charms add a jewellery-like finish to our wardrobes that we love. Possibly the most 'no-fuss' texture on the market, the demand for crinkle knows no bounds. Especially great for curvy silhouettes – the stretch fabric is comfy while looking super luxe. Obvs, Hunza G are the OGs in the game, but the high street has come through with plenty of affordable designs in the beloved crinkle style. Follow Angel on Instagram. Angel Cordova-Todd is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK, Red and Prima. Having previously spent time at Elle UK, The Sunday Times Style, Net-a-Porter and The Outnet she's a budding shopping specialist. You'll typically find her overpopulating her online wishlists, prepping threads for our next cover star, swimming in Bermuda, or internally debating whether she should root for Piastri or Hamilton during a Grand Prix (most likely both..).
Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Luxury women's swimwear brands to shop in 2025
Choose from one of the trusted brands below, and you can enter the holiday season relaxed, safe in the knowledge that your swimwear will not only look and feel fabulous but it will also go the distance, seeing you through this summer and beyond. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Originally named Hunza, this one-size fits all swimwear brand, known for its unique crinkle-stretch fabric and leggy designs, came onto the swimwear scene back in 1984 under the creative direction of Peter Meadows. It was best known as the brand behind Julia Roberts' cut out mini dress in Pretty Woman. Fast forward to 2015 and a relaunch thanks to new director Georgiana Huddart, and Hunza G became a firm fan favourite among women of all sizes as the clever combination of elastane and lycra is created to grow with your body. Designed to feel like a second skin, Eres was founded in 1968 by Irène Leroux and was the first brand to sell swimwear all year-round. The mission from the start was to liberate women who had suffered years of unsupportive padding, constricting boning and unflattering silhouettes in swimwear. While this Australian luxury brand founded by the sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann initiated as a womenswear and accessories brand, it seamlessly extended into swimwear and now offers its feminine ruffles and signature floral designs across swimsuits, bikini and ethereal, boho-inspired resortwear. A fairly recent addition to the luxury swimwear scene, La DoubleJ started its life as a shoppable online magazine in 2015. Inspired by its history of selling vintage clothing and jewellery, the brand, which produces everything from homeware to hats, is obsessed with all things print, pattern and colour. Inspired by her leotard uniform as a former ballerina, Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves founded luxury swimwear brand Marysia in 2009. Beloved for its signature scalloped edge designs and one shoulder silhouettes, each piece is crafted in Italy and hand-cut in a couture factory. While we appreciate Gucci isn't exclusively a swimwear brand, the new playful collection for summer 2025, which features sporty swimming costumes alongside more sultry cut-out silhouettes as well as the iconic double GG monogram plastered across timeless triangle bikinis, was just too good to not include. Embracing the quiet luxury trend is the Australian swimwear brand Matteau which was founded by the sister duo Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen in 2015. Defined by its minimalist aesthetic, dedication to simple yet beautiful silhouettes and muted colour palette, you can invest knowing whatever you buy will be truly timeless. London-based swimwear label Away that Day offers some of the softest fabrications on the market across its high-waisted bikini bottoms and sculpting swimsuits. All the collection is crafted by small manufacturers across the UK and Europe to reduce carbon emissions, and the brand is mindful of using recycled materials and recyclable packaging where possible. Designed as a love letter to summer, all of Peony Swim's whimsical and romantic floral prints are hand sketched and designed in-house at the brand's design studio near Queensland, Australia. Showcasing, floaty linens and delicate frills, each collection tries to encapsulate and bottle the feeling of summer.
