The latest swimsuit styles transcend functionality and are shattering the barriers between swimwear and casual wear.
Some swimsuits are made with knitted fabric or mimic cotton T-shirts.
A key example is the bodysuit, which became popular in the 1980s and 90s and is making a comeback in retro fashion. It used to be considered an undergarment until Donna Karan featured it in her show in 1986, catapulting it to the mainstream worn under skirts or pants.
Korean pop singers like Lee Hyo-ri and actress Kim Hye-soo made it popular in Korea.
The bodysuit accentuates the figure, which made it a favorite with fashion-conscious dressers worn under jeans or as an ensemble with cardigans or robes.
Interest in swimsuits is no longer restricted to the summer as more Koreans travel to tropical holiday destinations in the cold months.
Tory Burch's latest line of one-piece swimsuits are white with floral patterns, making them look like underwear at a casual glance. They also feature SPF50 sunblock protection.
Ruffles, polka dots and check patterns that were all the rage in the 1990s are coming back. Ki Bo-ra, who is in charge of marketing at women's wear brand G-Cut, said, "Consumers favor functionality as well as unique styles, so swimsuits that can be mixed with outdoor apparel are especially popular."