Sorry, Bikinis—These 6 Swimsuit Trends Are the Key to Looking Noticeably Expensive

It's officially swimming season again—hooray! But with such a long wait for the sun, we hadn't given our swimwear much thought. Now that the holidays are booked and the out-of-office replies are very nearly on, we're finally getting around to shopping for new swimwear styles, and if like us you relish the thought of stripping off and wearing nothing but your most-pared back summer wardrobe, I have good news. There is one key piece you're going to want to add to your suitcase, and it's a multi-faceted wonder.

Sorry, bikinis, but 2024 is all about the elegant one-piece. Classic, chic and impossibly comfortable, the sensible cossie is one of the biggest swimwear trends 2024 has to offer. And whilst it's true that certain swimwear styles will never date—(think black bikinis and a white one-piece), our overall fashion aesthetic can vary slightly year-on-year, so it stands to reason that what we wear on the beach follows suit.

So, which swimsuit trends feel fresh for 2024? We asked expert Ingemae Kotze, founder of swimwear brand Away That Day for the six styles you're about to see on beaches, yachts and poolside over the next 12 months. Sun, here we come.

1. CONTRAST MONOCHROME

Style Notes: Sick of statement prints and bold brights? According to Kotze, 2024 is all about minimalist monochrome with plenty of vintage appeal. "This retro-inspired trend is not going anywhere soon," notes Kotze. "Monochrome swimwear is nostalgic, timeless and flattering on all skin tones. Our Cannes one-piece in Black and Ivory Pyratex, for example, is our number one best-selling swimsuit ever." It just goes to show that sometimes the most fashion-forward trends have retro roots.

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2. EARTH TONES

Style Notes: In much of the same vein as monochrome, lurid colours are firmly off the table and earth tones are the chic alternative that always looks expensive. Think runway-ready chocolate brown, warm tan hues and rich, lush greens. "Earthy tones are super sophisticated and also very on-trend," adds Kotze. "They say brown is the new black, and I am all for it. This neutral shade complements all skin tones and adds instant class to your summer wardrobe."

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3. GET WAISTED

Style Notes: Looking for a swimsuit trend that the Who What Wear UK team is backing? Belted swimsuits not only offer a flattering fit that draws in the waist but they also come readily accessorised, so there's no need to plan any clever styling. We consider this an easy win.

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4. COORDINATE YOUR COSTUME

Style Notes: Speaking of styling up our swimwear, did we mention that the sarong is back? Forget its formally dated connotations (you won't find any tropical prints in this edit); even designers agree that cover-ups are worth showing off this year. "Matching cover-ups instantly elevate your holiday look with minimal effort. Whether it be a sarong, crochet dress or a wrap skirt, they are the perfect addition to swimwear and always look chic and stylish," says Kotze.

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5. ONE-SHOULDER

Style Notes: Spice up a simple swimsuit by opting for sculptural shapes and interesting silhouettes. And no, you don't have to struggle your way into complicated cut-outs to make a statement; an elegant one-shoulder suit has the same impact as any risqué style but with a fuss-free approach. In short, this is the kind of piece we'd happily wear on its own or styled with a cover-up and chunky sandals.

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6. SHOP CONSCIOUSLY

Style Notes: And now, to the most important point on the list: shopping sustainably. No matter your style or size, shopping for a brand that uses considered materials at a fair price is a small step towards building a wardrobe that does good and looks good too. "Look for eco-friendly materials," reminds Kotze. "Shopping consciously is not a trend, but something we should all try to do when looking for new pieces." So, before you spend a quick buck on a piece you're convinced "will do for now", try to think about longevity, fabrication and versatility to find an investment piece with real staying power. You'll thank yourself when you don't need to buy another swimsuit next year.

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