It might only be the start of spring, but we're already looking forward to a hot summer and the official start of swimsuit season. In a dream world, we would spend the next six months propped up on a beach with a co*cktail in hand, but as we have to settle for the odd holiday where and when we can get it, we might as well make each trip a special one, starting with our wardrobes. For those who want to spend less time meticulously planning what to wear on holiday and more time relaxing, I propose a solution: making the most of our swimwear. If you're looking for some fresh new swimwear trends to give you something to look forward to, you've come to the right place, and who better to ask for pointers on what to wear poolside than a swimwear designer?
Aliya Wilkinson is the creative mind behind luxury beachwear brand Ôsalé, and with over 15 years of experience in the swimwear industry, she's the go-to for brands looking to shake up their swimwear offering. What can you expect to find in Wilkinson's suitcase? "Holidays are all about going with the flow and not feeling like you have to change before you move to the next thing," she says. "I love a versatile halterneck beach dress thrown over my bikini; something in a floaty, lightweight fabric. Then I’ll always throw one of my mum’s vintage raffia belts and some big bangles into my beach bag to dress it up at the end of the day, [along with] a pair of fine gladiator-wrap sandals—they always look elegant."
(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)
And for those who find shopping for swimwear a slog, Wilkinson's advice is to start by looking for quality first. "Whilst most fast-fashion brands design items with a short life span (due to fleeting trends and quick production), we design each piece to last. Ôsalé stands for timeless appeal and we produce pieces that endure in style and substance. I tend to stick to simple silhouettes always highlighted by that special little something; be it luxe hardware, a delicate trim or a special textured fabric. I spend a long time getting the fit and finishes right and always consider things like removable pads, bust support, adjustable coverage and the perfect cut on the bottom. Clever little details like that give the wearer options, such as transforming from a wide-strap swimsuit into a sleek strapless piece."
So with that in mind, we scanned socials and asked Wilkinson which trends are really worth buying into in 2024, and her predictions include something for everyone. "Gold hardware is huge this summer—think '90s Versace glamour. And at the opposite end of the style spectrum, anything with an artisanal feel such as hand-crocheted edges, shells and beading is having a moment," she says. With hundreds of swimsuits, bikinis and cover-ups to choose from, we whittled down the list to the below seven trends we're confident you're going to love, so if you're in the market for statement-making swimwear that feels fresh and exciting, you'll find it below. Now, to book a flight…
1. Retro-Inspired
(Image credit: @annarvitiello)
Style Notes: From Brigitte Bardot to Ursula Andress, think of the epitome of holiday glamour and you'll inevitably end up referencing Old Hollywood or French couture. "This year I think people are going to be drawn to Parisian style, especially with a spotlight on the city for the Olympics and The New Look coming out," notes Wilkinson. "This will likely cross over to swimwear with monochrome looks and retro styling. There’s a lot of swimwear with large flower appliqués which add a touch of couture, and I also can’t wait to watch Palm Royale—it looks like a Slim Aarons photo come to life. There has definitely been an influx of 1950s-inspired swim on the market, with balconette tops and high-waist bottoms coming from the coquette trend. Just add retro white sunnies!"
Shop Retro Swimwear:
H&M
Padded-Cup High-Leg Swimsuit
This looks at least three times its price tag.
Lisa Marie Fernandez
Button-Embellished Seersucker Bikini
Trés Marilyn Monroe.
Away That Day
Cannes One Piece
I've lost count of how many times I've seen Away That Day swimsuits on Instagram and immediately double-tapped.
Triangl
Palma - Joly
Such a cute nautical nod.
Magda Butrym
Appliquéd Halterneck Swimsuit
Picture this reclining on a sunbed. Perfection.
Alexandra Miro
Whitney Swimsuit Black / White
How to get A-list style without breaking the bank.
2. Colourful Cover-Ups
(Image credit: @chey_maya)
Style Notes: Fight the urge to entirely strip off, as social media declares 2024 as the year of clever layering. Sarongs, trousers, shirts, shorts and beach dresses are increasing in popularity (and honestly, we can back any trend that effortlessly transitions from beach to bar), so now is the best time to shop for cover-ups that will look just as good back in the city too. Although we spotted knitted dresses in neutral shades paired with raffia bags in 2023, this year we're all about bright pops of colour that will bring even a simple black bikini to life—and after the longest, greyest winter in history, it's about time our wardrobes were treated to some uplifting Crayola shades.
Shop Cover-Ups:
Ôsalé
Salinas Margaux Asymmetric Beach Dress
It doesn't get more elegant than this.
Missoni
Mare Tiered Metallic Crochet-Knit Halterneck Coverup
Perfect over a white bikini.
Triangl
Kasi in Palos
Wear with an open white button-down and the bikini top of your choice.
New Look
Blue Midi Sarong
This shade of blue has me instantly hooked.
The 87
The Alice Sarong Wrap
If you haven't already heard of The 87's chic sets, this is the perfect introduction to the brand's elegant top and sarong pairings.
3. Stripped-Back Swimsuits
(Image credit: @coco_floflo)
Style Notes: When in doubt, classics never go out of style, and according to Wilkinson, the biggest statement on the beaches this summer is keeping it simple with pared-back swimwear. The best thing about this formally "dated" style? Its versatility. "Simple one-piece swimsuits can double up as a body and be worn with high-waisted trousers or shorts, meaning they don’t have to be saved just for your holiday. I particularly like ones with classic square necklines and thinner straps," says Wilkinson.
Shop Simple Swimsuits:
Belle The Label
The Ruched Maillot One-Piece Swimsuit
Belle the Label has created the ideal spaghetti-strap suit. Plus, it comes in 12 different colours.
