5 Swimwear Trends You’ll Be Seeing Everywhere This Summer

While the classic string bikini is an evergreen swimwear style, this season’s offering is anything but basic. We’re seeing strings and ties transcend mere utility and take centre stage, with bikini tops and bottoms updated with exaggerated fastenings that wrap the figure to customisable perfection. Whether it’s a multi-strap halter neckline, cage-style sides or slinky ties that intersect around the waistline, these intricate silhouettes are shooting straight to the top of our Wishlist.

This summer, touchable fabrics and tactile accents are set to dominate our Instagram feeds. Bring this season’s circa-70s nostalgia to your swimwear edit with a bikini or one-piece spun from retro terry towelling. Warm ‘n fuzzy not your thing? We’ve spotted everything from ribbed and ruched to charming crinkle and seersucker swimwear, which means there’s a texture to suit every aesthetic.  

There’s no denying the sartorial impact animal print can bring to your wardrobe, and we’re seeing wild motifs make their way onto the grids of It-girls everywhere this summer. While brown leopard is a perennial choice, why not dive headfirst into the trend with high-octane colour clashing and exaggerated lines? Whether you choose tiger, cheetah or even zebra stripe, animal print is set to earn you major style points this summer.

A styling hack that was once thought to be flash-in-the-pan and pulled off only by a select few, the inverted bikini top has cemented its status as a bonafide swimwear trend both on the ‘gram and IRL. The magic lies in the traditional triangle bikini being turned on its head (literally). By flipping the cups upside down and criss-crossing the straps, this silhouette creates instant lift. The best part? While brands are now deliberately designing new-season bikini tops in this shape, you can also shop your existing swimwear collection to test out this styling trick on any bikini tops you already own. 

Play with negative space via strategically-placed keyhole and cut-out detailing. Unexpected splashes of skin are a trending way to elevate your standard one-piece swimsuit, while clever cutaways above and below the bust can breathe new life into your favourite swim tops. Labels like Self Portrait and Seafolly take the trend one step further with the help of architectural hardware, punctuating everything from bandeau tops to the hips of classic bikini bottoms.