The swimwear space is different from any other genre of fashion. It has its own seasons, its own fashion week, and its own leading designers. And yet, the trends that will go on to litter beaches and pool decks all spring and summer long are pretty much guaranteed to mimic those dominating in the ready-to-wear space. We as consumers only have the capacity to embrace so much. And in 2024, the vibe is classic, or if you're headed to Cap d'Antibes, classique.
"The styles are becoming more minimal and elevated," says Ela Onur, the founder and creative director of the swim and lingerie brand Else. "Customers are investing in versatile and flattering styles [capable of taking] swimwear from the beach to the bar and beyond." With so many brands already releasing their first swimwear collections, we can already see this come to fruition in the form of neutral color palettes like cream, tan, black, and brown, and timeless shapes, from triangle and balconette bikinis to simple, high-cut maillots.
According to Rebecca Morton, the founder and director of Peony Swimwear, the best place to look for inspiration is in the past, when swimwear was less about bright, loud colors and more about pretty prints and flattering silhouettes. "The most-loved swimwear pieces from our collection are unapologetically feminine," she says. "[Think] vintage-inspired prints, intricate detailing, and shapes that contour the body."
To help you take these experts' advice before swimsuit season officially kicks off, I went ahead and curated a list of the only 35 swimsuits you need to know about and, of course, shop for in 2024.
Bikinis
Balconette Bikinis
Sometimes the simplest suits are the best ones. This balconette bikini top and string, no-tie bottoms are a perfect first swim buy of the season.
Shop the matching '90s Bo-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($35).
Sofia Richie Grainge's new collaboration with Solid & Striped might be viral for its dress selection, but its bikinis are nothing to scoff at.
Shop the matching Lolita Bottoms ($108).
Reformation just launched its first official swimwear line, and this underwire Diana-blue bikini with white scalloped edges is but one of the many styles that are selling out and destined to be scattered across beaches around the world this summer.
Shop the matching Campo Bikini Bottom ($88).
If you hate pretty things, keep scrolling because this Peony Swimwear balconette bikini is one of the more gorgeous swimwear styles I've ever seen—period.
Shop the matching Forever Staple Pant ($100).
Picture this: You're in Italy in the 1980s wearing this fiery-red underwire bikini top and matching high-cut bottoms on a rocky beach before ending the night at a discoteque. Vibes.
Shop the matching Heritage 1989 High-Leg Bikini Bottom ($25).
Sure, this two-tone balconette top is gorgeous, but these high-rise, vintage-inspired bottoms are the real star of the show.
Shop the matching Devon High Rise Bikini Bottoms ($105).
I've been telling everyone who will listen to me about this swimwear brand, Adriana Degreas. Just look at this bikini. It's a work of art.
Triangle Bikinis
I clicked into this swimsuit for its rich, brown color but stayed for the tiny jewelry-like detail between its two triangle cups. It's so Tom Ford for Gucci.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottom ($30).
When Hailey Bieber and Laura Harrier both own the same swimsuit, you know it's good. They have access to every bikini under the sun and chose this one.
Shop the matching Praia Bikini Bottoms ($70).
Magenta is one of spring's most unexpected color trends and the one I think has the most star power by far. Plus, Eres makes the most luxe swimsuits, like, ever, with fits and materials that make the brand's high price point worth it.
Shop the matching Les Essentiels Malou Bikini Briefs ($205).
Good American is, of course, known for its denim, but don't sleep on Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede's swimwear creations.
Shop the matching Always Fits Good Waist Bikini Bottoms ($59).
Gray is the moment this spring, so naturally, it's performing just as well in the swimwear world as it is in the apparel-and-accessories one.
Shop the matching Metallic Bikini Bottom ($30).
I've owned this exact bikini for about two years now, and it's consistently my go-to in the spring and summer. The fit, material, and metal details combine to create a really luxurious swimwear experience.
Shop the matching Rifu Side Tie Bottom Mosaico ($55).
If you want your swimsuit collection to look more elevated, choose styles that feature metallic details. They reduce the need to add jewelry to your beach ensembles and make swimsuits look extremely rich.
Shop the matching Metallic-Detail Bikini Briefs ($30).
Bandeau Bikinis
I just saw this bikini at a press preview, and I completely lost it when it arrived in my eyeline. The rose details are beyond gorgeous, and the material feels so nice.
Shop the matching '90s Floral-Appliqué Bikini Bottoms ($175).
You can forget tan lines with this simple bandeau bikini. Plus, the skimpy cut of these bottoms is perfect for a European vacation.
Shop the matching Thong Bikini Bottoms ($30).
The red trend continues to dominate in both the fashion and swimwear worlds. This rich shade is made even more luxe by J.Crew's use of textured fabric that is super soft, comfortable, and flattering.
Shop the matching Textured Hipster Full-Coverage Bikini Bottom ($70).
Toteme does minimalism better than almost any other brand, and this tube-style, contrast-hem bikini is proof of that.
Shop the matching Recycled Bikini Briefs ($150).
Floret lovers, here's another one for you. Even better, this Boamar bikini is also made in one of 2024's hottest color trends: oxblood.
Shop the matching Page Bottom ($78).
I've owned so many good Zara bikinis in my 28 years and can't wait to add this bandeau option into my summer rotation.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottom ($30).
Everyone I know who owns a Hunza G bikini or one-piece swimsuit raves about it. I've honestly never heard a bad thing about the brand's selection.
One-Pieces
Spaghetti-Strap One-Pieces
This super-simple and sexy one-piece comes in four colorways, including three solid options and one that's patterned.
I'm very much into this double-string strap situation. It just feels really elevated and different from what else is out there.
Anemos is one of those swimwear brands that WWW's editors obsess over. Not only is the quality top tier, but the styles are extremely elevated and sought after in the fashion crowd. This option, in particular, manages to perfectly walk the line between sexy and sophisticated with its enlarged keyhole and low scoop neck.
Massimo Dutti is excelling all around these days, but the brand's beachwear selection at the moment is especially impressive.
A baby-blue maillot for $78 from a brand that's never once disappointed us in the quality department? I'll take two.
Marysia is another editor-tested and -favorite brand. The quality is on another level, and this gray-and-white suit proves that, in the looks department, there's nothing to complain about either.
It's all about the tiny, delicate details on this one-piece Peony Swimwear suit.
Thick-Strap One-Pieces
If you thought the Hunza G bikinis were good, just wait until you get your hands on one of the brand's classic one-pieces. I know the whole "one size fits all" thing is scary, but everyone I know who owns one of these swimsuits says they were pleasantly surprised to find that the brand wasn't lying.
Who knew adding a belt could take a simple white maillot from nice to irresistible? I didn't, but now, I can't stop thinking about it.
According to WWW branded content editor Aniyah Morinia, who owns multiple Norma Kamali swimsuits, the brand's suits "are really body-hugging without being suffocating," she says. "They accentuate your natural body rather than trying to sculpt it. Plus, they're super comfortable, and the prices are worth it honestly."
This red-trim maillot has been flying off shelves over at Reformation, with it finally being restocked after a fast sell-out. Get it while you still can.
Bond-Eye is another brand like Hunza G that uses a specific smocked material that's super stretchy and able to fit a wide range of bodies.
This bronze-colored H&M one-piece is giving Saint Laurent vibes.
Say yes to Madewell's unbeatable selection of swimwear.
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