Insofar as roughly three out of every 10 days are nice enough to go swimming, summer has arrived in Portland. Its rickety start probably means you haven’t thought to update your water wear, but it’s July; time to jump in. You can always opt for the obvious (Portland Swimwear, Jantzen, the malls, and department stores), but check out the other options….
Ladies who want to look good without showing it all should head for the vintage cuts of Poppi Swim (4831 NE 42nd), where you can find safe harbor in the ultimate beach safety net: a black halter suit cut low on the hip. For more exposure, pair a variety of modestly cut two-piece shapes, and experiment with the line’s color and print options; mix and match.
Poppi designer Pamela Levenson also offers custom suits, and considering that for many the bathing suit inspires dramatic fear and self-loathing, custom is worth it. Sofada (4623 NE Fremont) is a popular source for made to measure, with similarly retro, feminine inspiration. For something more modern, turn to Adam Arnold (727 SE Morrison, by appointment) who does three maillots in a variety of colors, and as of this summer is doing trunks for men.
Another modern eye is Genevieve Dellinger, who conjured a garment that’s super high-waisted, cut on the leg like a leotard, and equipped with built-in suspenders. This bathing costume can be paired with a bandeau for a dip, or over tights for a serious streetwear statement.
Sporty types should head to Signal Sports (1327 NW Kearney), where in addition to homegrown lines (they carry Poppi, as well as Hood River’s Melika) you’ll find trusted names like Water Girl, Carve, Speedo, TYR, and Liquid Mountain. Eco-conscious suit hunters should hit up Greenloop (8005 SE 13th), which carries a string bikini by Anna Cohen from factory surplus material.
Under U 4 Men (507 SW Broadway) carries men’s swim trunks in addition to its famous array of underwear, and if you’re a woman who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “shy,” consider a skimpy cashmere bikini (off the rack or custom) by Souchi (807 NW 23rd—yep, you can swim in it).
Also, come pay a visit to the Mercury‘s new style blog, MOD: Mercury on Design. We’ll be discussing fashion, home style, crafting, makeup, hair, and even fitness every day at mod.portlandmercury.com.
Nice MOD!: marjorie@portlandmercury.com