COS
Scoop-Neck Ribbed Swimsuit
Pamela Anderson, eat your heart out.
Eres
Les Essentiels Asia Swimsuit
Eres' innovative "peau douce" fabric feels super soft yet retains its shape when wet.
Hunza G
Pamela Seersucker Swimsuit
A universally flattering shade of blue.
ARKET
Matte Swimsuit
The ideal accompaniment to a pair of linen trousers.
Reformation
Rio One Piece Swimsuit
Yes, you read that correctly—Reformation does incredible swimwear now too.
4. Bold Brights
(Image credit: @smythsisters)
Style Notes: Bright colours aren't just for cover-ups; they look just as good in the pool too, and for Wilkinson, there are a few shades in particular that are about to crop up on beaches everywhere over the next 12 months. "Vibrant colours such as hot pink, purple, royal blue and green are huge this season. Jacquards and small textures are also popular; they are a great way to zhuzh up a block-colour bikini or one-piece and give that extra touch of luxury. Oh, and anything crochet!" she says. You heard it here first.
Shop Brights:
Bond Eye
Gracie Balconette
Bond Eye specialises in swimwear that looks as good as it feels.
Beach Riot
Beach Riot Jessica One-Piece Swimsuit
Not one for wallflowers.
Form and Fold
The Crop Wasabi Sheen Top
This fresh, zesty green will look incredible against a tan.
Oséree
Lumière Bi-Color Set
If the pretty purple wasn't enough, there's also a subtle shimmer.
Hunza G
Ruby High-Waist Seersucker Bikini
The shape, the fit, the colour—this ticks every box.
Boux Avenue
Amalfi Ruched Bikini Briefs
Shop in sizes 6 to 16 and at an unbeatable price.
5. Boho 2.0
(Image credit: @kitkeenan)
Style Notes: In case you missed it, boho is back on the agenda and it's set to step off the runways and onto the beaches. "We're seeing the revival of the boho aesthetic and a nod to artisanal finishes, so softer colours and earthy tones are making an appearance, like ivory, sand, khaki and browns," notes Wilkinson. "Anything '70s-inspired is trending—think soft paisleys and hand-painted florals à la Chloé and Etro, and Missoni-esque colourful chevrons and stripes." If you ask us, this trend was made for the beach. After all, what pairs better with strappy sandals and floppy sunhats?
Shop Boho Swimwear:
Zimmermann
Junie Strapless Cutout Floral-Print Swimsuit
Just add stacked layers of beaded necklaces and a pair of oversized sunnies.
It's Now Cool
It's Now Cool the Crochet Tri Bikini Top
I'm planning on copying this entire 'fit.
Boden
Milos Smocked Bandeau Swimsuit
Bravo, Boden, this nails the trend in one cute suit.
Missoni
Zigzag-Intarsia Knitted Sarong
Wear with everything from bikinis to oversized linen button-downs.
Solid & Striped
The Nolan Crocheted Cotton Shorts
Texture is key when it comes to the boho trend, and these crochet shorts are an easy way to dress up a simple swim.
(Image credit: @aishafarida)
Style Notes: If you're looking for a trend that celebrates "more is more", look no further than molten metallics. If simple suits and colour-blocking don't get you excited, this 24-karat trend will, and the high-octane look already has the designer stamp of approval. "Anything high-shine or wet-look is super popular this season," Wilkinson says, "but I especially love the ‘liquid gold’ look, as seen at Ralph Lauren and Alberta Ferretti. It looks so beautiful glistening under the sun!"
Shop Metallics:
Ôsalé
Lumiere Elsa Brazilian Bikini Bottom
The pop of turquoise brings the gold to life.
& Other Stories
Strappy Glitter Swimsuit
The glitter comes into its own once the sun hits.
Cult Gaia
Allegra Cutout Ruched Metallic Swimsuit
This manages to incorporate ruching, cut-outs and gold, and still makes perfect sense.
Karen Millen
Silver Foiled Cross Neck Swimsuit
Silver stans—here's one for you too.
Adriana Degreas
La Mer Starfish Strapless Bikini
Simple but very effective (and get a load of that starfish detail).
Missoni
Metallic-Weave Open-Knit Maxi Dress
Throw on over a minimal black bikini.
7. Halternecks and Bandeaus
(Image credit: @gracemahary)
Style Notes: If you find shopping for swimwear with smaller or larger busts particularly taxing, you're going to want to note these trending necklines. "The classic bandeau is making a comeback—another nod to that '70s aesthetic—and stepping away from those crazy cut-out swimsuits that leave you with weird tan lines!" says Wilkinson, "but they also happen to be perfect for a smaller cup size without the need to constantly readjust. Working with a D cup and above? Chic halternecks are not only fashionable, but they're functional too. "Alternatively, longline halterneck bikini tops with wider neckties and supportive under-bands are great for comfort and adjustability. A tieback is always good to allow further flexibility too."
Shop Halternecks and Bandeaus:
John Lewis
John Lewis St Tropez Sling Halter Bikini Top, Blue
Accommodating all the way up to an F cup.
Mango
Shiny Bikini Top
Wear with straps or as a bandeau.
Away That Day
Acapulco Top in Espresso
If brown isn't your thing, this comes in ten other colours from hot red to deep green.
Oceanus
Angelica Self-Tie Lilac Bandeau Bikini Top
Oceanus does everything from embellished occasion pieces to easy, sunbathing wonders.
Kiohne
Cora Bottom
Imagine how good this would look with a pair of statement earrings.
Lisa Marie Fernandez
+ Net Sustain Polo Seersucker Halterneck Swimsuit
Wear to the pool or as a bodysuit with jeans.
