All the Controversial Swimwear Trends That Are Definitely in Right Now

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

What makes a swim trend controversial? It can be anything from how much coverage it provides (or, of course, doesn’t provide) to the potential for unpleasant tan lines to how much it resembles lingerie. That said, just because a swim trend is divisive doesn’t mean it’s not cool or that it’s off-limits. In fact, while I tend to err on the safer side when it comes to beachwear, I can’t help but feel like I might just want to try a handful of the aforementioned suits myself—and I have a feeling you will, too.

From bra-style bikini tops every It brand is selling to the thong swimsuit movement that’s all the rage across the globe to the loincloth bottoms both celebrities and influencers are backing, today I’ve rounded up the five most controversial swim trends that, at least for the time being, are very much a thing. Now, you can choose for yourself whether or not they’re for you, and if they just so happen to be, feel free to shop them along the way. Just keep scrolling to get started.

1. Bra-Style Tops

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(Image credit: @ookioh via @_yumi_nu)

This lingerie-inspired trend just might be my favorite of the season. In fact, I’ve already picked up the swimsuit above.

2. Thong Swimsuits

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(Image credit: @em_tong)

As both our U.S. editor in chief and UK-based editorial director have pointed out, thong swimsuits are definitely trending on both sides of the pond, even more than they have in decades past.

3. Loincloth Bikinis 

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(Image credit: @samimiro)

Since bubbling up last summer, the loincloth bikini seems to be only gaining steam going into this swim season.

4. Nude Swimsuits 

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Think anything close enough to your skin color to make your friends (or strangers) do a double take on the beach. I’m not going to lie: With all things neutral trending right now, I’m into it.

5. Complicated Cutouts 

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

If we can look as good as Imani in her Inamorata suit, I think we can all agree that the complicated-cutouts trend is worth the weird tan lines.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.