Image via Summer Salt The Sidestroke
Who isn’t counting down the days until summertime? In a short (or extremely long) four months, you will hopefully be sitting by the pool and soaking up the sun for hours on end (while continuously applying sunscreen), and, you will need an adorable swimsuit to go with this perfect day. With so many different styles, shapes, and cuts of swimwear, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding pieces that are just right for you. Discover a few upcoming swimwear trends you’ll be sure to see and hopefully wear in the summer of 2021.
Keyhole cutouts. Side cuts had their moment, but this summer, it will be all about the keyhole cut, which can be as subtle or as showy as you like! Throw on this beauty with some denim cutoffs, a breezy white button-down, and a sun hat for the perfect summer look.
Shop here: Twist Front Cut Out Swimsuit, $37.00 / One Shoulder One Piece, $49.95
Pretty in pastels. There is so much to love about a pastel swimsuit; pastels are timeless, feminine, and oh so flattering on all skin tones. Pair a pastel with a bold sarong or printed kimono for the perfect poolside ensemble.
Shop here: Waffle Scalloped One Piece, $59.95 / One Shoulder Floral Print, $200
Retro vibes. Retro vibes always bring about good vibes. This year, it’s all about bold colors and prints. If you’re rockin’ some retro vibes, throw on the most destructed denim cut-offs you can find and your favorite cropped band tee for a look you can wear anywhere.
Shop here: Riders Embellished Floral-Print Swimsuit, $350 / Santorini Hot Pepper Colourblock, $45
High-waisted bikinis. Good news for those of us that fell in love with the high-waisted swimwear look – it’s back. High-waisted swimwear gives us a different kind of retro vibe, and the best part is, you don’t have to worry about your bottoms falling off. High-waisted bikinis look great and feel comfortable under a simple cover-up. Throw on an oversized sun hat with some chic sunglasses, and you’re good to go.
Shop here: Sanctuary Reversible High-Waisted Bikini, $59 / Mod Daisy High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $45
Minimalist suits. You don’t need all the frill and prints to look amazing while you’re sitting poolside this summer; minimalist swimwear looks effortlessly chic and can be found in several colors and styles, guaranteed to leave you waterside ready and confident. Pair your minimalist suit with an olive short and button-down chambray to make an entrance at any summer gathering.
Shop here: The Malibu Flat, $95 / Idalia Ribbed Swimsuit, $275
Animal print. Animal print has become basically the new neutral, and swimwear of 2021 is not excluded from this trend. Whatever your favorite animal print is, opt for a version of that in your swimwear. No one can stop you from going full-on Carole Baskins, but if that feels a little much, don’t shy away from a more minimalist animal print piece.
Shop here: Leopard Plunge One Piece, $54.95 / Envy of All Snakeskin Bikini Top, $28
Strings Attached. The string bikini will probably never go out of style, but luckily these things stay put a lot better than they used to. And while this wouldn’t be the ideal swimwear to grab if you’re working on your fitness and swimming aerobic laps, but for a casual dip and a whole lotta lounging, a string bikini can certainly do the trick!
Shop here: Poppy Crochet Edge Bikini, $260 / Sardinia Flounce String Bikini Bottom, $24.50
Asymmetrical. If you were a big fan of cold-shoulder swimwear, then asymmetrical may be your go-to trend this season. These fun asymmetrical cuts will not only accentuate the curves of your body, but the fun cuts will also give you some edge to your swimwear. Opt for a pair of denim cut-offs, and you’ve got a simple yet chic summer look.
Shop here: The Sidestroke, $95 / Poppy I Shoulder Frill Bikini, $295
Details in the fabric. Hear us out; belted swimwear not only makes swimwear look super unique, but it accentuates your waistline. If you think belted swimwear is your next big thing, pair it with a simple kimono cover-up to show off that accentuated waist and fun detail.
Shop here: Anne Marie Belted Safari Striped, $53.40 / Noa Underwire Belted One Piece, $195
Barely There. Remember that 80’s fashion revival everyone came to know and love? Well, it has managed to sneak its way into swimwear style as well. Say hello to the Brazilian cut. Brazilian bikinis are definitely a sexier cut, so don’t worry about many tan lines. These cuts can be a bit intimidating, but embracing your body and having the confidence to show it off is nothing to be ashamed of!
Shop here: Sol Searcher Fiji Bikini Bottom, $39.95 / Brighton U Wire Bikini Noir, $275