Spring has officially sprung and before you know it, you’ll be packing your swimwear, complaining about EasyJet’s delays and venturing off on your summer holidays. The idea of stripping off to a bikini for the first time is terrifying for all of us, but that first dose of sunshine always makes it worth it – and it gives us a great excuse to buy a new set too. If you’re planning ahead, good on ya. You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve been doing the same.
After looking through hundreds of swimsuits and bikinis on my quest to find my 2024 beach outfit, the trends for SS24 quickly became clear. Luckily, they’re also very wearable. Whether you’re slim or curvy, petite or tall, there’s a swimsuit style that you’ll feel confident in on the beach this summer. That’s a promise.
You might have noticed 90s-inspired contrasting swimsuits and bikinis popping up everywhere. It seems every big brand has their own iteration of the trend, but my favourite has to be from Reformation. The white one-piece with red edging will look so good with a tan! Then there’s the coquette trend, which has been lingering for months and has finally found its way into our holiday wardrobes. Cute prints and frills give a cute update to our swimwear.
I sought the help of Junk LDN Founder Celia Harper, who shared her expert opinion on some of the biggest swimwear looks this season too. Celia founded the brand in 2020 after seeing first-hand the damage that plastic waste was having on our oceans during her time travelling in South East Asia. Junk LDN only uses co-friendly fabrics like Italian ECONYL® and REPREVE® made from recycled bottles and fishing nets, and all of their workers are paid three times the national average.
So below, you’ll find our take on the biggest swimwear trends for summer 2024 and where you can shop them. I’ve looked through thousands of bikinis and swimsuits from brands like Junk LDN, H&M, Frankies Bikinis, Zara, Reformation and many more and I’m sharing my personal favourites that I hope you’ll love too! For more inspiration for the season ahead, read our SS24 trend report.
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Sculpted shapes
Celia says, “A growing trend we’ve seen among our customers over the past two years, set to be a key trend in 2024, is the rise of sculpted, flattering shapes that work on different body types. These timeless styles offer a balance between super skimpy and covering absolutely everything, providing the perfect amount of coverage and support whilst celebrating real bodies. This shift reflects a departure from the past, where swimwear options were often polarized between ultra-skimpy or overly modest styles.
“Central to this trend is the use of swimwear fabrics inspired by shapewear, providing both comfort and support. Our pieces are crafted using double-lined, soft recycled Italian fabrics, ensuring a comfortable fit that moves with the body’s natural fluctuations.”
Lily Underwire Top, £65, Junk LDN – buy now
Rose Brief, £50, Junk LDN – buy now
Celia adds, “Our customers absolutely love our Lily underwire top paired with our Rose brief. The Lily top provides great support (especially for our fuller busted customers) whilst still being minimal coverage to accentuate the bust. While our rose brief provides a medium-full coverage, designed in a flattering V-shape to sit on your hips and flatter your curves. The perfect pairing to provide the coverage needed whilst still being sexy and stylish.”
Lily Underwire Top, £65, Junk LDN – buy now
Rose Brief, £50, Junk LDN – buy now
Balconette Bikini Top, £18.99, H&M – buy now
Cheeky Bikini bottoms, £11.99, H&M – buy now
READ MORE: Best Basket Bags For Summer 2024 – Designer & High Street Baskets
Coquette styles
The Coquette aesthetic has been dominating our wardrobes so far in 2024, giving rise to everything from ballet flats to hair bows. This summer, we’re embracing it with our swimwear too. You’ll notice ruffles, kitsch prints and sweet trims that look undeniably girly. While it’s not for everyone, I absolutely adore the trend as it allows me to continue my love of feminine dresses even when I’m on the beach.
You can accessorise these swimsuits and bikinis with basket bags, barely there sandals, colourful sunglasses and hair accessories to complete the full look, but it’s not entirely necessary. This trend really speaks for itself!
Sweetwater Underwire Bikini Top, £140, Frankie’s Bikinis – buy now
Indio Mini Short, £105, Frankie’s Bikinis – buy now
Hudson Bikini Top, £34, Frankies Bikinis at Victoria’s Secret – buy now
Hudson Bikini Bottom, £34, Frankies Bikinis at Victoria’s Secret – buy now
Ruffle Bandeau Bikini Top, £30, Next – buy now
High Waist High Leg Bikini Bottoms, £18, Next – buy now
Contrasting details
For those who prefer a more sporty aesthetic, the 90s-inspired contrasting swimwear trend is a winner. It makes a simple white or black bikini that little bit more interesting with a flattering outline, or in some cases, a pop of colour that still manages to look incredibly chic. Reformation’s swimsuit has a vintage feel, while Free People have a great two-piece that’s great for more active holidayers.
Bikini Top with Contrast Metal Piece, £22.99, Zara – buy now
Contrast Bikini Bottoms, £19.99, Zara – buy now
READ MORE: Wear Next Presents The French Riviera, A Fashion Editorial For SS24
Joy One Piece Swimsuit, £148, Reformation – buy now
ONEONE Brenda Crop Surf Top, £68, Free People – buy now
ONEONE Gaby Surf Bottoms, £68, Free People – buy now
Metallics
Metallics have been trending for a few years running, but my research proved they’re not ready to depart us yet. I love to feel dressed up even when I’m on the beach, so adding a bit of glitz is never a bad idea. This trend can vary from the more subtle glitter bikini a la & Other Stories to the high shine set from Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims. Go as subtle or as bold as you desire!
Glitter Triangle Bikini Top, £27, & Other Stories – buy now
Glitter Mini Bikini Briefs, £23, & Other Stories – buy now
Knotted Micro Triangle Top, £54, Skims – buy now
Knotted Cheeky Tanga Bottom, £48, Skims – buy now
Brooke Swimsuit, now £112, Stine Goya – buy now
READ MORE: Zara’s 2024 Swimwear Collection Has Landed and It’s Every Bit As Good As You’d Expect
Animal prints
Animal prints never date, but there’s no denying their presence for SS24. Seen as a neutral, these prints look effortlessly chic when teamed with basically anything. If you’re dressing up for a beach party, add a red lip and gold accessories, or if you want to keep things simple, wear a basket bag, Hermes-style sandals and a pair of cat-eye sunnies.
Animal Print Halter Swimsuit, £35.99, Zara – buy now
Animal Print Balconette Bikini Top Mombasa, £40, Calzedonia – buy now
Animal Print Bikini Bottoms Mombasa, £22, Calzedonia – buy now
Animal print swimsuit, £49.99, Mango – buy now
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