Feature Image by Summersalt
The temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and before we know it, summer will be in full swing. This naturally means that there’s no time like the present to expand your bathing suit collection.
But wait, don’t fall into your old habits so quickly! To help you avoid buying yet another plain black bikini, we’re here to help.
Thanks to stylist Jené Luciani Sena, ahead, you’ll uncover the five biggest swim trends for spring/summer 2021. Buy one, two, or all five. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to look amazing.
One Piece
If you’re looking for more coverage, you’re in luck! After all, according to Sena, one-piece suits are a must for 2021. Where she recommends a French cut to elongate legs, she recommends an underwire number for those with larger busts. Additionally, she points out that it’s OK if the one piece you select is a little bit on the tighter side.
“Bathing suits typically run small but that’s for a reason — oftentimes when they get wet they become saggy,” she says. While she admits that you don’t want your suit to ride up during your waterside adventure, she says snug is good. “If it’s snug when you try it on at the store, as long as it stays in place, you should be good to go,” she explains.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece $95
How fun is this faux wrap one-piece? While the front is low cut, the back offers full coverage.
Solid & Striped The Veronica One Piece $158
Baywatch, anyone? Alas, if red isn’t your color, this stunning silhouette also comes in black, white, and navy.
Structured Bra Top
Speaking of structured bra one-pieces, Sena says that structured bra bikinis are very in for 2021, regardless of bust size.
“I’m a huge fan of shopping for bra style and sized swim tops (I even talk about them in the swim section of The Bra Book!) but these are even bigger this year due to the runways being all about the bra top,” she explains. “Sculpted bra-style swim tops complete with underwire are a great option for a flattering bust line and to balance out an ample bootie. It’s just that ‘boost’ you need!”
L*Space Marley Bikini Top $121
Smocked and underwired, this bra-inspired bikini top is sold in black and white, and looks just as fab with high-waisted bottoms as it does with a low, cheeky brief.
Victoria’s Secret Shine Strap Malibu Fabulous Push-up Top $69.50
If your bust is on the smaller size — or if you simply crave a little extra lift — this push-up halter top will make you swoon. It pulls boobs up and together for stellar cleavage.
The LBB
Remember how we said not to buy yet another plain black bikini? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own one at all. In fact, small black bikinis are one of the biggest trends of 2021, we just like to promote wardrobe diversity. Anyways, just like our trusty little black dress, Sena says that the little black bikini has emerged as a favorite to create a streamlined silhouette. “Look for it in a high-waisted style bottom with the aforementioned structured bra style top to be totally on-trend,” she says.
Andie The Havana Top $65 + The High Waisted Cheeky Bottom $50
Prefer your LBB to have a bit more coverage? This high-waisted, square-neck bikini will fit your fancy.
Frankies Bikinis Eliza Terry Halter Bikini Top $90 + Enzo Terry Cheeky Bikini Bottom $90
Another trend that’s very in? Adjustable halter bikinis that have an enlarged cleavage keyhole. Get it in black and you can consider yourself doubly on-trend.
Sporty Style
Structured bikini tops aren’t the only bra-like trend of 2021, though. As Sena points out, ever since sports bras became a norm in 2020 (thanks to people getting comfortable at home), swimwear trends have followed suit. As such, she says that the sports bra-style swim top with basic bikini bottoms makes for a simple-yet-stylish option for 2021.
Aerie Banded Wide Strap Scoop Bikini Top $34.95 + High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom $29.95
If you love the look of a LBB but want to give it a bit more flair, opt for this polka-dotted number from Aerie.
Beach Riot Eva Top $98 + Emmy Bottom $98
This colorful two-piece is giving us all the ’80s vibes. Not sure you can pull off the colors? It’s available in 14 other hues.
Corset-Inspired
“Thanks to Bridgerton, the corset came back with a vengeance,” Sena says. “It’s also a nod to women coming out of lockdown hibernation sweats and wanting to show off their shapes.”
Luli Fama Ribbed Corset Lace-Up One Piece Swimsuit $164
Love the look of lace-ups? Then you’ll dig this corset-inspired suit that laces up the front and sides.
Aqua Green Women’s Lace-Up One Piece Swimsuit $39.99
The lace-up front and back of this adjustable-strap one-piece give it an undeniable corset appeal. Let’s just say that if Daphne Bridgerton lived in 2021, she’d likely be wearing one of these.
Which swim trends are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