Business of Fashion
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business of Fashion
Cult Swim Brand Hunza G Goes for Growth
LONDON — The distinctive crinkle of a Hunza G swimsuit has been a feature of creative director Georgiana Huddart's life for as far back as she can remember. Her mother wore the brand to see her through multiple pregnancies, the material stretching and contracting with her belly. While the label had closed down and faded from fashion by the time Huddart hit her teenage years, the notion of swimwear that flexed with the female body stuck with her. A chance discovery of a rack of old Hunza products during a vintage shopping trip in Berlin in 2006 turned a nostalgic memory into the spark of a business idea. Huddart bought the whole rack and began wearing the products to summer holidays and parties. But while she started snapping up all the old product she could find on eBay, for years Huddart couldn't find anyone to reproduce the distinctive crinkle fabric for her. Then in 2015 a mutual acquaintance saw her wearing a Hunza dress at a party and connected her to Peter Meadows, who founded the brand in 1984. Then in his late 60s, Meadows was retired, but he still had a stash of the original crinkle and was open to the idea of reviving the label. They added a 'G' to the brand in a nod to Huddart's first name and within weeks they'd made a plan to relaunch. Huddart bootstrapped the company, hiring three of her brother's friends to help pack and ship orders. 'We had no PR, no marketing. It was me with a laptop and like three teenagers helping me,' she said. But customers loved the product, a one-size-fits all swimsuit with a distinctive, but low-key look that hugged curves, while hiding lumps and bumps. With no marketing budget, the brand leaned on social media to gain traction. Early posts by models like Adwoa Aboah and Georgia May Jagger helped boost visibility, as did purchases by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, but Huddart also leaned on posts from every-day customers to populate the brand's feed; a decision that lent the label a feel of authenticity and relevance. 'It wasn't like super fashionable women all the time,' she said. 'In the first year, we'd have a post of Rihanna, but then next to her might be just a customer from Wandsworth who had three kids who looked great on her holiday in the South of France.' Though hardly cheap — Hunza G's swimsuits today retail at between £175 to £215 ($234–$288) — the pricing was competitive when compared to high-end swim brands like Zimmerman, Heidi Klein, Melissa Odabash and Eres. 'That didn't really exist at the time across any brands,' said Huddart. 'It was like you were either super elitist and aspirational or you were high street.' The combination of product performance, social media marketing and accessible pricing proved a winning formula. The brand has been consistently profitable and generated nearly £30 million ($40 million) in sales last year, giving it a solid toehold in an intensely fragmented swimwear market. A management buyout supported by a group of investors late last year gave Meadows an exit and made Huddart the controlling shareholder. With a solid financial foundation and the appointment of former Ssense and Pangaia executive Krishna Nikhil as CEO in April, the company says it's now poised to ramp up growth. Hunza G's distinctive crinkly swimwear has garnered a cult following, bringing in sales of nearly £30 million last year. (Hunza G) Over the next two years, Hunza G is aiming to double sales, fuelled by international expansion and the introduction of new product categories. But its longer-term ambitions are far greater: to carve out a distinctive and enduring niche in swim in the same way Lululemon has for yoga pants and Skims has for shapewear. '[Hunza] created the idea of one size fits swim,' said Nikhil. 'When you deliver something in a category that redefines the category and connects your community, I think that's when you can drive true growth and scaling.' Brand Building Swimwear is a tough nut to crack. The market is growing, with global sales of women's swim rising more than 20 percent over the last decade, from $13.7 billion in 2015 to $16.8 billion last year, according to Euromonitor. But it's dominated by a plethora of small players, with few brands able to carve out a dominant position or scale as they have in other sectors. Hunza G is not alone in its ambitions. Euromonitor projects the swimwear market is likely to continue to grow steadily over the coming years, with its fragmentation creating opportunities for M&A and consolidation. Andie, an eight-year-old, US-based swimwear brand with $50 million in annual revenue acquired apparel label Richer Poorer last week, aiming to leverage the deal to double sales in the next three to five years. Hunza G wants to achieve the same growth in the next two. Organically. 'There's a kind of pent up ambition for the brand and business,' said Tom Fleming, a founding partner at venture fund Venrex Investment Management, which came on as a minority investor in Hunza G in last year's management buyout and has also backed brands like Orlebar Brown and Charlotte Tilbury. ' [But] it's going to be harder to have a breakout brand in the swimwear category.' That's because customers are very discerning, equally fickle and are spoiled for choice in a space that runs on trends. 