Maybe you’ve noticed the recent shift in vibe, but in case you’ve missed it, there’s been a development in swimwear bottoms. Well, it’s not entirely new; rooted in 1950s silhouettes with a touch of Y2K surfer girl, swim shorts have become a hot ticket item of summer 2026 attire. If you’ve already accepted this TK into your wardrobe but are still questioning how to style it, read on.
Ahead, three editor- and It girl-approved ways to wear swim shorts on your next vacation. Be warned, we’re leaning heavily into the surfer aesthetics. Scroll on for inspiration, plus the best of the bikini shorts swimwear trends.
3 Ways to Style Swim Shorts in 2026
Surfer Chic
ASOS DESIGN
Asos Design 3/4 Sleeve Baby Tee With Varsity Graphic in Ecru and Blue
Made Some Sportswear
Short Shorts
Madewell
The Lexington Small Tote in Raffia
TOHUM
Concha Puka Gold-Plated Shell Necklace
Monochrome
Reformation
Andy Oversized Shirt
SKIMS
Iconic Swim Belted Boy Short Bikini Bottom | Carmine | Xxs
ZARA
Paisley Print Bandana
Nili Lotan X Tkees
Leather Flip Flop
Mix-and-Match
Monday Swimwear
Palma Color Block Top
Free People
Rhythm Board Short
Shop More Chic Swim Shorts
Free People
Bond-Eye Dom Swim Shorts
With Jean
Bailey Swim Short
tropic of c
Santorini Short
NIIHAI
Polka Booty Shorts Bikini Set
Free People
Salt Gypsy Betty High-Waisted Boyshort Surf Bottoms
Geel
Swim Short
Dippin Daisys
Luisa Shorts
Hunza G
Shorty Bikini Bottoms in Black – Hunza G
Solid & Striped
The Mimi Short
Free People
Rhythm Piper High-Waisted Boyshort Surf Bottoms
