From tropical prints to neon brights, picks out the best swimwear trends of the season
PRUDENCE WADE
MANY of our holidays might be on hold, but that doesn’t mean summer is completely cancelled. In fact, this might even be an opportunity to fully enjoy the warm weather at home, without having to stress about time off work and getting to airports on time.
RUFFLED
IF THE all-over ruching trend is a bit much for you, ruffles might be a better match. This is a feminine and romantic style, which involves ruffles along the neckline of your bikini or bathing suit that can be as minimal or maximal as you want.
■ Accessorize floral frill triangle bikini top, £12.60 (was £18); floral frill string-tie bikini briefs, £11.90 (was £17)
One of the best parts of preparing for a summer holiday is buying a new swimsuit – and even if your trip to the beach has transformed into a staycation in your backyard, you can still keep this ritual.
Check out this season’s hottest swimwear trends for inspiration...
ONE-SHOULDERED
ONE-SHOULDERED bathers are a classic cut, and this season they’ve seen a surge in popularity with a fresh spin. Woven bathing suits are particularly cool right now – or adding in retro detailing, like graphic prints or bright colours. Sleek and effortlessly cool, and you know they’ll last well beyond one summer.
■ M&S tummy control striped one shoulder swimsuit, £29.50
TROPICAL PRINTS
EVER since Jennifer Lopez brought back her iconic green dress at the Versace SS20 show, tropical prints have taken over fashion – and swimwear hasn’t been immune to its charms. The print can err into kitschy, so make sure the cut of your bikini or one piece is sleek and modern. ■ Bora Bora non wired high apex plunge bikini top, £20; Bora Bora high waist tummy control bikini brief, £20, Figleaves
SPORTY STYLES
NOT all bikinis are built for actual swimming, and a lot of them fly away the second you dive into the pool. That’s why we love the new trend for sportier styles, which are functional and bang on trend. Multipurpose, you can easily wear the top with a pair of high-waisted shorts and no one will have any idea you’re wearing a swimsuit. ■ Luxe palm scuba zip front high neck long sleeve top, £14 (was £30); luxe palm scuba cheeky bikini bottom, £10 (was £20), ASOS
UNDERWIRED FOR EXTRA SUPPORT
THERE’S been a surge in popularity around underwired and structured styles.
This is undoubtedly welcome news for those with a fuller figure or bust, or anyone who feels more comfortable with a bit more support in their swimwear.
■ Panache Anya Riva full cup bikini top, £36; Panache Anya Riva gather pant bikini bottom, £20, Figleaves
ALL-OVER RUCHING
RUCHING is a big trend on Instagram. We’re not talking about subtle effects here – but all-over ruching, with the whole bathing suit made up of gathered fabric. If you’re only modelling it in your backyard, why not choose something fun?
■ ASOS DESIGN corset ruched swimsuit with puff sleeve in white, £32
EIGHTIES-STYLE CUTS
CALL it the Love Island effect, but swimsuit designs have recently seen a drastic change.
They’ve slowly but surely been creeping up, with high-cut bottoms and bathers that sit way up on your hip bones.
You can definitely see echoes of the Eighties in this trend. Not necessarily the most comfortable of styles, it certainly makes a statement. ■ Miss Selfridge mesh frill swimsuit in black, £16 (was £32)