If you’re booking a summer beach vacation and planning your travel itinerary, it’s time to find the perfect swimsuit to tie it all together. Gone are the days of finding an old suit and carelessly tossing it in your bag to check something off your packing list. Many of today’s 2026 swimsuit trends are about diversity. Besides taking a dip in the pool, you can also wear a stylish suit. Wouldn’t it be great to wear it while making unforgettable memories and taking photos you’ll look back on fondly for years to come?
We certainly think so, and it will happen! Another key theme of this year’s trends is functional luxury, with high-performance fabrics and high-quality construction that make you feel as good as you look. With all this in mind, we’ve rounded up eight of the top trends in swimwear this year. So you won’t just meet the moment, you’ll become the moment (and we’ve even highlighted some savings).
From sculptural dresses to matching cabana sets, here are eight trends defining the summer season.
The 8 Best Swimsuit Trends
1. Enhanced elegance
Featured: Midnight Cove Blue Tankini Set
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Of all the 2026 trends, high elegance is by far the most versatile. There are several stylish styles on the market that can take your look from day to night. This stunning tankini suit from Cupshe is a prime example, and the perfect purchase if you’re looking to capture this trend and rock your style all day long. The draped cowl design and metallic gold pieces help the suit coordinate perfectly with a sarong or silk skirt, so a day at the beach can turn into a sunset dinner in seconds.
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price: $39 at Cupshe
2. Sculptural minimalism
Ralph Lauren shirred bandeau one-piece
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You’ve probably heard the saying, “Wear your clothes. Don’t let your clothes wear you.” Well, the same rule applies to swimsuits! Sculptural minimalism is all about clean lines, architectural structures, and great fits complete with sculpted silhouettes. You can find many suits in simple black and white colors, like the Ralph Lauren suit above. Because you are the main focus and star of the show. Discover the beauty of simplicity and be yourself with this timeless trend.
price: $93.75, $125 at Macy’s
3. Tactile fabric
Sconset seersucker bikini top
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From seersucker materials like the Vineyard Vines top above to 3D floral appliqués and smocked honeycomb shapes, this season’s swimsuits come in a variety of textures and tactile materials. This adds a fun flair as well as a classy look and is often a more forgiving and stretchy material. Enjoy the look and feel of this comfortable style all summer long.
price: $75 at Vineyard Vines
4. Soft pastel
Mint green padded bikini top
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Bring a touch of calm and serenity to your summer swimsuit. Shop these suits in gelato pastel colors like mint green, lavender, and peach to indulge in a soft-girl beach aesthetic that’s feminine and fun! I love this simple square cut top in mint green from H&M. Check out the bottoms that fit your style.
price: $16.99, $19.99 At H&M
5. Vivid Earth Tones
Sunny Side Rust Orange Ribbed One-Piece
If you’re a woman of bold colors, you’ll love the vibrant earth tone trend. While shopping, you’ll see plenty of deep taracotta, rusty oranges, and beautiful blues that give the sunset over the ocean. Even when blending in with your picturesque vacation scenery, this bold color will help you stand out in a crowd. Shop for a rust orange dress at Lulu’s before your next trip!
price: $55 and pass
6. Functional cutouts
Italian cutout dress
Cutouts on swimsuits may seem like a cute excuse to show a little more skin in a summer look, but they’re also super functional! The underbust cut and waist contour window aren’t just stylish. They help ensure that the suit fits you like a glove. It provides support during movement and helps the fabric stay in the right position. Embrace this trend with Quince’s ultra-chic suit pictured above.
price: $49.90 in Queens
7. Matching set
Aisha Wave Sarong
For luxurious women who love high-end fashion and resort life, the matching set trend is for you. If you thought matching sets were just for an athleisure look, the cabana set will prove you wrong. Several resort wear brands have released suits that include skirts, dresses, tops, and bottoms in identical patterns for a cohesive look that can be paired together and look sophisticated while sipping your favorite drink on the beach. Check out Mar De Lua’s bold wavy sarong and matching suit.
price: $105 at Mar De Lua
8. Nostalgia Vibe
Red gold accent bikini bottoms
Who doesn’t love a little nostalgia? It’s fun to see trends from previous fashion eras coming back, and sometimes they even crossover. A lot of trends from the 90s and early 2000s are making a comeback right now, so don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of overlap between these trends. Berlook’s colorful bikini bottoms are a great example. The ultra-high cut legs give it a 1990s feel, and the ring-detailed bikini adds an early 2000s vibe. Enjoy the vintage Malibu vibe this summer with this look.
price: $37 at Berlook
The post A Beach Babe Guide: The Best Swimsuit Trends of 2026 first appeared on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
