As summer kicks off and the bikinis come on, it’s time to analyze what’s trending in this season’s swimwear and where to shop for them. As I’ve compiled my list, I’ve noticed a few overlapping themes.
This summer, what you wear to the beach will serve more than one function. It is in the small details and thoughtfully curated designs that speak for you, and separate your style from trendy to effortlessly chic and timeless. Featured below are styles I feel do just that and more.
The Tankini
In the early 2010s, tankinis were a staple for young girls. However, there is a pivotal moment in every girl’s life. For me, it was ditching the tankini and buying my first triangle-top bikini. But I am not a young girl grasping for a sense of womanhood anymore, and it appears we have come full circle – the tankini is back, and dare I say better than ever.
One of the most desirable things about these timeless tops is their versatility. A good tankini pairs well with boyshorts, miniskirts, or even a cheeky thong. A few brands I feel are leading this revival are Seamolly and Janexswim, as they both offer a wide range of stylish tankinis.
Boyshorts and BootyShorts and Miniskirts, Oh My!
If you’re looking for stylish swimwear with a little bit more coverage this summer, bikini boyshorts, bootyshorts, and miniskirts are going to be your best friends. For a full-coverage look, a high-waisted boyshort is the better option as it gives full rear and hip coverage, typically ending at the upper thigh. On the other hand, a low-waisted bootyshort or miniskirt exposes more skin, but still provides more coverage than a bikini or thong.
A boyshort or a miniskirt swim bottom is also a great choice for those who enjoy beach activities that require more movement, such as sand volleyball or surfing. Many brands such as Janexswim, Seamolly, and Truth or Dare are embracing this trend and creating quality pieces that are meant to last.
Lingerie, But Make It Waterproof
This one is for the girlies who wish their swimwear fit like their underwear. Now more than ever, lingerie is being paired with casual pieces such as a blazer, jeans, and more. However, brands like Ivy Swim, Beach Bunny, and Lonely are showing that appliqué and lace don’t belong only in the bedroom or the streets, but also on the beach.
Lingerie’s history is rooted in igniting confidence and embracing personal pleasure. The line between stereotypical swimwear and lingerie is already blurred, so why not smudge it a bit more and look good doing it ;)
Metal Hardware Detailing
Regardless of the scene, I cannot deny how obsessed I was with Maddy’s swimsuit in Episode 7 of the latest season of Euphoria. In the scene, Maddy (Alexa Demi) is wearing a one-piece Agent Provocateur swimsuit adorned with intricate gold metal hardware across the torso.
Having a swimsuit with metal hardware in your beach vacay rotation is a great way to mix things up and make a statement. While the Agent Provocateur piece is the perfect example of this, it costs as much as a Dyson Airwrap. However, brands such as Ivy Swimwear, Berlook, and ASOS have pieces that are just as bold without breaking the budget.
Elevated Cover-Ups
If you ask me, a beach day is not complete without a cover-up to top off your outfit. Yes, a simple cover-up will get the job done, but this summer, cover-ups with unique cuts and multifunctional characteristics are in.
I recently discovered a piece from the brand Strawberry Milk Mob that I believe will become an essential for every beach trip. It is a cover-up that attaches to your bikini top, transforming it into a seamless-looking dress with the snap of a button. While they don’t carry a piece like this, Berlook offers a variety of cover-ups that could easily double as a post-beach-day dinner look.
“Layered” Bikinis
Layering has always been popular in standard, everyday fashion, but it has never really thrived in swimwear – until recently. The idea of layering a bikini on top of another not only sounds silly, but also wildly uncomfortable. However, the “layered” bikini that is trending is not actually layered; it is one-piece, intentionally designed to appear that way.
Not only is this a brilliant way to combine styles, but it also provides additional support where it’s needed. One brand that stands out against the rest is Seamolly. Their selection of layered bikinis is to die for, with a diverse assortment of colors, patterns, and bottom styles.
Nostalgic Patterns & Prints
For every preteen girl in the early 2010s, shopping at Justice felt like a rite of passage. We could not get enough of the vibrant color combos and playful prints. While it was an iconic moment, most preteens from that era have moved on to clean girl aesthetics and Lululemon. However, campy fashion has made a resurgence over the last few years, and I believe some old Justice patterns are making their return as well.
The brands I’ve noticed bringing back these nostalgic prints include ROXY (specifically the Rewind collection), SydneyMary, and Ciaobella Swim. Each brand offers bikini sets and one-pieces that I feel truly capture the essence of our beloved Justice era.
Summer Swim
Whether you’re packing for a weekend in Miami or spending a day at the local pool, these looks are sure to make a statement. And what better way to do so than by supporting small businesses that create beautifully crafted pieces with our planet in mind? These summer swimwear trends will not only have you looking good, but feeling good – cause you deserve it.