Here comes the sun (kind of), and with it our favorite clothing season: swimwear. Though we’re planning on spending as much of May through September relaxin’ and maxin’ by the pool, we’re first taking a careful look at our current bathing suit inventory. If you’re wearing the same black one-piece you’ve had since that family beach trip 10 years ago, then you might want to consider an upgrade. To help, we’re giving you a breakdown of the cute swimsuit trends you can expect to be big throughout the season ahead.
Here you’ll find a little something for everyone, from revamps on classic prints to the viral stuff that will definitely have you standing out from the beach crowd (ever heard of the Tarzan bottom?). Click on and dive head-first into the new swimsuit trends of the summer season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Get Crinkled
The textured appeal of this trend might be subtle, but it’s just enough to set your suit apart from anything else in your summer closet. The smocked-like finish that has been big for both pre and post-Covid wardrobes has officially made its way into our bathing suit collections, from bikinis to one-pieces and everything in between.
H&M Padded Bikini Top, $, available at H&M
H&M Bikini Bottoms, $, available at H&M
ASOS DESIGN Crinkle Low Back Swimsuit, $, available at ASOS
Hunza G Iris Crinkle-Jersey Swimsuit, $, available at MatchesFashion
BOUND by Bond-Eye The Scout Crop Bikini Top, $, available at Shopbop
BOUND by Bond-Eye The Scene Bikini Briefs, $, available at Shopbop
Andie Swim The Sardinia, $, available at Andie
Strong Ties
Whether it’s the dramatic crisscrossing of multiple suit strands across the torso or an unexpected fastening just below the arm rather than at the back, the sexiest styles of this season come with all sorts of strings attached.
Reformation Cerise Strappy Bikini Top, $, available at Reformation
Reformation Peche High Hip Bikini Bottom, $, available at Reformation
Madewell Side-Tie Bikini Top in Dot Toss, $, available at Madewell
Madewell Classic Bikini Bottom in Dot Toss, $, available at Madewell
Andrea Iyamah India High Waist Bikini, $, available at Andrea Iyamah
Frankies Bikinis Satin String Bikini Top – Rainforest, $, available at Frankies Bikinis
Frankies Bikinis Foxy Satin Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at Frankies Bikinis
Swimsuits For Squares
Like the square-toe sandal trend that’s still going strong for summer 2021, this distinct square-shaped neckline is anything but boring. It’s the perfect way to introduce some striking geometry to your beachside look that’ll enhance your otherwise casual attire.
Everlane The Square-Neck Bikini Top, $, available at Everlane
Everlane The Bikini Bottom, $, available at Everlane
Summersalt The Oasis, $, available at Summersalt
kate spade new york Falling Flower Square Neck Bikini Top, $, available at Zappos
kate spade new york Falling Flower High-Waist Bottoms, $, available at Zappos
Holiday The Label Vacation One Piece, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Onia Rafaela Liberty Cape Vista One Piece, $, available at Onia
Tarzan Bottoms
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: these barely there, ’80s-style swim bottoms — also called curtain string bikinis — are making major waves across the sartorial sphere right now.
Out From Under Cora Curtain String Printed Bikini Bottom, $, available at Urban Outffiters
Good American Matte Tiny Ties Bottom, $, available at Good American
Good American Matte Tiny Ties Triangle Top, $, available at Good American
Superdown Liv Bottom, $, available at Revolve
Stone Fox Swim | Free People Tati Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Free People
VIX SWIMWEAR Mabel Julie Tanga Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Nordstrom
T-Shirt Suits
Your favorite wardrobe staple just got a seriously summery upgrade with these shirt-like bikini tops that could even double as a post-poolside outfit.
Beach Riot Beach Riot Lana Bikini Top, $, available at Anthropologie
Beach Riot Robyn Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Anthropolgie
Zara Structured Bikini Top, $, available at Zara
Zara Texture Weave Bikini Bottom, $, available at Zara
Torrid Rose Floral Wireless Swim Top, $, available at Torrid
Torrid Rose Floral High Waist Ruched Swim Bottom, $, available at Torrid
Camille Kostek x Swimsuits For All Scuba Dream Bikini Set, $, available at swimsuitsforall
Billabong Summer Sun Puffed Sleeve Bikini Top, $, available at Billabong
Billabong Summer Sun Havana Bikini Bottom, $, available at Billabong
Free The Underboob
For the beachgoer looking for a more daring trend to make their summer outfit debut a standout situation, consider this increasingly popular IG trend which is only as skimpy as you decide to make it. Opt for a cheeky little keyhole or go big with a more revealing cutout — whatever floats your underboob boat.
Aerie Split Longline Bandeau Bikini Top, $, available at AE
Aerie Crossover High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at AE
LA Hearts by PacSun Leopard Miami Cutout Cropped Bikini Top, $, available at PacSun
LA Hearts by PacSun Leopard Miami Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at Pac Sun
South Beach Cut Out Crop Bikini Top, $, available at ASOS
Xhilaration Ribbed Front Cut Out Bralette Bikini Top, $, available at Target
Xhilaration Ribbed Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at Target
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