You either love ‘em or you loathe them, bikinis are the marmite of the fashion world.
There are those that relish adding new styles to their ever-growing swimwear collection and others that wouldn’t touch a two-piece with a barge pole. Until now, I hope.
As a self-confessed sun worshipper and annual leave enthusiast, my wet wear gets a lot of use. Which is why I’m constantly on the hunt for new pieces. And I know all too well that the right one will celebrate your natural curves and have you scrolling SkyScanner for your next break, while the unflattering alternative will have you wanting to cancel your OOO all together.
Shopping for bikinis was once a painful process. Bundled into stuffy changing rooms with only dreams of aircon, unappealing lighting and insufficient size ranges meant that it was something we found ourselves dreading rather than cherishing. But that’s all changed.
There is no better way to mark the emergence of the warmer weather than by treating ourselves to a new two-piece that will make us feel sexy, confident and stylish as soon as we arrive beside the seaside - and delivered to our door for a movie montage-like try-on session.
Finding that perfect swim style is first and foremost about what you like. Whether you’re looking for something traditional and timeless at the minimalistic end of the spectrum, or hoping to break away from the muted colourways of our winter wares by adding the most vibrant, striking and eye-popping prints to basket, it’s a matter of personal preference.
In terms of the cut, you want something that will flatter your body shape and there are some tips and tricks that you can use - but there are no hard and fast rules. Trial and error is the best approach to fund what you like - because that’s all that counts at the end of the day.
For those with straighter silhouettes, mix things up with halter or asymmetric necks for a fun and feminine feel. Accentuate hourglass figures with supportive styles that will keep you secure and comfortable, whether you’re lounging pool side or competing in a (not-so) friendly beach volley match. Smaller busts have their pick of the lot where there is really no fit, from bandeau to triangle, that you can’t wear. While the criss-cross strappy styles will have you ready for the pool party, always consider the longer-lasting mark it will make when bronzing.
When it comes to briefs, there’s waist-defining thongs, curve-hugging high waisted, leg-lengthening high rise or classic triangle shapes and many of our favourite patterns are offered in a few of the above so that you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
This year’s swimwear trends have seen classic prints return to the fold – we’re talking stripes and summer’s synonymous gingham pattern. But there is even greater attention placed in 2025 on subtle detailing. The best bikinis are demure one-colour or fun and floral with small appliques or subtle ruching that make a big difference. And of course, there are the white toned for this summer’s brides and animal print styles proving that leopard and zebra need not be solely reserved for your winter wardrobe. There is also an emphasis on sustainability, in particular eco-friendly fabrics made from renewable materials.
Shop our favourite bikinis for summer 2025 below
Reformation Azores Bikini
Sustainability is the Reformation M.O. and that includes its swimwear. To create its Ref Swim collection, the brand opts for a specialised material known as EVO by Fulgar that is created from renewable plants - all without sacrificing on quality.
The Azores caught our eye for its zebra print, a less common but no less chic design than leopard - and it’s tactical too. White swimwear can sometimes go see-through when wet, but that is not the case here where the black details work alongside the lining to protect our modesty. Opt for the matching skirt too for a full holiday look.
Buy now £98.00, Reformation
Hey Harper Mauritius Set V-Shaped Bikini
Hey Harper may be best known for its waterproof jewellery but its swimwear deserves your attention too, particularly the Mauritius set, a favourite of the ES Best team. The tie constructions make the fit customisable, while the elasticated trim is incredibly flattering.
Buy now £75.00, Hey Harper
Frankies Bikinis x BELLA HADID Jolene
Bella Hadid has teamed up with childhood friend and the founder of Frankies Bikinis, Francesca Aiello, to bring warm weather creations to market - and they’re so wearable we can see them popping up from the festival field to the beach. Jolene is made up of shorts and a halterneck with a classic stripe and simple heart adornment by way of detail.
Buy now £130.00, Frankies Bikinis
Fruity Booty Zoe Bikini
Gingham is synonymous with summer styling and leads the design of the Zoe bikini from Fruity Booty. It is set on a structured top with the matching bottoms that are both finished with a heart detail to connect the straps. The style has been given the seal of approval by Kendall Jenner.
Buy now £52.00, Fruity Booty
Heavy Manners 'Silver Fox' Ruffled Up Underwire Top
Stand out in the sea of simple bikini styles with Heavy Manners. The brand will appeal to minimalists with its simple but effective details, like the contrasting ruffle trim on the Silver Fox silhouette.
Buy now £130.00, Heavy Manners
Solid & Striped Lilo Bikini Top Brule
Supportive styles are the bread and butter for Solid & Striped. You can always rely on the brand for flattering, complementary silhouettes - and the Lilo is a case in point. It comes in either black or the white pictured - the latter of which is perfect for brides - and comes complete with underwiring and removable padding.
Buy now £98.00, Solid & Striped
With Jean Juni Bikini Top Check
Plaid is ruling this season’s swimwear trends with the pattern spotted ubiquitously in new collections - and With Jean is leading the pack. To give a fun, feminine twist to the heritage print, the label has affixed cutesy bows in a soft, contrasting blue hue.
Buy now £67.00, With Jean
Frankies Bikinis Strawberry Plaid Pink Reign Triangle Bikini Top
Frankies Bikinis can be purchased through the Victoria’s Secret website, which is great news as you can add this soft pastel-toned plaid bikini to your basket when you’re shopping the latter’s underwear. We can’t decide what we love more, the pink and green colourway or the ruffle trim.
Buy now £34.00, Victoria's Secret
Ark Swimwear Leopard One Shoulder
Leopard need not be reserved solely for your winter wardrobe. The design is making a play for your summer soirees set on this two-piece from Ark Swimwear. The bold print is set on a one-shoulder design made from a luxe and buttery soft fabric, as well as the coordinating bottoms in three different silhouettes - high waist, full coverage cheekys and string.
Buy now £55.00, Ark Swimwear
Kulani Kinis Twin Strap Bralette Bikini Top - Suncatcher
Choosing just one of the unique and joy-bringing patterns on the Kulani Kinis may just be the most difficult task we’ve had to make today. The site has a wealth of swimsuits for all your sun-based adventures. This twin-strap silhouette comes in seven different ones alone with the Suncatcher as our favourite. Not only does doubling down on the strap look good, but provides additional support.
Buy now £52.00, Kulani Kinis
H&M Push-up triangle bikini top
You would be wrong to dismiss this two-piece from H&M as basic. A classic colourway? Sure. A failsafe triangle construction? Of course. But it’s far from basic with a push-up effect and flattering ribbed effect.
Buy now £13.00, H&M
Billabong Folk Story Remi Tri - Skimpy Coverage Bikini Top for Women
Whether you’re layering under your wetsuit or a beach party-ready ensemble, this bikini from Billabong is a versatile summer staple complete with a mood-boosting butter yellow backdrop and ditsy floral print.
Buy now £40.00, Billabong
Tropic Of C Equator triangle bikini top
Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel is no stranger to a bikini. The South African-born, Brazil-based model makes the two-piece her off-duty uniform and has channelled this expertise into Topic of C. While the designs are minimal, close attention is paid to the details from cut to fabric, ensuring quality across the board. They come in vibrant colourways like the yellow tone of the Equator design.
Buy now £88.00, Luisaviaroma
