6 New Bikini Trends I Can Only Really Describe as Shocking

At this point in the season, we've pretty much been sticking to a uniform that involves bikinis, denim shorts, sandals, and little else. Typically, there's only one objective during these summer weekends, and that's to get as much sun as possible, wearing one of the barely there bikinis that are designed to maximize sun exposure and minimize tan lines. But if you thought settling for a plain triangle bikini was good enough, you thought wrong. Instead, we've noticed a new crop of barely there bikini trends on the rise—and these styles are so minimal they're shocking.

Like most controversial swimsuit trends, celebrities and fashion people are leading the pack here. We've spotted them in bikinis that are redefining what "barely there" even means and some that are straight-up optical illusions. I might be slightly shook at the thought of wearing any of these styles, but I can't deny how fire the following 'grams are. To see these six new daring bikini trends and how the fashion set is wearing them, simply keep scrolling.

Floss Straps

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

Exactly as the name suggests, "floss" bikinis feature super-thin straps for a barely there look that's also great if you're trying to minimize your tan lines, but be warned: These are definitely on the minimal side when it comes to coverage.

Loincloth-esque

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(Image credit: @fridacashflow)

Next up, we have the loincloth bikini trend. Featuring ruched or scrunched-up material, this skin-baring trend seems to be really taking off this summer. Color me a little shocked to see dozens of trendsetters sporting the look and even more surprised at myself for wanting to try it.

Clear Straps

Ultra-High-Cut

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

With a healthy dose of nostalgia, we're seeing the return of ultra-high-cut swimsuits that give a nod to retro style. Cool as they may be, I'd be lying if I said that I'm used to baring that much skin above my hips. Maybe it's just me, though!

Cutout Bandeau

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(Image credit: @ashleygraham)

Another inventive way to wear the barely there swim trend right now is via cutout bandeau tops. Whether cut out in the middle or underneath to highlight a little underboob action, this trend is quickly gaining steam.

Micro-Thong Bottoms

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Thong bikinis have been on the rise since last summer, and now they're a full-blown trend—as in, they're no longer only popular among a select group of fashion people. They're everywhere

Next, I Spent Hours Researching Swim Trends—These 5 Will Go Viral

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.