'What scares me about this sector is that it feels like, as new collections launch, it's like investing in a new business every season,' Fleming added. By contrast, what makes Hunza G distinctive is the crinkly, form-fitting fabric that has defined its look since the '80s, giving it a stable brand signature. Its forgiving stretch, shapewear-style control and resulting one-size-fits-all products have also given the label an edge in a sector where shopping is often fraught and demoralising. Women are often different sizes on top and bottom, making it a chore to find swimwear that actually fits, not to mention the body image issues raised when shopping for garments that are the closest most people will get to public nudity. 'Putting on a swimming costume that makes you feel like your best self and you never thought you'd feel like that, it's quite unusual,' said Huddart. Over the last decade, the brand has fended off the inevitable dupes by developing new styles, but also continuously investing in improving the performance and feel of the fabric. Its distinctive look has allowed it to carve out a solid base from which to grow, without leaning on heavy branding or flash-in-the-pan trends. 'This is universal enough to not go out of fashion that quickly,' said Bosse Myhr, buying director for menswear, womenswear and childrenswear at Selfridges. 'Innovation is important… but a little black dress is still a little black dress. It's almost like Hunza defined that market [in swim] in that they have something they are ultimately known for.' When the British retailer started stocking the brand a few years before the pandemic, 'any drop we got sold out within two or three weeks,' said Myhr. It's still among Selfridges' best-selling swimwear brands. 'They were almost like a disruptor in the market,' Myhr added. 'The crinkle fabric bikinis, it's a very inclusive one-stop-shop for a lot of people.' Going for Growth To fuel its growth ambitions, Hunza G is looking to expand internationally, deepening its wholesale relationships and lucrative partnerships with hotels (the brand is stocked in 552 doors, which together drive about 50 percent of the brand's sales, with the remainder coming from its own e-commerce channel). It's introducing new, more trend-led collections, like a recent gingham drop to broaden its offering. But its best-selling product remains its trusty square-neck crinkle swimsuit. 'We know we have to continue to invest in creating exceptional products, making the fabric better and better,' said Nikhil. Hunza G has introduced new collections, like a gingham range, as it looks to expand its offering. (Hunza G) Despite the retail chaos of the last few months, the brand is relatively well positioned, with manufacturing in the UK, Europe and Morocco — regions with limited exposure to the Trump administration's tariff threats. The brand's one-size-fits-all offering also helps keep its inventory with stockists lean and streamlined, which is helpful at a time of market uncertainty. The challenge ahead will be to navigate the current turmoil, while charting a path to growth that doesn't sacrifice the brand's essence and desirability. 'Any trend-driven brand ultimately has a cap on its growth,' said Nikhil. 'Hunza is very different than that in that it is performance and emotional.' 'We really want everybody to be buying a Hunza,' added Huddart. 'We've barely scratched the surface.'
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The best Hunza G swimwear dupes from as little as £22 – they look like the viral £175 designs that ‘flatter everybody'
ON the lookout for the ultimate swimsuit that pulls you in all the right places? It's no secret that Hunza G has amassed a cult following for this very reason, as they nail their summer essentials down to a tee. However, its hefty price tags that often go above the £100 mark have had many fashionistas for affordable swimwear dupes on the high street. Luckily, plenty of our favourite retailers are now stocking near-enough identical alternatives, just in time for summer sun and beach holidays. While Hunza G swimsuits are worthy investment pieces, there's plenty of options that look just as fabulous, without having to fork out a fortune. Some of these finds, which are sure to sell out soon, go for as little as £22 - saving thrifty style lovers a huge sum. Best dupe for Hunza G Domino swimsuit Pairing the on-trend tortoise shell accents with this olive green colourway is what our dreams are made of - and it's no wonder that this Domino swimsuit has stolen hearts around the world. But if you can't justify spending an eye-watering £158 for this gorgeous beach must-have, it's worth checking out this Khaki Green Crinkle Swimsuit in Next. Designed with a metallic finish, this head-turning swimsuit is giving serious Hunza G vibes - for a fraction of the price, setting you back just £38. Hunza G Pamela swimsuit Pamela is known for being a swimsuit that looks good on practically everyone and anyone, with its dainty spaghetti straps and extra crinkly material. If you're looking for a timeless swimsuit that will flatter your curves throughout years without the hefty £175 price tag, H&M now offers a dupe that costs a mere £21.99. Similarly to the high-end version, this Padded-Cup High-leg Swimsuit in Black is selling out fast, and it's easy to see why. Primark drops brand new collection of bikinis in gingham, floral and colour block designs - and they'll set you back just £2.50 per piece Also available in Cream, the H&M hero comes with removable inserts that help shape the bust and provide support. Hunza G Sadie Swim dupe Want to channel your inner