The Bikini Trends That Should Already Be on Your Radar

Nothing gets me more excited than when I get to talk swimwear. Take a peek at my Instagram feed, and you’ll quickly see that I spend every weekend I can at a pool or beach. While I’ll never share where the best pools are in L.A., I am all for sharing swimsuit trends. Whether I’m recommending the best styles for the summer to my friends or where to buy the best string bikinis for your next vacation, I consider myself a bikini connoisseur (or connoisseur in the making). My fellow swimsuit lovers on the team, Nicole and Lauren, have already shared some of the major trends to look out for this year (see here and here), so I decided to shift my focus to trends in the world of bikinis.

I couldn’t ask for a more fitting topic since this is one of my last stories with Who What Wear. It only feels right that I'm spending my afternoon researching and checking out my favorite swimwear brands to prep for this post. While I was cruising my go-to swim spots, I narrowed the trends down to four categories, all listed below, with a selection of my favorite picks for each trend. Okay, enough with the words. Scroll down to check out the top bikini styles that should be on your radar this summer. (For more on my favorite swim brands and bikinis, feel free to DM me @mscanga.)

1. Complicated Pieces

Last year, I pointed out a rise in complicated lingerie with brands designing pieces that truly need proper instructions on how to wear, and the same goes for swimwear brands. I say this with a full heart and not as a dis, as most of these items are at the top of my swim shopping list. The more complicated the better when it comes to bikinis (and one-pieces that are practically 'kinis). Additional strings, wraps, and numerous ways to wear two-piece swimsuits are what I consider to be exciting this year for swim. Shop the bikinis that are so worth the complications below.

2. Big-Time Prints 

Visualize your favorite print for the season, and then picture it under a magnifying glass. Brands like Solid & Striped and Rixo are favoring exaggerated prints and patterns this summer. The bigger the better for prints like gingham, polka dots, and all types of animal print. Shop my favorite bikinis with a big-time print below.

3. The Basics

This category is for the swimsuit shopper who is looking for a fresh take on a classic bikini. Whether you’re hoping for a simple string set or a traditional triangle top and basic briefs, you’ve come to the right place. Some of my favorite swimsuits are the ones with zero excitement but are designed with thoughtful details and materials. Shop the best basic bikinis below.

4. Decorative Details

Last but not least, this season, get ready to see extra bikinis by way of fringe, ruffles, flashy materials, and unnecessary but amazing add-ons. These are the swimsuits you’ll want to save for a special vacation or weekend getaway and are screaming for a spot on your Instagram feed. Shop my favorite decorative bikinis below.