They're Here—These 9 Bikini Trends Will Dominate Summer 2023
Suffice it to say but we Brits aren't blessed with year-round swimsuit weather, which is perhaps why we take such a considered approach when we look at investing in new styles. Many of us will relish the opportunity and make the most of the two-week holiday window in which we can cast our usual layers aside and wear nothing but breezy cover-ups and pretty swimwear. And, with summer on the fast approach, now seems like the perfect time to identify the key cossies to think about adding to your suitcase.
Putting one-pieces to the side for a second, let’s concentrate on bikinis—specifically the bikini trends 2023 has to offer. Although certain swimwear will never date—black bikinis and red swimsuits have enduring appeal—swimwear aesthetics can vary greatly year-on-year, and present a way to tap into trends we might not wear in our daily lives. I, for example, am always drawn to bright bikinis when but the rest of my wardrobe is made up exclusively of neutrals. So which bikini trends feel fresh for 2023? There are nine that I keep spotting on those who have already jetted off to warmer climates. See them below.
1. Creamy Colours
Style Notes: White and cream swimwear always looks chic. However, this year, it has undoubtedly taken over from black tones. It's tricker to keep looking fresh than other hues as the light tone has a tendency to discolour in chlorine or when rubbed with suntan lotion. To combat this, rinse properly after every use; you may even want to pack a small amount of Daz with you for it to soak in.
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2. Bandeau Tops
Style Notes: If tan lines are your pet peeve, this is the bikini trend for you—there's a serious revival of bandeau bikinis this season. Incredibly versatile, after a day spent tanning, pair yours with a maxi skirt and billowing shirt for a low-key evening look.
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3. Tropical Floral
Style Notes: Florals go hand in hand with the summer months but, in lieu of washed-out colours and ditsy prints, things have taken a bold turn with tropical motifs in zingy shades.
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4. Ring Details
Style Notes: Along with bigger updates, I’ve noticed that small detail tweaks are also coming through on swimwear this season—whatever the silhouette, ring details are present.
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5. Ruched Halters
Style Notes: While halterneck bikinis are generally considered to be a classic swimwear option, this year, the straps have been moved to the centre of the bust, which in turn creates a gathered effect on the bikini bandeau.
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6. Contrast Edging
Style Notes: With a sporty flair, while at the same time also feeling minimalist, bikinis with contrast edging keep cropping up this summer. Black is the most prominent colour offset with white, which harks back to the cossies we saw on the Chanel spring/summer runway last year. In a word: chic.
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7. Mega Metallics
Style Notes: Some bikinis are made for swimming in, and some are made to be seen in. This bikini trend? It probably falls into the latter. Super-shiny bikinis are all the rage this summer; choose a saturated shade like cobalt or lime, or go delicate in soft silver.
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8. High-Cut Bottoms
Style Notes: Continuing this season are '90s-style high-cut bikini bottoms which instantly lengthen the leg. Choose a saturated colour or string-tie sides to add to the throwback aesthetic.
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9. Brown Tones
Style Notes: One of the most dominant bikini trends for 2023 is brown, earthy hues, which mirror one of the biggest clothing trends on the spring/summer runways.
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Next Up: 27 Easy Yet Chic Outfits Fashion People Rely On All Year Round
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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