Pamela Anderson this summer in the iconic red crinkle swimsuit? Complete with a plunging V-neckline, Hunza G Sadie Swim features a a classic silhouette that we'll never get bored of Those on a budget can find a near-identical alternative on PrettyLittleThing, which offers heaps of last-minute bits for your holiday. Crafted with a textured crinkle material, this Red Crinkle Plunge Swimsuit features a flattering scooped back and gorgeous high-leg fit. What's more, it's on sale now too, slashed from £35 to just £26 - it really is a no-brainer. Pay attention to the fit 'The first thing to do is consider the fit. If your bikini or swimsuit doesn't fit correctly, you could find yourself with straps that dig in, backs that ride up and tight or baggy briefs which could look unflattering. It should feel like a second skin and one you are confident in!' Find your swimwear style 'It's natural to want to follow trending styles and shapes but they may not necessarily make you feel your most comfortable. 'That being said, swimsuits are having a real resurgence this year and are a fairly universally flattering shape. Whether you prefer a sporty style or cut-out silhouette, these make a great option if you like to have more coverage than a bikini provides. Take note of the material 'Different fabrics have different functions and will support your body in different ways, this will impact how your body looks and therefore how you feel. 'Powermesh linings are good for that extra tummy control, this fabric will usually be on the inside of control suits or briefs for that added support. 'Suits or bikinis with a higher elastane content are also beneficial for comfort as this provides extra stretch giving you better movement in your swimwear.' Importance of colour 'The colour of your swimwear can also be key - choose colours you like and colours that complement your skin tone. Colour can have a big effect on how we look so nailing this will work wonders for your confidence. 'The same can be said for patterns. Certain patterns are great for creating illusions and hiding any small insecurities we may have. 'For example, vertical stripes in a swimsuit or bikini can give a more slimming illusion.' For more swimwear inspiration and to shop for your summer wardrobe, visit the NEXT website. Hunza G Celine Swim dupe Perfect for those with bigger busts, Celine is the O.G. that will make sure your girlies are locked in, without that uncomfortable feeling. Available in black, chocolate or blush, this modern swimsuit will set you back an astronomical £185 - but fear not, as another high-street favourite, River Island, stocks a similar swimsuit. Similar to the Hunza G Celine swimsuit, this affordable Crinkle Swimsuit in Black features a chic neckline, as well as gold detailing. Retailing for £38, the beach holiday essential is also available in brighter colours, such as turquoise, pink and white. Hunza G Jean Bikini dupe Bandeau bikinis are perfect for avoiding those dreaded tan lines that you can never seem to even out. Crafted from its stretchy crinkle material, this Hunza G Jean Bikini will mould to the coverage you need it to have, without any accidental flashing. The twisted bandeau style is popular for a reason and is sure to remain a trend in the summers to come. However, if the £175 price seems a bit steep (which it is), New Look has come to rescue with an affordable dupe - their Gini London Bright Red Striped Strapless Bikini. Selling separately for £16 (top) and £18 (bottoms), this high-street bikini is ideal for making a splash this season. Affordable yet chic, this budget two-piece deserves a place in your holiday bag.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The best Hunza G swimwear dupes from as little as £22 – they look like the viral £175 designs that ‘flatter everybody'
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. There's also a two-piece that's perfect for those with a bigger bust SWIM WIN The best Hunza G swimwear dupes from as little as £22 – they look like the viral £175 designs that 'flatter everybody' ON the lookout for the ultimate swimsuit that pulls you in all the right places? It's no secret that Hunza G has amassed a cult following for this very reason, as they nail their summer essentials down to a tee. Advertisement 10 Hunza G has amassed a cult following in the recent years - but the high street offers plenty of dupes that won't break the bank Credit: HUMZA G 10 Next shoppers can snap up this stunning khaki swimsuit for under £40 Credit: Next However, its hefty price tags that often go above the £100 mark have had many fashionistas for affordable swimwear dupes on the high street. Luckily, plenty of our favourite retailers are now stocking near-enough identical alternatives, just in time for summer sun and beach holidays. While Hunza G swimsuits are worthy investment pieces, there's plenty of options that look just as fabulous, without having to fork out a fortune. Some of these finds, which are sure to sell out soon, go for as little as £22 - saving thrifty style lovers a huge sum. Advertisement Best dupe for Hunza G Domino swimsuit Pairing the on-trend tortoise shell accents with this olive green colourway is what our dreams are made of - and it's no wonder that this Domino swimsuit has stolen hearts around the world. But if you can't justify spending an eye-watering £158 for this gorgeous beach must-have, it's worth checking out this Khaki Green Crinkle Swimsuit in Next. Designed with a metallic finish, this head-turning swimsuit