Summer's Coolest Swimsuit Trend, Activated

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(Image credit: @the_attico)

Over the past year, sporty clothes have become a mainstay in many of our closets as outfits have been veering on the side of more relaxed. At least, that’s very true of my personal wardrobe. We even saw evidence of this on the S/S 21 and F/W 21 runways, where designers revealed sportswear-inspired collections and elevated takes on athleisure—meaning that these sporty pieces are definitely here to stick around for a while.

One place I didn’t predict to see the trend? Swimwear. However, as many cool designers including The Attico, Magda Butrym, and Sporty & Rich are proving, sporty swimsuits are one of the key trends to know about this season. With details such as halter necklines, neoprene fabrics, and functional performance cuts, there are so many takes on the trend I just need to share. Ahead are the six best sporty swimsuit styles to add to your wardrobe this summer.

Racerback Bikinis

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(Image credit: @the_attico)

Racerback bikinis feel especially fresh this season. Look out for bold shades like apple green and electric purple that also tap into the return of saturated shades.

Shop the trend:

Peformance Swimsuits

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(Image credit: @sportyandrich)

Yep, those pieces you may have once worn for the swim team are now on-trend. Whether you opt for a reimagined version from the Solid&Striped collab with Sporty & Rich or choose an actual performance suit from Nike or Adidas, you can’t go wrong.

Shop the trend:

Halter-Neck One-Pieces

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(Image credit: @the_attico)

If you already have a collection of one-pieces but want to try a new style that feels directional this season, halter-neck one-pieces are it. Rather than the traditional halter silhouette, these have lines similar to racerback styles.

Shop the trend:

Neoprene Swimsuits

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(Image credit: @abysseofficial)

Nothing says sporty swim more than performance textiles like neoprene, which is typically found in wet suits and is intended for function. Designers have taken the fabric and given it an updated fashion spin.

Shop the trend:

One-Shoulder One-Pieces

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(Image credit: @carmelharrison_)

One-shoulder one-pieces aren’t exactly new, but designers are getting more creative with the designs. Asymmetric straps and open-back details are just a few of the cool updates on this sporty piece.

Shop the trend:

Sleeved Swimsuits

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(Image credit: @rebelwilson)

If you’re looking for a bit more coverage or protection from the sun, sleeved swimsuits are where it’s at.

Shop the trend:

Next, read the Who What Wear guide to all things summer fashion.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.