Summer is fast approaching and we have to make up for lost time.
After a couple of years where foreign travel felt too complicated to bother, the city and beach breaks we’ve all longed for are making a great return. But if your swim collection is looking a bit lacklustre, you’ve come to the right place.
This season, swimwear trends have followed the pattern of ready-to-wear in the last few seasons and that’s a return of Y2K-inspired styles. While we are rejecting the revival of the tankinis that seems prevalent at our favourite retailers, we welcome design details like ruffles, Paris Hilton’s favourite monokini (shown with aplomb at her former PA Kim Kardashian’s label SKIMS), halter necks and wetsuits. In other words, swimwear is extra once again.
But most importantly of all, bikinis are as popular as ever and the style of choice to avoid tan lines and get the most efficient bronzing. Innovative cuts and a play on the simplistic classic have revamped the once-considered risqué two-piece with daring designs to suit all tastes, shapes and sizes.
We’ve noticed a huge throwback to the 60s and 70s. Enter the time warp with flower power, crochet designs, and abstract prints. Psychedelic aesthetics are ruling the roost in the pattern stakes, bringing with them a much-needed mood boost.
When it comes to the bottom half, the appeal of high-waisted cuts is unwavering; the retro style is flattering and the option of self-tie belts or ruched panels only enhance this effect. On the other end of the spectrum, sun worshippers will be pleased to hear that the itsy bitsy bottoms are as popular as ever.
Swimwear label Monte & Lou shares top tips on how to choose a swimwear that you feel most comfortable in:
- Look for secret support features such as hidden underwires, power mesh and side boning.
- For fuller busts, multi fit styles with twists, ruching and optional convertible straps that allow you to either halter or cross them over may work best.
Revamp your holiday wardrobe with the bikinis below.
Mara Hoffman Meli square-neck recycled-fibre bikini top
Colourblocking is the name of the game here with an anything-but-subtle neon number from Mara Hoffman. It is made up of a square-neck silhouette - a hugely flattering style - paired with high-rise briefs. The brand continues on their commitment to sustainable practices with the use of recycled Econyl (a fabric constructed from ocean waste).
Buy now £150.00, Matches Fashion
H&M Padded bandeau bikini top
With this two-piece, H&M is signalling the revival of psychedelic prints. The bikini top has a bandeau silhouette paired with a halter tie that can be worn crossed over or classic depending on the level of support needed. It is padded but the cups are removable for biggest busts. Pair with the classic briefs as well as the short sarong in the same pattern.
Buy now £12.99, H&M
Alivia crochet Bikini
Spearheaded by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber, crochet is the comeback trend that is going nowhere. Popular in the 70s, the classic technique has returned to our clothing as well as our swimwear as shown by Cult Gaia. Well-placed, multi-coloured flowers give coverage, while the piece remains adjustable at the front and neck on the top, and sides of the bikini bottoms. It is also available in yellow.
Buy now £165.00, Cult Gaia
Hunza G Patricia Nile square-neck bikini set
You will have no doubt spotted Hunza G on your Instagram feed as the brand is hugely popular with the fashion set. The swimwear collection is comprised from the label’s signature seersucker material with cuts designed to fit and flatter. The top has a square-neck, while the bottoms are high rise at the waist and leg to maximise sun exposure.
Buy now £155.00, Selfridges
Agua By Agua Bendita Azuncena floral-print one-shoulder bikini top
Florals are timeless. With this Agua By Agua Bendita two-piece, you know you’ll have a piece to wear for years to come. Putting a contemporary twist on the classic, the silhouette is asymmetric with a one shoulder strap that ties around the waist. The briefs are high rise and crafted from recycled fibres.
Buy now £135.00, Matches Fashion
New Look scoop crop bikini top in daisy floral
Ideal for those who favour an all-black wardrobe, this bikini from New Look has a minimalistic look with a classic daisy print. The feel-good design is set on a scoop neck top and brief cut bottoms.
Buy now £15.99, ASOS
The Attico Zebra-print triangle bikini
Partywear specialists, The Attico is known for its daring designs that can rarely be described as demure. So when it comes to the label’s swimwear offering, you can be sure it will follow suit. With a fierce zebra print, it has a triangle silhouette at the top and bottoms with tie back and sides respectively.
Buy now £260.00, Matches Fashion
Maggie Underwire Bikini Top
Frankie’s Bikini takes a unique approach to its swimwear collections. It sets the prints on a seemingly endless array of silhouettes so you can find the style to best flatter your shape. Fresh from a partnership with Gigi Hadid, the brand has gone all our for your swimwear needs with this trippy bold blue tonal electric design. For a supportive style, opt for the top pictured with underwiring and the string bikini to encourage an all-over tan.
Buy now £125.00, Frankie’s Bikini
Solid & Striped The Daphne Top
The clue is in the name with this one. The brand plays host to an array of classic one-hue and striped designs - each as covetable as the next. For the Daphne, the top takes inspiration from the 90s with a ruffle detail that is replicated at the matching bottoms.
Buy now £98.00, Solid & Striped
Monki bikini top and briefs in floral
This floral bikini from Monki looks straight out of the 70s with its print. Set on a underwired top and mid-rise briefs, the pattern is eye-catching and mood-boosting. The pieces are made from recycled fabrics so there’s a sustainable angle too.
Buy now £28.00, ASOS
Ayla Swim Ruffle Triangle Hana Print
This playful style has a feel-good nostalgic quality about it with its fun and feminine pink hue, ditsy floral print and ruffle trim. The straps can be adjusted to help you create your own look - whether straight, halter or crossback.
Buy now £70.00, Ayla Swim
Floral Print Underwire Bikini
This sophisticated floral number from & Other Stories will allow you to splash in style while feeling supported thanks to the underwiring. If black dominates your wardrobe and swimwear offering, this gives subtle intrigue and an effortless elegance without being too vibrant or out OTT. Both the top and briefs have a subtle embellishment with the lace scalloped edges. This timeless design will keep it in your rotation for years to come.
Buy now £27.00, & Other Stories
Scalloped bikini top
Nail the basics with the help of Mango and this bold red bikini that will form the foundation of your ever-growing swimwear offering. Mix and match with other swimsuits as you please, while making the most of the super flattering scallop trim. It is available in lime or black.
Buy now £19.99, Mango
