5 Summer Swimwear Trends We’re Packing in Our Carry-Ons for 2026

Days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and getaways are being booked, meaning it’s high time to brush up on the biggest swimwear trends of 2026. Many of them, including polka-dot prints and minimalist shapes, take cues from the season’s major fashion trends. But others (like the nostalgic return of mid-aughts surfer-girl style) are swim-specific—and all the more exciting for it. Get beach-ready with our favorite swimwear trends of the summer below, before all the best stuff inevitably sells out.

Our favorite 2026 swimwear trends

Soly Hux Reversible Polka-Dot Bikini Set

$24

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Amazon

Boden Rhodes One-Piece Swimsuit

$160

Boden

Free-est Michelle Bikini Top

$98

Free People

Old Navy High-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit

$27 (40% off)

Old Navy

Beaudrm Striped Bikini Set

$32

Amazon

1. Polka dots

We can’t get enough of this playful, retro print right now, and we’re clearly not alone: Virtually every swimwear brand is offering its own take ahead of beach season. Whether you prefer bright pops of color or more subdued black or brown, you’ll find the pattern splashed across bikinis, one-pieces, swim dresses, and any other silhouette you could want. You won’t regret buying in.

Styling tip: Lean into the ’50s of it all with a wide, stretchy headband and heeled mules at a poolside bar—or keep things sleek and contemporary with simple linen pants as a cover-up.

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Soly Hux Reversible Polka-Dot Bikini Set

$24

Amazon

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Segt Polka-Dot Bikini Set

$28

Amazon

2. Surfer-girl nostalgia

Missing the days of Aquamarine, Blue Crush, or H2O: Just Add Water? You’re in for a treat: So many summer swimwear collections (especially Staud’s sporty drop, available below) nod at Y2K-coded surfer style with bright colors, contrast hems, and beachy stripes. If a younger you would’ve worn it back in 2006, you can bet it’s right on trend for 2026—and you can even throw in a puka shell necklace for good measure.

Styling tip: Don’t think of these tankini tops or swim shorts as only swimwear. They’ll work perfectly as part of your everyday summer wardrobe, especially on sweltering days.

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Staud Laird Tankini Top

$110

Amazon

$110

shopbop

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Skims Hipster Bikini Bottoms

$48

Skims

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Beaudrm Striped Bikini Set

$32

Amazon

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Zaful Halter Bikini Set

$33

Amazon

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Free-est Heidi One-Piece Surf Suit

$198

Free People

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Old Navy Ribbed V-Neck Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

$21 (40% off)

Old Navy

3. Eye-catching minimalism

Considering that off-kilter minimalism is having a huge moment in fashion, it was inevitable the trend would also come for our swimwear. The key here is to go for something a little more special than a basic solid-color swimsuit; look for such details as contrast stitching, metal hardware, or statement-making shapes. It’s the easiest way to look chic while lounging by the pool or heading to a post-beach dinner.

Styling tip: Vamp up your look with sculptural earrings, trendy sandals, and oversized sunglasses. It’s all very The White Lotus.

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Frankies Bikinis Verona High-Cut One-Piece Swimsuit

$185

Frankies Bikinis

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Celandine Fia Belted One-Piece Swimsuit

$128

Anthropologie

4. Subtle texture

If you’re not into intense color but you still want to stand out, go with a textured swimsuit. Tons of bikinis on the market right now feature subtle touches like eyelets, jacquard weaves, and embroidery, all of which up the cool factor without pushing you out of your comfort zone. Plus, they all look incredible in direct sunlight, of which you’re about to get a lot.

Styling tip: Throw a linen blazer over your top or satin pants over your bottoms to dress them up for drinks or dinner.

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Free-est Michelle Bikini Top

$98

Free People

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Free-est Michelle Bikini Bottoms

$98

Free People

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Hollister Embellished Stitch Over-the-Shoulder Triangle Bikini Top

$40

Hollister

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Hollister Stitched High-Leg Cheekiest Bikini Bottoms

$25

Hollister

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J.Crew Wave Eyelet Bikini Top

$90

J.Crew

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J.Crew ’90s No-Tie Eyelet String Bikini Bottom

$90

J.Crew

5. Romantic florals

While we have nothing against the usual solid colors or simple stripes, this season’s explosion in bold, vintage-inspired florals is just so much more exciting—and primed to help you (literally) make a splash. Sophisticated and romantic all at evvel, these patterns are worthy of a vacation on the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast, even if you’re really hanging by the neighborhood pool.

Styling tip: A straw çizgi and a matching beach bag add to the Euro summer vibes, on top of shading your skin and keeping your stuff organized. Chic!

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Jessie Zhao Blush Botanica One-Piece Swimsuit

$139

Nordstrom

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Boden Rhodes One-Piece Swimsuit

$160

Boden