I Refuse to Admit Summer Is Almost Over—Here Are the 7 Swim Trends I Can't Quit
Shop Like an Editor is a Who What Wear column where our senior editor Kristen Nichols shares her latest fashion finds.
Though summer may be winding down, I’m leaning heavily into swimwear right now. Inspired by some of the best swimsuit trends of the season, I’ve been trying out my favorite styles. While I’ve been wearing swimsuits for a backyard dip in the pool, I’ve also been experimenting by mixing swimwear into my everyday outfits—whether it’s a bikini top paired with high-waisted trousers or a sparkly bikini underneath a breezy linen dress.
My style is part minimalist, part maximalist—and you’ll see evidence of both here. I often gravitate to the clean, classic lines of a solid one-shoulder swimsuit, but you’ll also spot me wearing more high-drama items like a golden ruched one-piece from Isa Boulder or an ‘80s-inspired ruffled swimsuit. Even when I keep things simple, though, I like to layer in jewelry like statement earrings or a chain necklace to add some dimension to the look. Ahead, see how I'm wearing the 7 swimsuit trends I can’t quit and shop my top edit.
Lingerie-Inspired
I first spotted Indonesian brand Isa Boulder on Instagram earlier this year and instantly fell for their unique ruched swimsuits. Finished with underwire cups and a satin-like material, their designs are part of the larger lingerie-inspired swimwear trend we're seeing right now. While this is stunning to wear on its own, it also works as a great transitional piece to wear with trousers as we head into fall since lingerie pieces will be huge for the season ahead.
Shop the trend:
Shop the matching Second Wave Bikini Bottoms ($40).
Shop the matching Emma Bikini Briefs ($160).
Square Necklines
With the bra top trend in full swing, I've been adopting bikinis as tops for a look to wear beyond the pool or beach. Square necklines are the silhouette I've been gravitating to because of their clean lines that easily pass for a crop top. Here, I styled a top from Monday Swimwear with a pair of belted high-waist trousers and strappy sandals. Next month, I'd wear the same look but add a loose blazer and sleek ankle boots.
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One-Shoulder
One-shoulder swimsuits are the minimalist trend that has been everywhere this summer but I think the silhouette is only picking up steam. Moving into fall, we'll be seeing one-shoulder tops take off, so this is the perfect piece to wear later in place of a bodysuit. I particularly love this version from Jade Swim—it has a beautiful open back and a strap that wraps around from the side to the shoulder which you can see in the product shot below.
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Sparkly
High-shine lurex swimsuits have been around for a bit now, but seem to get more and more popular each season. Italian brand Oséree definitely put them on the map with their signature sparkly fabrics that glisten as they catch the sun. I love the subtle shine of this black bikini that adds just the right touch of glamour to an otherwise classic style.
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Sleeves
One of the most unique swimsuit shapes on my radar? Sleeved versions. I've really fallen hard for this fresh take on swimwear that stands out from the rest. Here, I'm wearing a set from Same Swim that has a rash guard top and high-rise bottoms. Though the design takes inspiration from vintage pieces with its covered buttons and contrast trim, the long sleeves instantly make it feel modern.
Shop the trend:
Shop the matching Grace High-Rise Bottoms ($110).
Shop the matching Hip Hug Bottoms ($45).
Ruffles
I can never resist a great '80s reference, so ruffle swimsuits are winning me over right now. I especially love this one-piece from Devon Windsor that has a plunging neckline and cool, textured fabric. This is yet another piece that I can imagine wearing in place of a top with trousers or jeans.
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Zebra Prints
While I tend to stick with solids over prints, I couldn't resist the cool zebra pattens that have been everywhere recently. They have a slightly graphic, '80s feel that is different from the typical animal prints we tend to see in swimwear.
Shop the trend:
Next, discover the 25 cool fashion finds I'm obsessing over right now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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