WORDS BY SOPHIE HENDERSON
The days get longer, the water gets warmer, and sunshine streams through your windows in the early hours. Whilst you may associate summer with that carefree feeling, finding the perfect designer swimwear and beachwear can certainly be a case of trial and error.
You’ll want to look and feel your absolute best, with a collection of bikinis and one-piece swimsuits crafted especially for your shape. With the planet in mind, it’s worth holding onto trusted, timeless favorites and sustainable swimwear to see you through future trips.
Whether you’re planning on lounging in your local park or traveling to ‘gram-worthy beach destinations, we’ve sifted through the sand to find 2021’s best beachwear and swimwear trends. We’ve whittled it down to some of our favorites — with bold color and clashing print right across the swimwear forecast. Read on to visualize your summer bucket list (and by that, we mean the outfits you’ll be wearing).
Which swimwear celebrates your body shape?
Finding the perfect bikini or one-piece is a very personal choice — only you can decipher what makes you feel both comfortable and confident. Instead of simply trying to ‘suit your body type,’ why not spread some body positivity?
Show love for your arms and shoulders with strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, and halter styles. Opt for high-leg ‘80s cuts to extend the length of your leg line, or choose a belted bathing suit to highlight your waist.
You might be surprised at the number of styles for your fuller chest. From thick straps to underwired strapless bikinis, take a dip confidently knowing everything is going to stay in place.
Which bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are in style in 2021?
Whilst quality material and clever design are a must, we’re all about the comfort-first mentality. Fashion is making a splash this year with retro-revived cuts, colors, and a whole world of emerging labels — offering up everything from Oséree’s high-shine sets to Frankies Bikinis’ beach skirts, Fendi’s FF logo bikinis to Zimmermann’s animal print styles. We’ve rounded up six of the summer 2021 swimwear trends at the pinnacle of poolside style.
Crochet
The brightly woven details of crochet coverups and swimsuits are everywhere this season, and we’re certainly not surprised. Given our current obsession with all things nostalgia, the ‘70s fabric has had a serious update — you no longer need to perch at the side of the pool for fear of your crochet one-piece absorbing water.
Now down to the all-important question — can you swim in crochet? Turn to waterproof yarn for maximum versatility, whether that’s a Missoni Mare zigzag bikini (the crème de la crème of crochet) or a check-pattern style from Frankies Bikinis. The matching skirt set will have you looking and feeling your best both in and out of the water.
Signature Prints
Signature prints can do no wrong. In a fashion landscape filled with logomania, monogram bikinis and swimsuits will never date. Whether you’re looking for the Burberry Vintage check or the Fendi FF motif, the Missoni zigzag or the Versace Baroque print. On your quest for beach and poolside excellence, why not show a little love for your favorite fashion house.
Timeless classics
You can take on the world with a classic bikini. With minimal effort and maximal impact, all-black cuts are sure to steer your swimsuit collection in the right direction. Explore the mix ahead, and choose between a range of bra tops and bandeaus, high-waisted bottoms and barely-there string styles.
Hunza G’s strapless swimsuits are crafted from seam-free knitted Lycra®, ensuring the right amount of stretch for the perfect fit. Gucci’s Interlocking G logo is reminiscent of the early ‘00s, while Oséree’s signature gold-toned Lumière bikini will whisk you away to the shores of Italy (which also happens to be where the brand crafts its glittering swimwear pieces).
Retro-inspired
One challenge is finding a suit that you can wear season after season, and looking to the archives is your best option. Whilst ‘90s string bikinis and 1950s style bathing suits have long been on the agenda, bold ‘70s florals have taken over TikTok and Instagram. Throw it back with beach co-ords from Emilio Pucci, or embrace the vintage-inspired color palettes of Clube Bossa and Amir Slama, a pioneer of Brazilian swimwear. Piped underwiring will bring a nostalgic glow-up to your swimwear season.
In The Details
The cut-out is the easiest way to show some self-love with swimwear. Highlight your shoulders with a unique asymmetric design, or choose waist detailing for the timeless appeal. Add playful detailing with an O-ring bikini, or opt for one of Jacquemus’ plunging V-neck swimsuits, both elegant and supportive. Celebrate your shape with MAXIMILIAN’s paneled designs — sunny disposition included, of course.
The Extra Accessories
We’ve rounded up the accessories with extra pizzazz, and Missoni is up there when it comes to the best sun hats for women. Decorating straw hats with the signature colorful stripe, pair your favorite with the matching designer towel — a simple way to bring the hotel experience home. Nothing says summer like a pair of Gucci sunglasses, especially with the drop logo charm.