Sizzling Swimwear 2004

Dazzle the beach crowd in sizzling bikini: aqua and brown print bikini by Sunset Separates, pastel pink print bikini with bow detail by Bare Assets, and lilac tropical print bikini with bead detail by Pursuit.

Red makes the beach even hotter, especially when wearing Venus' red print bikini with horseshoe clasp and Fredricks of Hollywood's panne velvet bikini with string detail.

It seems to be the year of the bikini, for that's what major swimwear designers are showing this season. From dazzling tropical prints to bold stripes and checks, vibrant patterns are the rage. Many suits are shown with halter necklines, while some have the more traditional bra-top. Bikini bottoms are held together with rings, beads, bows or lace-up detail. And there is plenty to please full-figured women who want to enjoy fun on the beach or at poolside. The bottom line is that it's time to get your act (and your body) together and start pondering what you will wear to resorts this season and on the beach this spring. Here's inspiration.

• Green string bikini with ornately beaded fringed wrap cover-up. By Gloria Del Rio
• Variety is the spice of life--and the beach. Below, from left: J. Valentine's blue graffiti-print halter bikini with pant cover-up, Carve Style crochet string-tie bikini, Pan Dulce crochet bikini and pant cover-up, and Pursuit striped crochet bikini
• Make a statement in Sweetwater's python-print bikini with wooden-bead fringe and double halter strap. For the couple who plays together on the beach, matching purple/lilac swimwear from Gregg Parry (his) and Jantzen (hers).
• For the man with a tight body, yellow brief-cut trunks is the way to go. By Ritchie Swimwear.
• Lace-up print bikini with string-tie detail can be adjusted for a perfect fit. By Venus. LONGITUDE designs red tropical print maillot for the full-figured beach beauty.
• Drive 'em wild on the beach wearing Venus tiger-print halter strap maillot with matching cover-up.
• Full-figured women can strut proudly on the beach in blue leopard-motif maillot with sheer cover-up, by Delta Burke Swimwear.
• Sizzle in vibrant '60s style in Mambo Jumbo's pink print swimwear (far right) with lace-up tube top, detachable fluted sleeves and belted hot pants.
• Sport patriotism on the beach in red, white and blue faux denim halter-tie bikini by Pan Dulce and Gloria Del Rio's bikini with faux denim top embellished with rickrack and floral ribbon. Red and white gingham check, string-tie bikini with rosette detail that also embellishes matching white sheer shawl. At Ritchie Swimwear.