A Stylist Told Me 5 Swimsuit Trends That Will Define Summer
In our Ask a Stylist series, we're tapping a new expert each month to weigh in with all of their style insights. Return each week for a professional's perspective on what to know in fashion.
Fashion stylist Rachael Wang recently weighed in about all of the cool pieces she can’t wait to wear this summer and the sustainable brands she always wears—and I highly recommend giving them a read if you haven’t already. Now, the NYC-based stylist is returning to discuss all things swimwear as we head into summer. Curious to get her take on the coolest styles to know about for the months ahead, I asked Wang to share the best swimsuit trends to invest in now that get a stylist’s stamp of approval.
Her picks range from cool textures like ribbing that add some extra dimension to any silhouette to pretty patchwork bikinis to pieces that are designed with a wide range of body types and gender expressions in mind. One thing is for certain—all of Wang’s selects have me ready to slip into a swimsuit this season. Ahead, see the 5 best swimsuit trends from a stylist that she predicts will define summer style.
Patchwork
According to Rachael Wang, patchwork swimsuits have a "homespun feel" that make them equal parts fun and cool.
Shop Rachael's pick:
Shop the matching Reversible Bottoms ($145).
Shop more:
Shop the matching Hi Tide Bottoms ($85).
Ribbed
Wang is recommending scooping up swimwear that is finished with a ribbed texture—she's an especially big fan of itty bitty bikinis.
Shop Rachael's pick:
Shop the matching High Leg Bottoms ($99).
Shop more:
Shop the matching Striped Bikini Bottoms ($30).
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($40).
Inclusive
Wang has her eye on designers that are designing inclusive swimsuits, especially "joyful swim design," she says," that is "inspired by disability, chronic illness, and disfigurement."
Shop Rachael's pick:
Shop the matching Bikini Top ($125).
Shop more:
Seamless
Wang can't get enough of the simple and timeless seamless designs that are everywhere on the market right now, which she describes as "comfy, minimalist, and size-inclusive."
Shop Rachael's pick:
Shop the matching Poolside Bottoms ($38).
Shop more:
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($20).
Shop the matching Sandy Bikini Bottoms ($70).
Unisuit
We've noticed a rise in unitards recently and swimwear is following suit, specifically androgynous unisuits which Wang notes work for a "wide variety of bodies and gender expressions."
Shop Rachael's pick:
Next, shop 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 content and 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, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, 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 assistant 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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