Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Antonia Kraskowski

These are the 6 biggest swimwear trends for 2024

Composite of women wearing the swimwear trends 2024.

With sunny days ahead, it’s never too early to start shopping for your next piece of swimwear. Whether you’re looking for a one piece wonder or a flattering bikini, our guide to the best swimwear trends 2024 will have you looking stylish by the pool. With a host of swimwear trends to choose from, you can find the style that complements your figure and makes you feel great.

When it comes to finding the best swimsuits, there are several factors to consider. Melissa Odabash, a former swimwear fit model and founder of the eponymous cult swimwear brand Melissa Odabash, has this advice when it comes to shopping the latest swimwear trends 2024:

“The most important thing is not to buy too large swimwear because you think it will cover more; instead, buy true to size. Choose styles that highlight your best features, such as great legs. Find a ruched body swimsuit that creates a waist line. Look for adjustable straps for extra lift, a tie back bikini is better because everyone's back size is different, and removable pads to smooth over the front cup if needed.”

Like many of the key fashion trends 2024, swimwear trends most often emerge from the catwalks and poolside glamour is big business with dedicated fashion weeks taking place in Miami, Hawaii and Sao Paulo throughout the year.

However, there are some trends that remain perennial staples with slight modifications from last year’s swimwear trends 2023. For example, this year’s monochrome trend sees classic black and white block colour swimwear updated with contrasting details such as stitching, edging and clever panels, while strapless swimwear emerges as a key swimwear trend 2024 thanks to its practical nature when it comes to sunbathing while also being a flattering fit.

With our guide to the six key styles to shop this summer, you’re bound to find the perfect swimwear trends 2024 for your holiday wardrobe.

1. HALTERNECKS

(Image credit: Lascana / Melissa Odabash / Heidi Klein)

Halterneck swimsuits and bikinis continue to be a popular style as there’s a flattering cut for every body type. From tiny triangles string bikinis to structured support for bigger busts, there’s a swimwear style for everyone, with the additional bonus of being entirely adjustable.

Melissa Odabash says confirms, advising: “Halterneck styles are ideal for lifting and support as they can be tied around the neck.”

Halterneck styles can also balance pear shapes or add the illusion of curves to rectangular bodies by drawing the eye upwards to the shoulders. If you want to enhance an hourglass figure silhouette, look for swimsuits with a plunging neckline that will bring the focus to the central panel of the body, highlighting the narrowest part of your trunk.

2. STRAPLESS

(Image credit: Free People / Panache / Hunza G)

Tired of strap lines after a day of sunbathing? Why not swap to a cool, minimalist strapless style this summer. Look for styles that are double lined and feature ample bust support as well as good quality silicone edging to help keep everything in place if you have a larger bust. When it comes to finding the perfect strapless bikini top, you may find that a rear tie style will allow for added peace of mind over a simple clasp and will last longer if the fabric stretches over time from exposure to elements such as chlorine and the sun.

Strapless swimwear styles are also an incredibly versatile item to pack as part of your holiday capsule wardrobe – strapless bikini tops can double as bras worn under sheer tops while a swimsuit will look cool worn with wide leg trousers and statement jewellery at the beach bar, or indeed when you return home.

Melissa Odabash is a fan: “Strapless swimwear is great to show off shoulders and is very versatile, as it can be worn with a blazer and jeans as a bodysuit.”

3. MATCHING COVER UPS

(Image credit: Melissa Odabash / Next / Cupshe)

Take the stress out of packing this summer with a matchy-matchy swimwear and cover-up duo. Many brands design beachwear to complement the swimwear underneath and it’s not just kaftans – think cotton trousers, kimonos and skirts.

The best beach cover-ups that match your swimwear are a clever style hack that will save time and effort while maximising the glamour of your holiday wardrobe, allowing you to drift seamlessly from lounging by the pool to lunch in the shade.

Swimwear designer Alexandra Miro has seen a rise in this trend over past seasons: “Our customer rarely buys a swimsuit without something to match.  This isn’t necessarily just a beach cover-up. We provide skirts and trousers to sit back with the swimwear this way a customer can wear not just at the beach but also for dinner or during the day as a look.”

Look for styles that will also work with other pieces in your wardrobe – cotton wide leg trousers can easily double up as an evening outfit when worn with a camisole or silky tee, while a long beach skirt can also be styled up as a strapless dress if you add a belt. Items such as cool long-line, linen kimonos can be worn over a simple slip dress too - finish with glamorous gold jewellery, belt and tan leather sandals for a sophisticated look at sunset drinks.

4. SHADES OF BROWN

(Image credit: Away That Day / Karen Millen / Billabong)

While many of us reach for our best black swimsuits every summer, why not switch your swimwear staple for a chic alternative in a flattering shade of brown? Ingamae Kotze, founder of British-based swimwear brand Away That Day says:

“It is such a beautiful neutral, suits all skin tones and looks timeless. There are many different shades of brown, however, a deeper, darker shade - such as our Espresso shade - will make your look all the more luxurious.”

The good news is that you can find the perfect shade to suit your skin tone. Darker chocolate tones suit all skin tones while lighter mocha-inspired tones look great on darker skin; Blondes look good in richer shades and those with red hair will find virtually every tone flattering. Look for gold-toned hardware for a dash of quiet luxury swimsuits when it comes to your pool look.

5. CONTRASTING MONOCHROME

(Image credit: Free Est / Away That Day / 4th and Reckless)

Perhaps the most classic of all of the swimwear trends 2024, monochrome swimsuits and bikinis are a timeless stylish option. For an on-trend update, step away from single hued monochrome swimwear and opt for styles with contrasting details. Not only do these add interest, they can also enhance your figure by drawing the eye to different areas and creating focal points. Swimsuits with banding below the bust or belted waists will draw attention to these areas, while detailing at the hips and on straps can appear to elongate your silhouette while styles with contrasting side panels will create a svelte shape.

Ingemae Koetz of Away That Day says: "The combination of two neutral tones is such a sophisticated, classic look and has a nostalgic designer aesthetic. Now more than ever, consumers are more inclined to purchase unique, timeless pieces and our Monochrome collections offer that special factor."

6. RETRO GLAMOUR

(Image credit: Alexandra Miro / Pour Moi / Next)

Retro glamour styles based on Old School Hollywood silhouettes are once again at the forefront of fashion. Vintage style swimsuits with belted details and high-waisted bikinis are incredibly flattering for every figure. The latter should finish at the narrowest point on your waist in order to emphasise it, while a belted style can add instant curves to the straightest of silhouettes.

The vintage trend also provides excellent options for ample busts – look for styles with moulded cups that will act similarly to your everyday bra, helping to lift and support your chest.

The chic panelling of many retro swimwear styles can also help to further boost your confidence as the eye is naturally drawn to the central panel, creating a slimming effect. Some of the best tummy control swimsuits also have a Hollywood-inspired design to further help you feel fabulous in your swimwear by gently sucking your mid-section in for a smooth silhouette.

Our experts:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.