Beauty & the Beach: This Summer’s Hottest Swimsuit Trends

by Kerry Andersen

If sunny skies and climbing temperatures have you dreaming of ocean breezes and sandy beaches, that means swimsuit season is here! Choosing a new bathing suit is a summer rite of passage and the search for just the right one can often be overwhelming. We’ve done the legwork for you with this roundup of top swimsuit trends for 2022. Choose a style that is flattering yet functional, grab some sunscreen and get out there!

Matched Set

In yet another nod to the trend of swimwear crossing over to fashion and leisure attire, the matched set is a hot offering from swimwear designers in 2022. The most popular are 3-piece sets that include bikinis with matching skirts, sarongs, or shorts. Flattering tankinis are also back in fashion and can be easily paired with string bikini bottoms, jeans, or shorts for easy vacation attire appropriate at the beach and the bar. Fashionistas can look for bold florals and crochet touches or a monochromatic look with all three pieces in the same fabric and color.

Ruffles

There’s nothing more feminine than a ruffle. This girly-girl accent adds fun to any style swimsuit and will be everywhere this season. Look for large bold one shoulder ruffles for a dramatic statement or pick simple bandeau tops that flounce with layer upon layer of frilly fabric. For a more subtle take on this trend, choose a suit with ruching along the neckline or a more playful option where ruffles or scallops line every edge of a bikini or one-piece. Those butt ruffle bottoms you wore as a child are back in fashion too, and bonus, they act as a sort of camouflage to conceal areas you might be self-conscious of while splashing in the pool.

Material Girl

Forget basic black. Swimsuits this season are bold, bright and shimmer in the sun. Once reserved for more delicate pieces of clothing, designers are using innovative new fabrics. Look for shiny lurex in all colors, textured quilted velvet, leopard print and crinkle fabrics. Metallic and glitter textiles bring a fun party vibe to your beach attire. The retro crochet bikini is making a comeback too with its totally textured boho vibe. Don’t forget to lather on extra sunscreen, the sun is attracted to all that glimmer and shine!

Sporty & Functional

The classic one-piece swimsuit makes a return this season and it is anything but demure. Look for one pieces with plunging necklines, low backs, and off the shoulder styles. These athletic inspired suits are easy to wear, low maintenance and offer functional accents like zippers. Go bold with color and choose bright red to stand out in a crowd or trendy color blocking styles. Sporty bodysuits borrow from surfer style by featuring wetsuit type material, high necks and long sleeves for a look that can easily protect you from the hot summer sun and then top a stylish outfit when paired with a mini skirt and sandals.

Cut It Out

Celebrities and influencers have embraced this trend and you can too. Cut out one pieces are everywhere! Look for options with easy and flattering keyhole details or the monokini for more dramatic cut out looks. The beauty of this flirty style is you can choose which body parts to expose where the fabric cuts away to emphasize your shape and cover the rest. Knotted fabric in strategic areas of your body will also highlight your best assets. Cut-out one-piece suits also double as a bodysuit under a pair of jeans or shorts. The only downside of this fun swimsuit trend? – awkward tan lines!

Belt It

Belt detailing is off the fashion runways and on the waist of one-piece swimsuits, cinching in waists and adding a designer touch to bikini bottoms. Some are built into the suit as a monochromatic style detail while others look and feel more like a traditional belt buckled or tied at the midsection. Either way, belts offer up an optical illusion that makes your waist look slimmer and that’s a style trend we can all celebrate!