What to Wear to the Beach: Your Guide to Summer Swimwear

Summer’s dress code? Swimmers on repeat. From beach mornings and poolside afternoons to boat days that call for one last dip, the right swimmers can set the tone for your whole summer.

With over 120 swimwear brands at THE ICONIC, including local favourites such as Seafolly, Bond-Eye Swim and Kulani Kinis, alongside international names such as Hunza G and TALA, there’s something for every kind of summer. Dive into the new-season shapes making a splash, the fits worth knowing and easy ways to style your swimwear beyond the beach. Just add water.

WHAT SWIMWEAR STYLES ARE IN FOR SUMMER 2026?

This season, swimwear is all about texture, colour and pops of personality. Crinkle and ribbed fabrics bring tactile appeal, while cut-outs and boyleg bottoms give classic shapes a fresh feel. Beading, hardware and stripes bring a little extra energy and add a playful twist.

Brown, baby blue and burgundy are some of the most-searched swimwear colours at THE ICONIC this spring, while black remains a forever favourite: chic, versatile and always in rotation.

And the timeless one-piece is still going strong. Easy to wear and even easier to style, it works well beyond the water. Slip on a sheer skirt, relaxed shorts or linen pants to take your look from first dip to whatever’s next, no outfit change required. Explore Seafolly, Bond-Eye Swim, JETS and Hunza G for this season’s standout shapes.

“I love that swimwear has become part of the outfit now. A great one-piece with a sheer skirt and a pair of sandals can take you from the water to lunch without going home. A bikini top with a pair of shorts or skirt is the summer uniform.”

Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC

HOW DO I FIND SWIMWEAR THAT SUITS MY SHAPE?

The right fit is all in the details. More support, extra coverage or a little length? Look beyond the size tag to the features that make a difference.

For more bust support: Look for underwire, cup-sized styles and wider straps. Seafolly, Form and Fold and Baku all offer options designed with fuller busts in mind.
For longer torsos: Look for one-pieces cut with extra length through the body, adjustable straps or stretch fabrics that give you a little more room to move.
For more coverage: Try boyleg bottoms for extra coverage through the upper thigh, or high-waisted styles for coverage around the waist. Higher necklines, rashies and swim tees can add more protection for the upper body.
For curve and maternity options: Artesands, City Chic and Miraclesuit offer curve-friendly styles, while Cake Maternity and Ripe Maternity have bump-friendly swimwear. Stretch-led pieces from Bond-Eye and Hunza G can also offer a more flexible fit.

Between sizes? Separates let you choose each size individually, so you can mix, match and make the fit your own.

SPENDING ALL DAY AT THE BEACH?

Making a day of it? Rash vests, swim tees and long-sleeve styles add an extra layer of coverage for long hours by the water, whether you’re surfing, snorkelling or just settling in.

Some pieces may also come with a UPF rating, which measures how effectively a fabric helps block UV radiation. Look for a UPF rating in the product details on selected styles from Sea Level, Rip Curl, Kate Spade and more.

And because your swimwear can only do so much, round out your sun protection with SPF, protective layers, a hat, sunglasses and shade, as recommended by the Cancer Council.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR OVER MY SWIMMERS?

The best cover-ups keep working long after you leave the sand. Throw an oversized linen shirt over your swimmers, or try a sarong, crochet dress, sheer skirt or relaxed Bermuda shorts for an instant outfit upgrade.

Faithfull The Brand and AERE are good places to start. And if you pack just one extra layer, make it an oversized white shirt, made for throwing on and heading out.

WHAT DO I WEAR TO A BEACH BAR?

For plans that move from sand to spritz, don’t overthink it. Whether you’re there to swim or just there for the view, pair your swimmers with a matching linen set, mini shorts, a slip dress or statement pants.

Finish with flat sandals, gold jewellery and a woven bag for an effortless look that works for golden-hour drinks, beachside dinners and everywhere after. Heading to Bali? Pack pieces that mix and match, plus one outfit you’d happily wear out to dinner.

WHAT SHOULD MEN WEAR TO THE BEACH?

Less fuss, more colour. This season, men’s swim shorts are trending above the knee and leaning into solid brights and easy prints.

For a summer-ready lineup, look to Rodd & Gunn, Polo Ralph Lauren and Academy Brand for swim shorts and resort shirts, along with slides or thongs, a cap and sharp sunnies to finish the look.

“Guys are much braver with swim shorts now. We’re seeing shorter lengths, more colour and a lot more resort shirts worn open over the top. Polo Ralph Lauren swim shorts with a linen shirt is the easy summer uniform for the beach and lunch after.”

Brittany Kipniak, Senior Buyer, Menswear Designer & Contemporary at THE ICONIC

HOW DO I STOP MY SWIMWEAR FADING?

Keep your favourites in rotation with a little care between dips. Rinse in cool, fresh water as soon as possible after swimming to wash away salt and chlorine, then follow the care label for washing. Gently squeeze out excess water rather than wringing, and dry flat in the shade. Heat and direct sunlight can fade the colour and affect the fabric’s stretch, so it’s best to skip the tumble dryer.