Here's the Swimwear Trend Outshining All the Rest This Season

It's safe to say that last year we pretty much all took a hiatus from poolside parties and packed trips to the beach. As an optimist, I'm hoping things will be a little different in the months ahead, and yup, my mind has already drifted into the world of bikinis. I'm not a huge swimsuit person, so of course I took to the Internet's favorite mood board, Instagram, to glean which styles I should be betting my money on. It didn't take long for one trend in particular to emerge as the clear winner: French cut bikinis are back, and in a big way.

A dominant style of the 80s, this revealing bikini silhouette takes some sartorial courage to get used to. I've noticed different ways to pull off a French cut bikini: from barely-there string bottoms as seen on Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, to more full coverage cuts. The defining factor is the ultra high-rise hip revealing silhouette. This placement above the hip bone helps to create the illusion of longer legs–and I could always use a little bit of that. In my eagerness to fast forward to warmer days, I've already scanned the web for the French cut bikinis that are next-level gorgeous. I have no doubt these are some of the prettiest out there, so guaranteed you'll be thinking about these too.

Shop the matching Padded Bikini Top ($18).

A solid affordable choice.

Shop the matching Leia Fine Line Bralette Bikini Top ($68).

Treat yourself to a fresh green apple-colored bikini.

At this point, 2021 is the year of the cut-out.

Shop the matching Lacey Top ($60).

Skatie's selection of bikinis is top-notch.

Shop the matching Susan Top ($88).

All that's left is a pair of equally fancy sandals to match.

 

Shop the matching Kelsey Bikini Top ($88).

If you prefer a fuller coverage bottom.

Shop the matching Ava Bikini Top ($90).

If you're looking for minimalist suits with flare, look no further than Jade Swim.

Shop the matching Gulf Bikini Top ($68).

Reformation always has some of the best vintage-inspired bikinis.

Shop the matching Baby Bikini Top ($78).

With Jean's ruched mini dress was a breakout piece last season, so expect their swimwear to also pop up all over your feed come summer.

Shop the matching Beach Wave Bikini Top ($99).

If you still can't get enough tie-dye.

Shop the matching Puff Sleeve Bikini Top ($90).

For the girl that loves something a little extra.

Shop the matching Oh Snap Top ($88).

The tie-dye pattern is glorious.

Shop the matching Blue Crush Bikini Top ($95).

A Mirror Palais suit is at the top of my summer shopping list.

Shop the matching Jeanette Strapless Bandeau Top ($90).

The brand just released their latest collab with Hailee Steinfeld and it's chockful of delicious 70s inspired prints.

The only words I have to describe this is wow!

Shop the matching Vintage Chic Bikini Top ($140).

The paisley print with the lace-up top is pure millennial glamour. 

Shop the matching Bikini Top ($90).

Polka-dots and ruching lend a retro vibe.

Shop the matching Ambroise String Triangle Top ($90).

I can envision a fun poolside soiree with this on.

Shop the matching Alexa Bikini Top ($38).

This one of Revolve's more affordable bikinis.

Shop the matching Yash Bikini Top ($180).

For the sustainably minded, Araks is a brand you can feel good about.