If you’d told me a few summers ago that tankinis would be back on my swimwear mood board, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, here we are: after years of minimalist, quiet luxury black bikinis dominating beaches and Instagram feeds alike, fashion people are suddenly reaching for a decidedly more nostalgic swim trend—the tankini.
Before visions of the tankinis you remember from the mid-2000s start flashing through your mind, just know that this revival is a lot more fashion-forward than its early-aughts predecessor. The new wave of tankinis is much more playful, with textured fabrics, retro-prints, and bright color stories making the style feel surprisingly fresh. The 2026 version of a tankini is often styled with low-rise bikini bottoms, a far cry from it’s modest mid-2000s iteration that often emphasized as much coverage as possible.
What’s interesting is that this comeback has little to do with the reason tankinis became popular in the first place. In the early aughts, the silhouette was often marketed as an alternative for those who didn’t want to wear a traditional bikini. Today’s version isn’t really about covering up—it’s about leaning into nostalgia.
Gen Z has already revived everything from capri pants to jelly sandals, so it was only a matter of time before swimwear followed suit. For a generation that grew up seeing tankinis everywhere, the style now feels less “mom at the neighborhood pool” and more fun, kitschy, and incredibly charming
Consider this your sign to take a break from the black bikini. This summer’s tankini trend is colorful, nostalgic, and surprisingly hard to resist.
Tankinis on the Style Set
Shop the Best Tankinis
This striped tankini is so cute.
Hunza G is one of my favorite swimwear brands, so to see the London-based label offer a tankini is incredible.
This summery Staud tankini has been living in my head rent-free.
This color is so fun.
This terrycloth tankini just screams Brazilian summer to me (for obvious reasons!)
Djerf Avenue’s size-inclusive tankinis are perfect for those looking for a comfortable, reliable option. The brand arrives in up to a 3X!
The orange one is so cute, too.
Can you tell I have a thing for striped tankinis this summer?
I’m obsessed with all things from London-based label, Fruity Booty.
The more prints, the better in Gen Z’s book.
Gen Z is loving colorful polka-dots on their bags, swimwear, and even jeans this summer. The tankini trend is no different.
Emma Arletta’s Goldie Swimwear collection is finally out, and best believe the drop’s size-inclusive tankini is going to sell out first.
Another spotted tankini I can’t stop thinking about.
Damson Madder on sale? Run, don’t walk.
Staud swimwear is high up on my summer wish list.
So cute!
I’ll leave you with this pretty bridal option I’ve been eyeing.
