Maybe it’s just a symptom of living in Australia, but come springtime my cart is loaded with swimsuits. Nearly every year the brief is different: the summer of 2025 was string bikinis, 2024 was all about getting sporty in fun tankinis made for movement, while the one before that was all about shedding layers in the skimpiest bikinis. This time around? To be completely honest I’m torn.
As a midsize girl, it’s a tug-of-war between fun yet impractical togs with no support, or the comfortable yet somewhat pedestrian maillot. Which proves, if anything, that swimsuit shopping is deeply personal and highly subjective. If you too are navigating the annual swimwear hunt, then we’re here to lend a helping hand. From underwire dreams to animal print that’ll never go out of style, these are the swimwear trends we’ll be observing during the summer of 2026.
1. Underwired balconettes
A little underwire never hurt no body. With wired balconette cups and lingerie influence in fashion making a circulation, we’re not mad about it. Underwire swimwear brings a bit more considered shape to beach dressing.
2. Block colours
Sometimes, one colour is all you need. From chocolate browns to scarlet reds and saturated blues, we’ve got saturate hues on rotation this summer season. Whether it be a clean neck line or high-cut leg – why over do it with patterns when one colour is all you need to finish the look? The swimwear equivalent to an LBD.
3. Animal print
Whether it be leopard, snake, zebra – why not add a little wildlife to your swimwear? Animal prints add a little bit of warmth and fun to the usual plain stripes. Keep the silhouette simple and let the print do all the talking.
4. Polka dots
Polka dots are always a trusty fun design. A little flirtatious and a tiny bit retro, this is a print that feels right for any occasion – including the beach. Whether tiny, medium or large spots there’s something for everyone. Of course, black and white is your usual pairing of polka dots, but a chocolate brown on yellow or cream feels just as inviting.
5. Tactile materials
Sometimes, the appeal is in the material itself. Think of Triangl’s classic wetsuit material – which has made a resurgence in new collections this year. Whether it be ribbed, textured or just a little thicker, the right material can add a bit more depth to an otherwise simple design. Sometimes thicker fabrics can be practical, too, for anyone looking for a sculpting effect, or just a bit more support.
6. Beading
Embellishments have always been around on swimsuits, but beading in particular is one of our favourite accessories to a swimsuit. Whether oversized, glossy, matte or rainbow – they can be another great transformative piece to making a simple triangle bikini catch a bit more light.
For more summer wardrobe inspiration, why not peruse the brands we will be shopping for summer linens, or the netted mesh bags that’ll take one from sand to city. Don’t forget to be sun-safe.
