A new review of the global beach and swimwear sectors released by market research company Reportlinker.com studies the crossover that is taking place between the sports and fashion industries, which appear to be borrowing ideas from one another to offer greater appeal to consumers.

The report, which also provides industry forecasts to 2013, describes the swimwear market as resilient, despite issues such as an imbalance of wealth across the globe and cultural or religious barriers to certain types of swimwear. The retail market for swimwear and beachwear was reportedly worth $12.88 billion in 2006, while in terms of volume 1.04 billion pieces were sold. Market share was 49% for women, 25% for men and 26% for children.