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When your beachy summer getaway is booked and the itinerary is in the works, it’s time to find the perfect swimwear to pull it all together. Gone are the days of finding any old suit from the past and carelessly tossing it into the bag to check something off your packing list. Today, many 2026 swimwear trends are about versatility. You may wear your stylish suit beyond your dip in the pool. You’ll be wearing it while making unforgettable memories and taking pictures you’ll look back on fondly for years to come, so shouldn’t it be fabulous?
We certainly think so, and it will be! Another major theme in this year’s trends is functional luxury, with high-performance fabrics and quality construction that will make you feel as good as you look. With all of this in mind, we’ve rounded up eight of the top trends in swimwear this year, so you won’t just meet the moment, you’ll be the moment (and we’ve highlighted some sweet savings too).
From sculptural one-pieces to matching cabana sets, here are the eight trends defining the summer season.
The 8 Best Swimwear Trends
1. Elevated Elegance
Featured: Midnight Cove Blue Tankini Set
Ad content in partnership with Cupshe.
Out of all the 2026 trends, elevated elegance is by far the most versatile. There are several sophisticated styles on the market that are ready to take your look from day to night. This gorgeous tankini suit from Cupshe is a prime example, and a perfect buy if you want to capture this trend and rock your style all day long. The draped cowl design and metallic gold pieces help the suit pair flawlessly with a sarong or silk skirt, so a day at the beach look can become a sunset dinner number in seconds.
For big savings as you shop this trend, use this code to get $20 off your order of $125 or more at Cupshe. Plus, activate 1% cash back.
Price: $39 at Cupshe
2. Sculptural Minimalism
Ralph Lauren Shirred Bandeau One Piece
You’ve surely heard “wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.” Well, the same rule applies to swimwear! Sculptural minimalism is all about clean lines, architectural structure, and a fabulous fit, complete with a sculpted silouette. You’ll find plenty of these suits in simple black and white shades, like this Ralph Lauren suit above, because you are the main focus, the star of the show. Embrace the beauty of simplicity and being yourself with this timeless trend.
Price: $93.75, $125 at Macy’s
3. Tactile Fabrics
Sconset Seersucker Bikini Top
From seersucker material like the Vineyard Vines top above to 3D floral appliques and smocked honeycombs, there are lots of textures and tactile fabrics in swimwear this season. This adds fun flair, but also a high-end look, and often more forgiving, stretchy material too. Enjoy the look and feel of these comfy styles all summer long.
Price: $75 at Vineyard Vines
4. Soft Pastels
Mint Green Padded Bikini Top
Bring a sense of calm and serenity to your summer swimwear. Shop suits in gelato pastel colors like mint green, lavender or peach to lean into the soft girl beach aesthetic that’s feminine and fun! We love this simple square cut top in mint green from H&M, so if it’s your style, check out the matching bottoms too.
Price: $16.99, $19.99 at H&M
5. Vibrant Earth Tones
Sunny Side Rust Orange Ribbed One-Piece
If you’re a bold colors girlie, you’ll love the vibrant earth tones trend. You’ll see lots of deep tarracottas, rust oranges and stunning blues that give sunset over the ocean vibes as you shop. Even as you match the scenery of your picturesque vacation, these bold hues ensure you stand out from the crowd. Shop this rust orange one-piece from Lulus before your next trip!
Price: $55 at Lulus
6. Functional Cut-Outs
Italian Cut Out One-Piece
Cut-outs in swimwear may just seem like a cute excuse to show a little more skin with your summertime look, but they’re functional too! Under-bust cuts and waist-contouring windows aren’t just stylish; they help the suit fit you like a glove. They can provide support and help the fabric stay in all the right places while you’re on the move. Dive into this trend with the super chic suit from Quince pictured above.
Price: $49.90 at Quince
7. Matching Sets
Aisha Waves Sarong
For the luxurious ladies who love high-end fashion and resort life, the matching set trend is for you. If you thought matching sets were just for athleisure looks, cabana sets are here to prove you wrong. Several resort-wear brands have released suits with skirts, dresses, tops and bottoms in the same pattern for a cohesive look that will have you feeling polished and put together as you sip your favorite refreshment on the beach. Check out this sarong and matching suit with bold, wave patterning from Mar De Lua.
Price: $105 at Mar De Lua
8. Nostalgia Vibes
Red Gold-Accented Bikini Bottom
Who doesn’t love feeling a little nostalgic? It’s fun when trends from previous fashion eras come back, and sometimes there’s some crossover. Right now, many 90s and early 2000s trends are back and don’t be surprised if you see them overlapping a little. These gorgeous bikini bottoms from Berlook are a great example. The ultra-high cut legs are so 1990s, while the ring-detailed bikini adds some early 2000s flair. Embrace some vintage Malibu vibes this summer with this look.
Price: $37 at Berlook
The post A Beach Babe Guide: The Best Swimwear Trends of 2026 appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
