Ready, Steady, Beach! 9 Swimwear Trends You'll Love to Wear This Summer

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I don't know if it's the lighter mornings and evenings or the fact that I've just booked myself a trip to Greece in a few short weeks, but over the past few days, try as I may, I've found myself thinking nonstop about swimwear. I haven't been on a beach holiday in a few years, and prior to that, I think it had been a while since I updated my swimwear even then. So with a holiday on the horizon and hopefully some balmy temperatures on home soil also to look forward to, I thought it was high time I brush up on beachwear and start my research for the best swimwear trends of 2023

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(Image credit: @meccajw)

Shopping for swimwear can be very difficult—sizing can sometimes be way off, especially if the two-piece you're eyeing comes as a predetermined set. This is why I always recommend approaching it as early as possible. No one wants to be running around trying to find a bikini the day before they're supposed to jet off. (Trust me—I've been there.) Taking the time to consider and try on a few styles will up the chances of you finding a swimsuit or bikini you really love, which should mean that you're more likely to get more wear out of it during future getaways too. I also like to broaden my swimwear search to beachwear, ensuring that I can strategically plan everything that I'm going to need as opposed to throwing everything in a case and hoping for the best (and inevitably having to pay for extra luggage allowance when I weigh in at the airport). So if you want your swimwear and everything around it to feel current this season, I can help with that.

Through the powers of Instagram, I've uncovered the swimwear trends I think we'll see a lot of this year. From colours of note to trending silhouettes to the garments to cover up with, these are the styles to wear to the beach, to the pool or, on a really good day, in your own back garden. Here's to summer 2023 and all its possibilities! 

1. PURE AND SIMPLE

(Image credit: @monikh@giasinatra@lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Crazy cut-outs were all the rage on swimwear last summer, but for 2023, things are taking a sleeker turn. Simple one-piece cossies are in; questionable tan lines are out. What I love most about this trend is that it pairs so well with trousers or skirts worn over the top, too—the ultimate beach-to-bar investment.

SHOP THE TREND

2. CROCHET EVERY DAY

Style Notes: We might be here to talk about swimwear trends, but as any fashion person will attest, that really ought to include the pieces you style your bikinis and swimsuits with. Right now, it doesn't get better than crochet dresses and shorts sets. 

SHOP THE TREND

3. SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

Style Notes: One of the most dominant swimwear trends for 2023 is brown, earthy hues, which mirror one of the biggest clothing trends on the spring/summer runways. Minimalists, this one's for you. 

SHOP THE TREND

4. NECK ON THE LINE

Style Notes: Halter necklines are cropping up on the season's most fashionable tops and dresses, so it makes sense that they're also trickling through to swimwear designs. I actually lost count of how many halter-neck swimwear pieces—particularly bikinis—I saw during my few hours of research. 

SHOP THE TREND

5. HATS OFF, SCARVES ON

Style Notes: Sun protection doesn't end with SPF; you're also going to want to shield your head (and hair) from the rays for the best part of your day, too, especially when temperatures peak. Yes, you can always rely on a hat to do the job, but a sweet silk square scarf seems to be fashion's favourite way to do so this summer. 

SHOP THE TREND

6. FOILED AGAIN

Style Notes: Some cossies are made for swimming in, and some are made to be seen in. This trend? It probably falls into the latter. Super-shiny bikinis, be they foil or Lurex, are all the rage this summer; choose a saturated shade like cobalt or green, or go delicate in soft silver. 

SHOP THE TREND

7. SHIRT PURSUIT

Style Notes: This one is just as prevalent in the city as it is on the beach. If you invest in one item this summer (aside from your desired swimwear that is), make it a relaxed-fit linen shirt. White shirts are always a good idea, but I'm enjoying the brighter colours I'm seeing influencers wearing on their exotic getaways right now. 

SHOP THE TREND

8. BARBIE'S INFLUENCE

Style Notes: This summer, it's Barbie's world. We're just living in it, so blend in—even when you're on the beach—by living out your wildest pink-fashion fantasies in a fuchsia number. It helps that this specific shade of pink was one of the biggest colour trends in the 2023 designer collections too. The fact that it's proving so prevalent on the swimwear scene only confirms that pink is in for summer. 

SHOP THE TREND

9. SKIRTING AROUND

Style Notes: Sarongs, pareos, skirts—whatever you like to call them, wraps are the chicest accoutrement to your swimwear this season. But don't take my word for it; just look at these gorgeous swimwear looks for proof. Not essential by any means, but highly recommended if you intend on sharing your chic swim attire on social…

SHOP THE TREND

Next Up: Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV 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, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.