Model: Jayashree Swimsuits & styling by: Dev R Nil Make-up: NABIN Picture by: Pabitra Das Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency

As kids growing up in then-conservative Calcutta, introduction to swimwear happened on one hot summer afternoon spent with a glossy magazine hiding under the bed. The super-toned blondes known for their uber sexy appeal justified each and every piece — the concept of tanned or brown exotic Indian skin was never a rage then. But the revelation came with the very first visit to our own Digha. The sight of shapeless women in their salwar kameez and nighties (with petticoats under them), that helped them feel the freedom of a stretch of sand, and pot-bellied men in checkered or printed sleeping shorts or even pyjamas was quite an eye-opener!

Twenty years have passed and the scene hasn’t changed much, in Digha at least. And childhood memories seemed to follow us even as far as the world-famous Sydney’s Bondi Beach and Goa’s Palolem, where we couldn’t miss the fashionable display of a new sari or a salwar kameez and men in their ill-fitting boxer briefs!

But going by the law of averages, there’s still hope — at least in clubs and star hotel pools. It’s heartening to see more and more swimming pools coming up and mothers crowding with their kids to them. Or men and women having an after-work splash for a swim and some conversation. And since club rules don’t allow swimming — or even conversation — in the pool without the proper gear, more and more swimwear is flying off the racks from the sports or lingerie stores (courtesy Bangkok).

The other day I was quite proud of my friend’s boldness when she posted a Goa holiday album on Facebook full of pictures with her in two-piece string bikinis of all shapes and designs, with some really flirtatious sarongs dusting the sand. But not every Indian body type can carry these off with such panache. One needs close to a perfect body to wear a bikini, or else you are likely to end up spending most of the time under water trying to hide it!

There are a few Indian designers (including us) who are doing swimwear for the sheer pleasure of creation. We are mostly happy doing editorial photo shoots and selling to a niche clientele travelling to an overseas beach (the nearest and most popular being Phuket).

Taking a cue from some swimwear designers in the West who have successfully and most sensitively developed the burqini (burqa plus bikini) for Muslim women, we should also do something for the average Indian woman who is not comfortable in the regular off-the-rack swimwear.

The tankini (tank top plus bikini bottom) has so far been very popular in the modest circle, but burqini is fast gaining interest with those looking to cover up yet still enjoy a swim for sport or leisure. The idea is to get a suit that a woman is comfortable in. A broadminded society should cater to all specific needs without being judgmental.

There have been a number of interesting innovations — halter neck, string bikini, triangle bikini, camakini (camisole plus bikini), bandini (bikini with bandeau top), so it should be possible to find something stylish that suits a variety of body types.

It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing whimsies of fashion. So it doesn’t matter if the print is floral or animal, striped or graphic, retro or futuristic as long as the woman feels comfortable and super sexy. At the end of the day, swimwear is a celebration of the individual and liberation of soul.

What does your dream swimsuit look like? Tell t2@abpmail.com