Maybe it's just a symptom of living in Australia, but come springtime my cart is loaded with swimsuits. Nearly every year the brief is different: the summer of 2023 was all about getting sporty in fun tankinis made for movement, while the one before that was all about shedding layers in the skimpiest bikinis .This time around? To be completely honest I'm torn.

As a midsize girlie, it's a tug-of-war between fun yet impractical togs with no support, or the comfortable yet somewhat pedestrian maillot. Which proves, if anything, that swimsuit shopping is deeply personal and highly subjective. If you too are navigating the annual swimwear hunt, then we're here to lend a helping hand. From high-impact florals to period-proof bikinis, these are the swimwear trends we'll be observing during the summer of 2024.

 

Floral prints

Left to right: Cotton On Body, TOTEME, Eres, Maygel Coronel, Karla Colletto.

There's nothing predictable about new-season florals. From whimsical prints to 3D details, these styles are set to rival even the prettiest bouquet of IRL flowers.

 

String bikinis

Left to right: Zimmermann, Matteau, Burberry, Modibodi.

Some things never go out of style. Case in point? The classic string bikini. Casual, unfussy, and perfect for days spent lounging by the pool, there's a reason the string bikini is a contender for the best summer swimsuit season after season. And if your period has ever deterred you from reaching for skimpier swimwear styles, we've got just the solution. Period wear brand Modibodi has partnered with art-driven fashion and lifestyle label, SmileyWorld, to come up with a limited-edition lineup of styles that look good and are protective against leaks, with each style holding the equivalent of 8 tampons. We call that a win-win.

 

Chocolate brown swimwear

Left to right: Hunza G, Faithfull the Brand, It's Now Cool, Aere

Simply eating it is no longer enough, we must slather it all over our bodies. Although this particular shade of cocoa has been trending for some time now, we're still tooting its horn. And it tastes just as sweet.

 

Cut out swimwear

Left to right: Reformation, Miaou, Christopher Esber, Billabong.

For the one-piece loyalists, let us offer you a more daring proposition. Why not a try a maillot with cut outs this summer? The daring part is the tan lines you risk developing. Although, who wouldn't want an imprint of this Christopher Esber swimsuit on their body?  Anyway, just like the tankini, these styles need not be relegated to the pool. They're practically screaming to go from day to night, whatever that means.

 

Strapless one pieces

Left to right: Maygel Coronel, Bottega Veneta, Eres.

Incorporate Spring/Summer 2025's fixation with bandeau silhouettes into your swimwear rotation, with sleek, strapless one piece styles. This season, it's all in the detail: minimal designs receive a high-impact upgrade via floral appliqué, textured belts, and daring cut-outs.

 

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For more summer wardrobe inspiration, why not peruse our packing list for a European summer or the warm weather trends, outside the realm of swimwear, that we'll be observing in 2024.