There are small, but distinct differences between your pool bikini, beach bikini, and vacation bikini. After all, wearing white on the sand leads to ruining the fabric’s stark hue but could look really amazing against a turquoise pool. Substantial fabrics are needed for snorkeling and diving, but you could go with something a little slinkier if you’re just lounging around. In short, you’ll probably pack a very different swimsuit for a trip to Greece than the ones you’ll wear on lakeside getaway. And if you’re a swimsuit fanatic like myself, you’ll take this as an excuse to buy a suit for every occasion. Shop the eight newest swimwear trends, including a surprising comeback Paris Hilton would approve of.
Bella Bra
Bambas Swim, $168 for the set
bambaswim.com
Animal Prints
Leopard and zebra prints are trending in everyday style, so you might as well carry them into swimwear. The V-shape of this bikini bottom will be super flattering on your thighs.
Snake Print Tie Bandeau Bikini
zaful.com
$14.99
Animal Prints
Nothing says “Sure, I’ll try this trend,” like a steal under $20. Zaful boats over three million IG followers too, so don’t forget to tag them in your next poolside selfie.
Leopard Tie Bikini Top
stories.com
$29.00
Animal Prints
& Other Stories is one of our favorite places to shop for affordable swimwear, and this set doesn’t disappoint.
Leya Bikini
intermixonline.com
$180.00
Ring Details
The ring adds a subtle, retro touch to classic swimsuits. This heart-shaped detail is a sweet interpretation of the trend.
Wayfarer Ring Bandeau Bikini
us.zimmermannwear.com
$260.00
Ring Details
We envision wearing this swimsuit on our next vacation, where the floral print will complement the tropical destination.
Bandeau Bikini Top
H&M, $31 for the set
hm.com
Ring Details
Test the trend out with this affordable little black bikini.
Vintage Check Triangle Bikini
mytheresa.com
$290.00
Iconic Prints
We’re also calling this trend the Paris Hilton Bikini. Revisit the 2000s with throwback designer prints that feel surprisingly fresh, like this neutral Burberry check.
FF High-Rise Bikini Set
matchesfashion.com
$690.00
Iconic Prints
We hope logomania never goes away, because this high-waist bikini bottom will flatter us for years.
Zig Zag Triangle Bikini
24sevres.com
$540.00
Iconic Prints
No one does zig zags better than Missoni.
Marilyn Sequin Set
farfetch.com
$261.46
Rose Gold
This metallic hue is usually reserved for jewelry because it complements most complexions, so why not apply the same logic to your swimwear?
Metallic Ribbed Triangle Bikini Top
topshop.com
$38.00
Rose Gold
The sporty bands help secure you bikini in place.
Poppy Bikini
thewebster.us
$345.00
Rose Gold
Rose gold works exceptionally well for a “formal” swimwear setting, i.e. day parties in Las Vegas.
Aerie Longline Bandeau Bikini Top
Aerie, $32.47 for the set
ae.com
High-Cut Bottoms
This throwback silhouette got its start in the ’80s, but we’re ready for its return. Cut a little higher on the thigh, this style will make your legs look impossibly long.
Natalia Top
Onia, $190 for the set
onia.com
High-Cut Bottoms
Try a punchy, graphic print unlike anything in your closet.
The Annabelle Gingham Bandeau Bikini
Solid & Striped, $178 for the set
nordstrom.com
High-Cut Bottoms
We love the contrast of gingham and the racy silhouette.
Palm Ruffled Floral-Print Bikini Top
LoveShackFancy, $290 for the set
modaoperandi.com
Feminine Frills
If your style is inspired by The Virgin Suicides, you’ll love this girly trend. Loveshackfancy’s swimwear collection is ripe with ditsy florals, ruffles, and bows galore, which satisfies our Gunne Sax obsession.
Black Dahlia Scarf Bikini Top
Bond Eye, $190 for the set
intermixonline.com
Feminine Frills
Remember when you used to wear handkerchiefs as tops? This is the (super cute) bikini version.
Dottie Top
Kirsten Jade, $240 for the set
kirstenjadeswim.com
Feminine Frills
The ruffle detailing along the hip will flatter your legs.
Underwire Bikini Top
J.Crew, $80 for the set
jcrew.com
Underwire Tops
To the dismay of many, bikini tops started to get real tiny. But, support is on its way, because underwire tops are making a huge comeback. We love the nostalgic polka dots of this set and the unexpected color combo.
Lima Bikini
Mikoh, $202 for the set
shop.mikoh.com
Underwire Tops
As someone who owns this bikini, let me say it’s secure enough to surf in, but cheeky enough to strut in.
Brad Top
Fella, $219 for the set
international.fellaswim.com
Underwire Tops
If you’re looking for a print like no other, look to Fella. They are experts in florals, retro stripes, and more.
Costa Bandeau
toryburch.com
$118.00
Smocked Sets
Ruched detailing is a favorite trend of ours, because it’s one of the comfiest. Go with a style like this one from Tory Burch that works for poolside snacks.
Ruched Bikini Top
mango.com
$39.99
Smocked Sets
The allover smocking treatment on this suit gives it a lovely texture.
Women’s Smocked Tube Bandeau
Xhilaration, $35 for the set
target.com
Smocked Sets
We love that you can wear this suit as a crop top, too.
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.