is giving serious Hunza G vibes - for a fraction of the price, setting you back just £38. Hunza G Pamela swimsuit 10 Pamela swimsuit is a timeless classic that will remain a firm favourite for many summers to come Credit: Hunza G Advertisement 10 H&M offers a near-identical alternative for just £21.99 Credit: H&M Pamela is known for being a swimsuit that looks good on practically everyone and anyone, with its dainty spaghetti straps and extra crinkly material. If you're looking for a timeless swimsuit that will flatter your curves throughout years without the hefty £175 price tag, H&M now offers a dupe that costs a mere £21.99. Similarly to the high-end version, this Padded-Cup High-leg Swimsuit in Black is selling out fast, and it's easy to see why. Advertisement Primark drops brand new collection of bikinis in gingham, floral and colour block designs - and they'll set you back just £2.50 per piece Also available in Cream, the H&M hero comes with removable inserts that help shape the bust and provide support. Hunza G Sadie Swim dupe 10 This red piece is ideal if you want to channel your inner Pamela Anderson this season Credit: Hunza G 10 The fast fashion giant PrettyLittleThing has a similar version that's currently on sale for under £30 Credit: Pretty Little Things Want to channel your inner Pamela Anderson this summer in the iconic red crinkle swimsuit? Advertisement Complete with a plunging V-neckline, Hunza G Sadie Swim features a a classic silhouette that we'll never get bored of Those on a budget can find a near-identical alternative on PrettyLittleThing, which offers heaps of last-minute bits for your holiday. Crafted with a textured crinkle material, this Red Crinkle Plunge Swimsuit features a flattering scooped back and gorgeous high-leg fit. What's more, it's on sale now too, slashed from £35 to just £26 - it really is a no-brainer. Advertisement Tips for finding swimwear that makes you feel confident Pay attention to the fit 'The first thing to do is consider the fit. If your bikini or swimsuit doesn't fit correctly, you could find yourself with straps that dig in, backs that ride up and tight or baggy briefs which could look unflattering. It should feel like a second skin and one you are confident in!' Find your swimwear style 'It's natural to want to follow trending styles and shapes but they may not necessarily make you feel your most comfortable. 'That being said, swimsuits are having a real resurgence this year and are a fairly universally flattering shape. Whether you prefer a sporty style or cut-out silhouette, these make a great option if you like to have more coverage than a bikini provides. Take note of the material 'Different fabrics have different functions and will support your body in different ways, this will impact how your body looks and therefore how you feel. 'Powermesh linings are good for that extra tummy control, this fabric will usually be on the inside of control suits or briefs for that added support. 'Suits or bikinis with a higher elastane content are also beneficial for comfort as this provides extra stretch giving you better movement in your swimwear.' Importance of colour 'The colour of your swimwear can also be key - choose colours you like and colours that complement your skin tone. Colour can have a big effect on how we look so nailing this will work wonders for your confidence. 'The same can be said for patterns. Certain patterns are great for creating illusions and hiding any small insecurities we may have. 'For example, vertical stripes in a swimsuit or bikini can give a more slimming illusion.' For more swimwear inspiration and to shop for your summer wardrobe, visit the NEXT website. Hunza G Celine Swim dupe 10 Available in black, chocolate or blush, this modern swimsuit will set you back an astronomical £185 Credit: Hunza G 10 Retailing for £38, the beach holiday essential is also available in brighter colours Credit: Asos Perfect for those with bigger busts, Celine is the O.G. that will make sure your girlies are locked in, without that uncomfortable feeling. Available in black, chocolate or blush, this modern swimsuit will set you back an astronomical £185 - but fear not, as another high-street favourite, River Island, stocks a similar swimsuit. Advertisement Similar to the Hunza G Celine swimsuit, this affordable Crinkle Swimsuit in Black features a chic neckline, as well as gold detailing. Retailing for £38, the beach holiday essential is also available in brighter colours, such as turquoise, pink and white. Hunza G Jean Bikini dupe 10 This Hunza G bikini will mould to the coverage you need it to have - for the price of £175 Credit: Hunza G 10 New Look now offers a similar version, with the top selling for £16 and bottoms going for £18 Credit: New Look Advertisement Bandeau bikinis are perfect for avoiding those dreaded tan lines that you can never seem to even out. Crafted from its stretchy crinkle material, this Hunza G Jean Bikini will mould to the coverage you need it to have, without any accidental flashing. The twisted bandeau style is popular for a reason and is sure to remain a trend in the summers to come. However, if the £175 price seems a bit steep (which it is), New Look has come to rescue with an affordable dupe - their Gini London Bright Red Striped Strapless Bikini. Advertisement Selling separately for £16 (top) and £18 (bottoms), this high-street bikini is ideal for making a splash this season. Affordable yet chic, this budget two-piece deserves a place in your holiday bag.
