The annual hunt for summer swimwear signals the klaxon that the long winter is finally over.
It has been one of the most drawn-out cold weather spells that we can remember but that’s over now (we hope) so it’s time to start planning beach breaks and the outfits to match.
If your swim collection is looking a bit lacklustre, you’ve come to the right place. This year’s swimwear trends have seen the enduring Y2K revival in full force, think high leg bikini bottoms and Burberry checks. We’re also noticed the ubiquity of glittery styles, green hues, pastel textured construction and 70s-inspired vibrancy, taking floral prints into psychedelic realms. While one-pieces will always be part of our collection, the bikini still reigns supreme for praticality (hello tan lines) and the daring places they can go in the design sphere.
Shopping for bikinis was once a painful process. Bundled into stuffy changing rooms with only dreams of aircon, unflattering lighting and insufficient size ranges meant that it was something we found ourselves dreading rather than cherishing. But that’s all changed. We like to mark the emergence of the warmer weather by treating ourselves to a new two-piece that will make us feel confident and stylish as soon as we arrive beside the seaside - and delivered to our door for a movie montage-like try-on session.
Finding that perfect swim style is first and foremost about what you like. Whether you’re looking for something traditional and timeless at the minimalistic end of the spectrum, or hoping to break away from the muted colourways of our winter wares by adding the most vibrant, striking and eye-popping prints to basket, it’s a matter of personal preference.
In terms of the cut, you want something that will flatter your body shape and there are some tips and tricks that you can use - but there are no hard and fast rules. Trial and error to see the ones that you like because that’s all that counts at the end of the day.
For those with straighter silhouettes, mix things up with halter or asymmetric necks for a fun and feminine feel. Accentuate hourglass figures with supportive styles that will keep you secure and comfortable, whether you’re lounging pool side or competing in a (not-so) friendly beach volley match. Smaller busts have their pick of the lot where there is really no fit, from bandeau to triangle, that you can’t wear. While the criss-cross strappy styles will have you ready for the pool party, always consider the longer-lasting mark it will make when bronzing.
When it comes to briefs, there’s waist-defining thongs, curve-hugging high waisted, leg-lengthening high rise or classic triangle shapes and many of our favourite patterns are offered in a few of the above so that you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
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HUNZA G Nicole cutout seersucker bandeau bikini
Hunza G has solidified its cult status year after year with its timeless seersucker silhouettes that you’ll find on beaches from Ibiza to Thailand. The bikinis come in every colour under the sun, whether you’re looking for a muted navy or pastel perfection like the lilac style pictured. Given a romantic detail in line with the summer season, the Nicole has the added embellishment of heart-shaped hardware. We’re head over heels.
Buy now £160.00, Net-A-Porter
Form and Fold D-G The Triangle recycled underwired bikini top
When you have a bigger bust, shopping for swimwear is nothing short of a nightmare - well, until now. Form and Fold is a relatively new brand on the block, filling the gaping gap for supportive swimwear catered to those with curves. The pieces range from D to G and have been put through the wringer to ensure optimal support without compromising on style, quality or fit.
Buy now £100.00, Net-A-Porter
Reina Olga Brigitte bikini top
If you’ve traditionally shied away from colour in the rest of your wardrobe, your swimwear gives you a chance to get creative. Reina Olga has some of the most playful prints on the market as is shown by the vibrant fruit print set on the Brigitte. It’s a bandeau shape with underwiring for that welcomed bit of security and there’s the option of either a high-cut fit for the matching briefs or one with tie sides.
Buy now £85.00, MyTheresa
THE ATTICO Black & White Zebra Bikini
The party dressing experts at The Attico have lent their expertise in all things fun, striking and out of the ordinary to its swimwear collection for pieces that are made to be worn while you let your hair down and your OOO is firmly on. Look to this zebra print for proof. The pattern is set on a range of different cuts, our favourite being the asymmetric neck - just be wary of tan lines.
Buy now £370.00, SSENSE
Vuori Dune Bikini Top
If you’re not yet familiar with Vuori, you’re in for a treat. The activewear label has some of the softest leggings, bras and hoodies on the market with a silky material that feels far more expensive than the price tag. The same runs true for its swimwear offering that takes a minimal approach to its cuts but will keep you comfortable and supported all holiday long.
Buy now £75.00, Vuori
H&M Padded triangle bikini top
Don’t sleep on H&M’s swimwear collections, which are some of the best on the high street. The brand has a knack for simplicity and nails the basics, but there’s also interesting cuts and playful prints throughout, like this floral design. The bikini bottoms have a ruched detail, while the top is self-tie with an exaggerated bow.
