I'm Calling It—These Will Be the Biggest Bikini Trends of 2021

Summer is finally right around the corner, despite how far it may feel to you right now. Before you know it, everyone will be wanting to head to the beach, layout, or at least post a lot of swimsuit photos from their homes and I am here to make sure you are fully up to speed on which bikinis you should buy should you choose to follow suit. Already, we have seen an influx of stunning new swimwear trends bubbling this spring which means by the time summer rolls around, the 8 bikini trends ahead will be straight poppin'. 

Ahead, go on to read up on and shop the bikini trends you're about to see everywhere this summer from the one color that really matters to the kitschy new details you need to try. Featuring brands you know and shopping options that will overwhelm you (in a good way) you're about to crave a warm summer's day more than you ever have before, so brace yourself and enjoy. 

Bubblegum

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Bubblegum pink is not only one of the most popular color trends in the ready-to-wear space but the swimwear space as well. This very saturated, very bold hue is that little burst of joy we've been searching for everywhere this year.

Flip It & Reverse It

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(Image credit: @mscanga)

What definitely originated as a DIY situation has now turned into one of the most talked-about bikini trends of 2021. Instead of taking a regular triangle bikini, turning it upside down, and tying the top around your back, swimsuit brands are now just selling tops that look like you did that, ensuring a fit that's a tad more secure. 

Really Retro Florals

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(Image credit: @mirrorpalais)

This year, florals finally feel fresh again thanks to the retro take we've been seeing quite a of lot lately. Taking influence from both the '80s and '90s, these nostalgic prints are exactly what your swimwear collection has been missing. 

Mermaid Moments

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(Image credit: @sommer.swim)

This one feels a tad more whimsical than you might be used to, but if Versace is doing it, then it must be cool. Bikinis adorned with seashells, underwater landscapes, and mermaid-inspired tops are the new swimwear theme that's been hard to ignore, so enjoy the shopping selection of my favorites thus far. 

Gorgeous Glitter

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Glitter, glitter, and more glitter. Choosing just four bikinis to shop out in this trend section was one of the hardest things I've had to do in a long time. In other words, there is no shortage of glimmering glittering swimsuits this year, so I suggest you get your hands on your favorite take on the trend ASAP. 

Terry Times

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(Image credit: @frankiesbikinis)

Honestly, what's a trend roundup these days without a subtle nod to the early 2000s? This newly reinstalled Y2K vibe is officially a lifestyle, and that means your bikinis are affected too, starting with the terrycloth trend. You probably never thought you'd see this trend rise again, but alas, it's emerged and it's pretty damn cute if I do say so myself. 

Zebra

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(Image credit: @solidandstriped)

This might not feel like the "newest" trend on the block, but now that we've called it out, you won't be able to stop seeing it. Animal prints are always a safe bet when it comes to swimwear, but this summer, zebra print is where it's at, period. 

Shorts Stories

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(Image credit: @triangl)

Last but not least, swim shorts. Vintage-inspired tiny shorts are the new barely-there thong, and honestly, thank goodness? 

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.