10 Swimwear Styles Defining the Season

While the best bathing suit is a well-fitting one that can survive a full day of salt water, sunscreen, and powerful rays, every summer brings a new lineup of swim trends that set the stage for the forthcoming beach season. For 2026, the trendiest styles are spread across the style spectrum, from barely there string bikinis and retro maillots to surf-inspired rash guards.

On the minimalist end of the sartorial pendulum, streamlined silhouettes and contemporary shapes are leading the way. Solid-colored one-pieces and bikinis feel fresh again, thanks to details like contrasting trims, graphic piping, and subtle color-blocking. Meanwhile, one-shoulder silhouettes offer an asymmetric twist on a classic offering.

Retro swimwear is having just as much of a fashion moment. Mismatched polka dots, grown-up gingham, and vintage-inspired florals bring nostalgia and femininity to modern vacation wardrobes, while ’90s-inspired halter necks add a sultrier feel. There is also an athletic current running through the water this season. Sporty rash guards, zip-front suits, board shorts, and surfer-adjacent layers have moved beyond performance wear, providing extra sun coverage and a cool-girl edge for those who may have no plans to catch a wave.

To top it off, there are the decorative details permeating this season’s top styles: scalloped edges, under-the-sea motifs, shell accents, colorful beadwork, textured fabrics, and jewelry-like hardware. After a few years of simple swim styles, these flourishes add personality to basic silhouettes, from triangle bikinis to strapless one-pieces.

This season, the best swimsuits are functional, wearable, and fashion-forward. Ahead, the swimwear trends making the biggest splash in 2026.

Drawing the Line

For minimalists, contrast-trim bathing suits are the bolder, trendier alternative to solid-colored swimwear. Whether it’s a black one-piece edged in white piping or a sporty bikini finished with color-blocked bands, the subtle detail makes even a simple silhouette stand out.

Johanna Ortiz Salt and Saddle Halter-Neck Swimsuit

Cos Contrast-Trimmed Triangle Bikini Top

Cos Contrast-Trimmed Tie-Side Bikini Briefs

Toteme Strapless Jersey Swimsuit

Reformation Joy One-Piece Swimsuit

Under the Sea

Marine-inspired motifs are everywhere on the beach circuit, with designs ranging from seashells and fish to coral and starfish. To keep the look grown-up, opt for styles with elevated embellishments like painterly prints, textured fabrics, or elegant silhouettes and hardware that nod to ocean treasures without being overly literal (or childish).

Cala de la Cruz Vienna Printed Swimsuit

Oséree Lumière Shell Bikini

Simkhai Ottilie Printed One-Piece Swimsuit

Milly Shell O-Ring Bikini Top

Milly Margot Seashell Bikini Bottoms

Halter Ego

The ’90s halter neck is back in the swim rotation, bringing modern bombshell-entering-the-villa confidence shoreside. With its lifted neckline, tie-back shape, and revealing cuts, the silhouette is both minimal and subtly sexy. Keep it nostalgic in a solid black, white, or brown, or lean into the throwback feel with a swirl print or Lurex-like finish.

Sara Cristina Bahia One-Piece

Solid & Striped Mina Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

Spot On

Polka dots are returning to swimwear, but this time they’re less retro pinup and more modern cool. In restrained palettes, mismatched dot scales, or modern cuts, the print feels playful and fun rather than old-fashioned.

Mango Polka Dot Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

Faithfull Sol and Andez Polka-Dot Bikini

Jacquemus Le Bastide One-Piece Halter Swimsuit

Simon Miller Bwai Bikini Top

Simon Miller Bwai Bikini Bottom

Beach Beads

Bead details bring a jewelry-like finish to the season’s pieces. Straps dotted with colorful stones and gem belt embellishments make a swimsuit feel styled without a single accessory. Give the accents their spot in the sun by opting for an otherwise simple silhouette like a string bikini or spaghetti-strap one-piece.

Sir Rioja String Triangle Bikini Top

Sir Rioja String Bikini Bottoms

Adriana Degreas Belted Embellished Swimsuit

Hunza G Cassie Beaded Bikini

Blue Crush

Surf-inspired swimwear is bringing a sporty sensibility to beach dressing. Rash guards, zip-front one-pieces, and long-sleeve tops offer sun coverage while looking on-trend for 2026. The look is practical enough for swimming and beach sports yet stylish enough to wear with linen pants and a raffia bag for a vacation lunch.

Staud Dolce One-Piece Swimsuit

Left on Friday Rays Long Sleeve Rashguard

Left on Friday Halfmoon Bikini Bottoms

Marysia North Sea Rashguard Swimsuit

Vintage Bloom

Retro florals are springing up again, in particular sun-washed, wallpaper-inspired prints. Keep the silhouette contemporary—see: high-cut bikini bottoms, bandeau top, or strapless one-piece—to balance the sweetness of the nostalgic blooms.

Agua by Agua Bendita Gema Valle One-Piece

Juillet Swimwear Ingrid Bikini Top

Juillet Swimwear Lea Bikini Bottom

Chloé Floral-Print Swimsuit

Anna Sui Desert Bloom Swimsuit

One and Done

One-shoulder swimsuits give the simplest of solid swimsuits an edge. It’s also one of the easiest swim trends to style off the beach, especially under silky pants or a button-down. For a slightly bolder look, opt for styles with additional side cutouts or asymmetrical straps with hardware.

Summersalt Sidestroke Swimsuit

H&M Padded-Cup One-Shoulder Swimsuit

Missoni One-Shoulder Bikini in Lamé Viscose

Left on Friday One-Piece Swimsuit

Max Mara One-Shoulder Embellished Swimsuit

Gingham Style

Gingham is back, but the 2026 version of the vintage check is more coastal cool than country picnic. Instead of twee pink or yellow pastels and overly precious details like ruffles, look for minimalist silhouettes and unexpected color combinations.

J.Crew Balconette Underwire One-Piece

Onia Aimee Triangle Bikini Top

Onia Cleo String-Tie Bikini Bottom

Hill House Home Giana One-Piece

Monday Swimwear Ravello One-Piece

Whimsy in White

Summer-white swimsuits are getting a romantic update with ruching, eyelet detailing, and sweet scalloped edges. These details add softness, whimsy, and texture, turning a simple white bikini or one-piece into a sunshine-inducing statement.

Kiki De Montparnasse Louise Ruched Swimsuit

Sea Leila Eyelet Bikini Top

Sea Leila Eyelet High-Waisted Bikini Bottom

Zimmermann Awaken Crochet Flower Bikini

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