There are certain things I look forward to every summer—movies in the park, the return of Aperol spritz season, diving into a great new book—but topping the list is my travel itinerary and the clothes that are thrown into my suitcase. And swimsuits are one of the very first things that get added to my bag. This summer, I’m particularly looking forward to days by the beach because of the cool swimsuit trends that are on the market right now.
In the past, I haven’t ventured too far outside of staples like simple black one-pieces or striped string bikinis, but this year, I’m pushing myself to experiment with more new trends like the “scrunchie” swimsuit I tried recently. Rather than keep these to myself, I’ve been texting my friends with all the bikinis and one-pieces on my radar in an attempt to narrow in on the ones I’ll be trying out for those afternoons soaking up that summer sun. Ahead I’m breaking down the 10 best summer swimsuit trends of 2018 (and you’ll probably catch me wearing each one sometime in the months to come).
Glitter
I’ve been seeing lurex swimsuits everywhere, and they truly feel special. Who doesn’t want to add a little subtle shine to their outfit?
Available in sizes S to L.
Available in Italian sizes 38 to 46.
Leopard
I’m one of the biggest leopard-print fans out there and truly believe it’s a seasonless print. Now it’s popping up everywhere in the swimsuit scene.
Available in Danish sizes 34 to 42.
Available in sizes 12 to 24.
Retro One-Piece
I’ll be the first to admit that I have an affinity for anything retro or nostalgic—and that includes these cool one-pieces.
Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in British sizes 6 to 14.
Bright Colors
The closer we move to summer, the brighter the colors seem to be getting. Neon is certainly back.
Top and Arden Bikini Bottom ($190) available in sizes XS to L.
Top and High-Rise Bottoms ($22) available in sizes 1X to 4X.
Cardigans
Modest swimwear is a fast-growing movement and these cardigans are the perfect way to add some coverage to your beach look.
Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in sizes 0 to 4.
Polka Dots
This is one of those classic summer prints that always comes back around. You can never go wrong with polka dots.
Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
High-Waisted
This is one of those silhouettes that looks good on everyone. I promise you that.
Top and Keena Bikini Bottom ($175) available in sizes XS to L.
Top and Vintage Polka Dot Bottoms ($27) available in sizes 14 to 18.
Low-Cut Bikini
Bikini bottoms that dip low in the middle and are high cut on the sides are showing up everywhere. I’ll blame this on the return to all things ’80s right now.
Top and Chad Textured Bikini Briefs ($80) available in sizes XS to L.
Top and Whiplash Bikini Bottoms ($84) available in sizes XS to L.
Scrunchie
I recently tried out the “scrunchie” swimsuit trend and, yes, I’m a big fan.
Top and Greta Bikini Bottoms ($68) available in sizes XS to XL.
Top and Brasil Scrunch Bottoms ($83) available in one size.
Square Neckline
I’ve already spotted these square neckline swimsuits on Parisians like Sabina Socol and Anne-Laure Mais, so I’m dubbing this the French-girl swimsuit for summer.
Available in sizes 1 to 5.
Available in one size.
Now can you tell why I’m having trouble narrowing down which swimsuit styles to try this summer?
