I'm Calling It—These Will Be the 9 Biggest Bikini Trends of the Summer

Unlike our contemporaries who live in warmer climates year-round, our window for bikini wearing is significantly smaller—usually two weeks in the height of summer when we jet off somewhere. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t (and don’t) make the most of this opportunity when it presents itself. Arguably, we Brits might give our swimwear even more consideration, as our time in them is significantly shorter but, my, so sweet. 

Putting one-pieces to the side for a second, let’s concentrate on bikinis—specially the bikini trends 2022 has to offer. There can be a drastic shift between bikini trends year on year; for example, last year’s obsession with the ’90s high-leg silhouette seems to have quietened somewhat. So which bikini styles feel fresh for summer 2022? There are eight that I think are particularly noteworthy. Intrigued to see which made the cut? Scroll on to see how bikini trends have shifted in the last 12 months. 

1. SEQUIN-EMBELLISHED

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569436813-image

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Some bikinis are made for swimming in, and some are made to be seen in. This bikini trend? It’s absolutely the latter. 

Shop the Trend

2. ASYMMETRIC TOPS

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569431988-image

(Image credit: @giasinatra)

Style Notes: With a sporty flair, while at the same time, also feeling minimalist, asymmetric tops are consistent in their appeal amongst fashion types. 

Shop the Trend

3. NEON SHADES

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653570268384-main

(Image credit: @gabifresh)

Style Notes: Saturated shades are a huge trend this season, with dresses and suits in the brightest of pinks and hottest of oranges gracing the spring/summer runways. Swimwear is no exception either, with neon shades painting just about every bikini silhouette you can think of. 

Shop the Trend

4. RUCHED HALTERS

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569435814-image

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: While halterneck bikinis are generally considered to be a classic swimwear option, this year, the straps have been moved to the centre of the bust, which in turn creates a gathered effect to the bikini bandeau. 

Shop the Trend

5. RING DETAILS

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653570168157-main

(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Style Notes: Along with bigger updates, I’ve noticed that small detail tweaks are also coming through on swimwear this season—whatever the silhouette, ring details are proving prevalent. 

Shop the Trend

6. LUREX FINISHES

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569433665-image

(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Style Notes: If full-on sequins seem a little extreme for you, then consider sparkly lurex textures, where fashion and practicality collide with beautiful, beach-ready results. 

Shop the Trend

7. COMFY TEXTURES 

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653570189481-main

(Image credit: @charlottekuhrt)

Style Notes: We’ve all come to value comfort in our clothing, so it's little wonder that the same sartorial logic is being applied to swimwear. As such, lots of super-soft fabrics in uncomplicated silhouettes are beginning to emerge.

Shop the Trend

8. WAIST-TIE

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569437349-image

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Style Notes: As we’ve established, detail is key on swimwear this year, and one bikini style that’s showing no signs of slowing is the built-in tie waist. Only you can decide whether the tan lines are worth it. 

Shop the Trend

9. MINIMALIST BLACK

bikini-trends-2022-300149-1653569433051-image

(Image credit: @ali_tate_culter)

Style Notes: The bikini aesthetic that’s the antithesis of some of the above? Simple, pared-back bikinis in black.

Shop the Trend

Next Up: It's Official—These Are the Most-Wanted Fashion Items of 2022 So Far

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.