Whether you're jetting off on a tropical holiday soon or are simply dreaming of warmer days to come, we've got the swimsuit shopping intel you need. Instead of waiting until high summer to dive into the freshly released swimsuit trends, we decided to take matters into our own hands and reach out to some of the biggest names in swimwear to dish out the looks everyone will be wearing in 2019.
Thanks to the experts working at swimsuit brands like Solid & Striped, Peony, Marysia and Anemone, we can now mentally prepare for the storm of pretty bikinis and one-pieces that lie ahead. According to them, 2019 is looking like the year you should finally take all those warm-weather holidays you've been dreaming about because these trends deserve ample photo ops and long walks on the beach.
From sunshine yellow and extroverted leopard print to retro styles and high-cut bottoms, these are the swimwear trends you need on your radar this year. Scroll down to see and shop our picks.
Crinkle Fabric
When Who What Wear's Emma Spedding went to Dubai for a press trip last month, pretty much everyone by the pool was wearing ASOS' crinkle bikini, and after trying it herself, she confirmed it was the most flattering bikini she's ever worn. We also love Hunza G's classic seersucker swimsuits, for a good dose of '90s Baywatch chic.
Sustainability
"Most notably, a trend we've seen gain momentum through 2018 and into 2019 is sustainably produced swimwear. More swim labels are launching as entirely sustainably and ethically produced than ever before. Peony's recent shift toward sustainability and the introduction of sustainable and Oeko Text Standard 100 fabrications stemmed from our genuine love for the environment. The sustainability 'trend' is one we anticipate will become the norm over the next few years." — Rebecca Morton, Peony Founder and Director
Yellow
"Yellow is a major colour trend for spring. It looks great with (or without) a tan. We wanted to create a more honey tone that is flattering for a broader range of skin colours." — Lauren Arapage, Anemone Co-Founder
Complete the Set: Anemone High Waisted Bikini Bottoms (£120)
Leopard
"After seeing leopard (along with the other animal prints) on the runways for several seasons, it's clear animal print is a seasonless trend, across categories. Depending on your level of commitment, try with a printed leopard piece and cut with a solid separate. If you're ready to dive in, go for a leopard one-piece and prepare yourself for compliments." — Joshua Shaub, Anemone Co-Founder
Double-Duty Resortwear
"I design my bikini tops and maillots to be worn under skirts and pants to simplify a vacation wardrobe. The dresses and separates from my spring collection can easily go from cover-up to cocktails with the right accessories.” — Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, Marysia Founder
Retro
"This year is about retro-inspired prints and underwire swimsuit styles; reinventing lingerie-inspired beachwear. Embroidered delicate accents and flirty gingham designs will elevate traditional swimwear." — Cassie Coane, Solid & Striped Marketing Director
Knotted Details
"We have seen knotted detailing pieces become more and more popular through the resort season, and it's a style we anticipate gaining momentum well into 2019. Adding knotted details to bikini tops and bottoms creates distinction, but also adds to the functionality of a silhouette. Tie shoulders or knotted bikini bottoms allow the wearer to customise their fit, and as each body is unique, we feel it's a functional design addition with longevity." — Rebecca Morton
Sun Protection
"I've designed new rashguards and hats for women and kids to provide extra sun protection." — Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves
Embroidery
"Embroidery adds character and a fun element to any style, but especially in swim. We wanted to add this playful element to our swim collection––bonus is the pop of colour it adds to the suits. All of the florals, solids and leopard-print pieces are to be mixed and matched." — Lauren Arapage
High-Cut Legs
"The high-cut trend has been around for a couple of seasons now, and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. High-cut styles are designed to elongate and lengthen and look amazing on almost all body shapes. Pairing high-cut bikini bottoms with a wide waistband also adds a flattering finish on the waist. Our Poolside Hi Cut Pant has been one of our best-selling styles and is a cut we'll be continuing through 2019." — Rebecca Morton
Belted
"We have seen a prominent push toward belted styles in upcoming 2019 collections. While reminiscent of the golden years of the '60s and '70s, a belted bottom or one-piece can create shape through the midline and also act as a focal point to elevate and enhance an otherwise simple piece. A belted bikini bottom, such as Peony's Bathe Hi Pant, can also be pared back with a flowing blouse and straw basket away from the ocean." — Rebecca Morton
This article was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up: I've already flown 8 times this year—and these are the packing mistakes I know not to make.
