Before You Pack Your Suitcase, Here Are 7 Chic Swimwear Trends That Are Set to Dominate in 2024

We might not have had the perfect summer weather here in the UK, but we're still hopeful for a hot few weeks and the official start of swimsuit season. In a dream world, we would spend the next few months propped up on a beach with a cocktail in hand, but as we have to settle for the odd holiday where and when we can get it, we might as well make each trip a special one, starting with our wardrobes. For those who want to spend less time meticulously planning what to wear on holiday and more time relaxing, I propose a solution: making the most of our swimwear. If you're looking for some fresh new swimwear trends to give you something to look forward to, you've come to the right place, and who better to ask for pointers on what to wear poolside than a swimwear designer?

Aliya Wilkinson is the creative mind behind luxury beachwear brand Ôsalé, and with over 15 years of experience in the swimwear industry, she's the go-to for brands looking to shake up their swimwear offering. What can you expect to find in Wilkinson's suitcase? "Holidays are all about going with the flow and not feeling like you have to change before you move to the next thing," she says. "I love a versatile halterneck beach dress thrown over my bikini; something in a floaty, lightweight fabric. Then I’ll always throw one of my mum’s vintage raffia belts and some big bangles into my beach bag to dress it up at the end of the day, [along with] a pair of fine gladiator-wrap sandals—they always look elegant."

And for those who find shopping for swimwear a slog, Wilkinson's advice is to start by looking for quality first. "Whilst most fast-fashion brands design items with a short life span (due to fleeting trends and quick production), we design each piece to last. Ôsalé stands for timeless appeal and we produce pieces that endure in style and substance. I tend to stick to simple silhouettes always highlighted by that special little something; be it luxe hardware, a delicate trim or a special textured fabric. I spend a long time getting the fit and finishes right and always consider things like removable pads, bust support, adjustable coverage and the perfect cut on the bottom. Clever little details like that give the wearer options, such as transforming from a wide-strap swimsuit into a sleek strapless piece."

So with that in mind, we scanned socials and asked Wilkinson which trends are really worth buying into in 2024, and her predictions include something for everyone. "Gold hardware is huge this summer—think '90s Versace glamour. And at the opposite end of the style spectrum, anything with an artisanal feel such as hand-crocheted edges, shells and beading is having a moment," she says. With hundreds of swimsuits, bikinis and cover-ups to choose from, we whittled down the list to the below seven trends we're confident you're going to love, so if you're in the market for statement-making swimwear that feels fresh and exciting, you'll find it below. Now, to book a flight…

7 Expert-Approved Swimwear Trends for 2024:

1. Retro-Inspired

Style Notes: From Brigitte Bardot to Ursula Andress, think of the epitome of holiday glamour and you'll inevitably end up referencing Old Hollywood or French couture. "This year I think people are going to be drawn to Parisian style, especially with a spotlight on the city for the Olympics and The New Look coming out," notes Wilkinson. "This will likely cross over to swimwear with monochrome looks and retro styling. There’s a lot of swimwear with large flower appliqués which add a touch of couture, and I also can’t wait to watch Palm Royale—it looks like a Slim Aarons photo come to life. There has definitely been an influx of 1950s-inspired swim on the market, with balconette tops and high-waist bottoms coming from the coquette trend. Just add retro white sunnies!"

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2. Colourful Cover-Ups

Style Notes: Fight the urge to entirely strip off, as social media declares 2024 as the year of clever layering. Sarongs, trousers, shirts, shorts and beach dresses are increasing in popularity (and honestly, we can back any trend that effortlessly transitions from beach to bar), so now is the best time to shop for cover-ups that will look just as good back in the city too. Although we spotted knitted dresses in neutral shades paired with raffia bags in 2023, this year we're all about bright pops of colour that will bring even a simple black bikini to life—and after the longest, greyest winter in history, it's about time our wardrobes were treated to some uplifting Crayola shades.

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3. Stripped-Back Swimsuits

Style Notes: When in doubt, classics never go out of style, and according to Wilkinson, the biggest statement on the beaches this summer is keeping it simple with pared-back swimwear. The best thing about this formally "dated" style? Its versatility. "Simple one-piece swimsuits can double up as a body and be worn with high-waisted trousers or shorts, meaning they don’t have to be saved just for your holiday. I particularly like ones with classic square necklines and thinner straps," says Wilkinson.

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4. Bold Brights

Style Notes: Bright colours aren't just for cover-ups; they look just as good in the pool too, and for Wilkinson, there are a few shades in particular that are about to crop up on beaches everywhere over the next 12 months. "Vibrant colours such as hot pink, purple, royal blue and green are huge this season. Jacquards and small textures are also popular; they are a great way to zhuzh up a block-colour bikini or one-piece and give that extra touch of luxury. Oh, and anything crochet!" she says. You heard it here first.

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5. Boho 2.0

Style Notes: In case you missed it, boho is back on the agenda and it's set to step off the runways and onto the beaches. "We're seeing the revival of the boho aesthetic and a nod to artisanal finishes, so softer colours and earthy tones are making an appearance, like ivory, sand, khaki and browns," notes Wilkinson. "Anything '70s-inspired is trending—think soft paisleys and hand-painted florals à la Chloé and Etro, and Missoni-esque colourful chevrons and stripes." If you ask us, this trend was made for the beach. After all, what pairs better with strappy sandals and floppy sunhats?

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6. Molten Metallics

Style Notes: If you're looking for a trend that celebrates "more is more", look no further than molten metallics. If simple suits and colour-blocking don't get you excited, this 24-karat trend will, and the high-octane look already has the designer stamp of approval. "Anything high-shine or wet-look is super popular this season," Wilkinson says, "but I especially love the ‘liquid gold’ look, as seen at Ralph Lauren and Alberta Ferretti. It looks so beautiful glistening under the sun!"

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7. Halternecks and Bandeaus

Style Notes: If you find shopping for swimwear with smaller or larger busts particularly taxing, you're going to want to note these trending necklines. "The classic bandeau is making a comeback—another nod to that '70s aesthetic—and stepping away from those crazy cut-out swimsuits that leave you with weird tan lines!" says Wilkinson, "but they also happen to be perfect for a smaller cup size without the need to constantly readjust. Working with a D cup and above? Chic halternecks are not only fashionable, but they're functional too. "Alternatively, longline halterneck bikini tops with wider neckties and supportive under-bands are great for comfort and adjustability. A tieback is always good to allow further flexibility too."

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