Are you feeling more excitement or anxiety about the fact that you will soon be shedding the winter layers and bearing it all for us to see at the pool or the beach? Swim Season is right around the corner, especially for those of us migrating to Palm Springs next week for Dinah Shore weekend.

I started thinking about how, in seven days, I may have to bear my pale, over-worked, under-exercised flesh to the delegates of Lesbo Land as they flock to the porcelain pools for the annual mating call. Sure, I have the excuse of staying at my tent selling clothes all weekend at Dinah (which is an excellent reason why you won’t see me lingering poolside in a bikini)… but what about you?

With that question in mind, I did a little investigating to see what is happening in swimsuit trends and what kind of swim gear is available for those of us who either don’t want to expose that much flesh to the world or because we are more comfortable with androgynous or masculine gender expression in fashion.

COOLEST SWIM TREND: 007. Bond, James Bond.


Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of online radio while I work, especially this channel called Secret Agent that plays James Bond-esque music. I was listening to this as I started to do my research on swim gear for us queer girls. I started to imagine hundreds of hot lezzies lounging around the pools of a fancy resort, wearing 1960s-inspired bathing suits, reminiscent of the early James Bond movies. So I Googled “James Bond swimwear." Turns out, it is one of the hottest trends for 2008. Call me psychic.

PUSSY GALORES GIRLS:

For those of us who enjoy expressing our femininity, the hot, retro 60s cut-out bathing suit trend is back. It’s great because you get all the sex appeal of showing flesh in all the right places while still maintaining the coverage of a one-piece bathing suit. My favorite suits are from Target, Betsey Johnson and Diesel. This cut-out bathing suit look is inspired by the brilliant pioneer in swimsuit design, Rudi Gernreich:


JAMES BOND LEZZIES:

For those of you who prefer swim trunks to bathing suits, the swim trunks worn in the latest James Bond film directly inspire this year’s hottest trends:


Although long, billowy board shorts will always be a popular swim option, the newest trend is towards short, retro swim trunks. I found some great styles by D-Squared and Volcom. Sak’s Fifth Avenue’s online store has a great selection of both women's and men’s swimsuits right now.


MOST FLATTERING PRINT: CHECKS

Though hibiscus floral prints will always be the classic choice for swimwear print and pattern, I’m digging how flattering checks and plaids can be for a lot of body types. I especially love the checkered board shorts and suits that Quicksilver, Volcom and Target are dishing up this season.

BIKINIS ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT (OR TWO-PIECE SUIT):

Fortunately for anybody who loves the convenience that a two-piece suit gives them (especially when mother nature is calling at the beach) but are not comfortable sporting a bikini — we have options.

THE TANKINI:

The tankini has the support and coverage of a one-piece with the added convenience of a bikini. I love these styles available at Victoria’s Secret, especially the prints that have an African or Indian feel to them. Rawr!