Buy now £14.99, H&M
& Other Stories frill triangle bikini top and bottoms in navy floral
Florals play a significant role in our summer wardrobe, from our dresses to our swimwear. It’s a versatile print that never goes out of style and adds a touch of femininity to our wares with just the right level of statement. This navy blue design is classic and elegant, enhanced by ruffle trims and high waist bottoms.
Buy now £27.00, ASOS
Marysia Antibes scalloped bandeau bikini top
There is something about a scallop trim that’s hard to resist. The cut has a way of accentuating the body in all the right ways as is perfectly demonstrated by this two piece from Marysia. It may just be a black bikini but it will form the foundation of your holiday wardrobe for years to come.
Buy now £126.00, MatchesFashion
Good American Deep Scoop Bikini Top
Khloe Kardashian’s Good American was created to clothe curves and the scoop bikini silhouette has a way of enhancing the bust, while keeping everything secure and safely in place. It comes in this bold leopard print as well as more pared back black and blue shades. There’s also neon hues of green and pink if you’re looking to stand-out on your next beach vacay.
Buy now £47.00, Good American
OSÉREE Green Lumière Bikini
Bringing a touch of sparkle to your swimwear, OSÉREE is leading the glitter revolution in the beachwear space with dupes aplenty on the market this year. Taking you from your sun lounger to the beach party to the club, this bikini has a metallic thread detailing and comes in one of this season’s most sought-after colours, a beautiful apple green.
Buy now £175.00, SSENSE
Zimmermann Cira crochet-knit and stretch bikini
The Zimmermann girl has a penchant for boho styling and that extends to their swimwear collection too. This piece takes a modern twist on the crochet style, bringing it to high fashion heights. For festival season and beyond, it is embellished further with ruffle trims. The matching briefs are kept minimal to let the top do the talking.
Buy now £240.00, Net-A-Porter
COSSIE+CO The Isla bandeau bikini top
In the words of Coco Chanel:“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance” and that’s what makes COSSIE+CO’s collections stand out from the crowd. The no-frills swimwear is all about quality, colour and ensuring you feel confident while wearing them thanks to their flattering cuts. The Isla is sure to stand the test of time throughout the years with its luxe recycled honeycomb fabric, minimal detail and green hue.
Buy now £75.00, MatchesFashion
Burberry Checked triangle bikini
The Burberry print has had an interesting history and is almost the sartorial embodiment of the cyclical nature of fashion. Those of a certain age may eye roll at the idea that it is firmly back on the agenda but the proof is in the pudding (with the pudding being this Gen-Z hyped-about bikini that has the legendary archival check with a pretty in pink twist). First produced in the 60s, the print has a more 90s feel with the low-rise brief and triangle top.
Buy now £350.00, Net-A-Porter
Reclaimed Vintage triange bikini co-ord in blue & yellow blurred floral
Throw this bikini on with an oversized white shirt, a bucket hat and slides and you’re ready for whatever summer has in store. The piece from Reclaimed Vintage has an almost tie-dye appearance but look a touch closer and you’ll see it’s an abstract floral design with pops of cornflower blue and yellow to brighten your mood and outfit choices.
Buy now £12.99, ASOS
Triangl Mala Parl
Choosing just one bikini to showcase from the TRIANGL offering is not an easy task and while we eventually settled on the Parl thanks to its bright geometric print, there are an array of this exact Mala cut with different colourways and vibrant designs - from stripes to ombre. The brand takes a unique approach to its material choice that may have you second guessing whether it is in fact waterproof but the bikinis will look as good at the beach bar as they would atop a lilo.
Buy now £115.00, Triangl
Aya Label The Selene Top Groove
Aya Label crafts each and every one of its bikinis with a conscious approach. The brand uses a fabric that is made from recycled abandoned fishing nets so that not only are you getting stylish swimwear with durability, but plastic has been removed from the ocean at the same time. The Selene has a classic construction with a triangle top and self ties and comes in four colourways, our personal favourite is the Groove that lives up to its name.
Buy now £38.00, Aya Label
Bernadette Bikini Daisylove
Bernadette is based out of Antwerp and helmed by a mother-daughter design duo where botanicals inspire many of its prints. Like the occasionwear that also deserves to be on your radar, this bikini has a lovely floral design. It comes in three different variations that includes the pink rose pictured. The pattern is available too on a matching sarong.
Buy now £187.00, Bernadette
Fruity Booty Paloma Bikini
Lingerie label Fruity Booty produces its styles in limited-runs and uses recycled fabrics to ensure its practices are as eco-conscious as possible. The psychedelic blue design of the Paloma will pop beneath sundresses and coverups, but also comes in pink.
Buy now £55.00, Fruity Booty
