When considering holiday attire, staple swimwear is always top of mind. With new brands entering the space, finding the best pieces can quickly become a challenging task. However, as is the usual case with fashion, there are always plenty of trends to guide you when thinking of investing.
From minimalistic shapes that look lavish styled under summer dresses or alone, to bold patterns and embellishments to match your go-to pair of denim shorts, we've scoured the internet and consulted swimwear experts to identify the biggest swimwear trends of 2025, designed to elevate your current repertoire.
Offering easy-to-style silhouettes for those who prefer higher coverage or fresh styles for a new-season feel, this season's biggest swimwear trends are among the most stylish to date.
“The overall feeling of this season's swim trend is subtle yet modern. The collections exude luxury and elegance through refined details and thoughtful silhouettes without loudness or excess, designed for any summer getaways as Missoni and Chloé Summer Exclusive Capsule," says Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and LuxExperience Group fashion venture officer.
"There’s a balance of timeless appeal with a fresh twist given by bold shapes and a vintage touch. It's sophisticated and mindful, with each piece exuding understated charm without ever feeling demure.”
Below, an edit of the top six swimwear trends to know ahead of summer.
3D Embellishments
From sequins to ruffles and studs, 3D embellishments are an easy way to elevate your favourite swimwear silhouette. As someone who usually favours a triangle-style top, I recently invested in a bikini with soft rosette detailing above the chest for some extra chicness, and I can't wait to wear it on holiday.
Another MC UK team member who is totally on board with this trend is our fashion director and in-house swimwear expert, Lily Russo-Bah, who is an avid fan of bold swimwear. "Whether it is neutral or super bright, I rarely buy a plain bikini. Firstly, why would I when there are so many fun bikinis out there with endless design iterations, and secondly, beading, fringing and busy prints such as animal print are a great way of adding a layer of interest to your swimwear and can distract the eye, particularly if you are feeling self-conscious," she says.
Earth tones
On another note, neutral and earthy tones have also resurfaced this season, offering a more serene and minimalist approach to swimwear. "I feel this more now than in previous years, particularly after 2020, when things were so vibrant and bright. I have noticed a shift towards tonal swim, whether it’s solid colourways or more muted tones and earthy patterns," says Lisa Caprio, founder of Heavy Manners.
Metal additions
Few things excite me more than when different sectors of the industry come together to create great wardrobe pairings. The latest mix? Jewellery and swimwear. The drama really lies in the details with this trend, as it features organic metal shapes similar to brooches attached to the swimsuits. From dainty additions on the straps to bikini bottoms, this trend is high in style points.
Coquette motifs
The coquette aesthetic has been prevalent for a few months now, making it inevitable for swimwear to adopt it. Perfect for 2025 brides seeking romantic bridal swimwear or those who prefer soft colourways and patterns, this trend is playful and hyper-feminine.
Modern prints
Drawing on Hsu's aforementioned analysis, this season's most covetable swimwear features a fresh, sophisticated twist with vintage undertones marked by bold shapes. All of which conjure 2025's modern prints, which are high-impact yet understated. Think Pucci's iconic patterns in pastel colourways and retro geometric prints.
Minimalist Swimwear
For those opting for minimalist silhouettes seeking an elevated feel, many brands such as CDLP, Max Mara, Toteme, and COS are offering neutral swimwear with added details like vintage-inspired swim briefs, gathered textures, and two-toned colourways for a chic yet understated look.
-
I Tried a Nine Perfect Strangers-Style Psychedelic Retreat as a Total Newbie – and It Was Seriously Eye-OpeningSearches for psychedelic retreats are on the rise – but are they safe? I went to a luxury retreat, minus the shrooms, and asked the experts for answers.
-
KIKO Milano Creates Some of the Best Affordable Make-Up, but It’s so Underrated—Here Are 10 Hero Products I Always RepurchaseThere's over 1000 products in the range
-
This High Street Bodycare Range Is Better Than Any Expensive Buys I've Ever TriedAnd they're all under £10
-
How Luxury Hotel Merch Became the Ultimate Fashion Status SymbolIt's the 'if you know you know' trend chic travellers can't get enough of
-
Alémais is the Buzzy, Joy-Sparking Aussie Brand Everyone's Obsessed With—and its Resort 2026 Show was the Ultimate ProofThis Aussie brand's star is firmly on the rise
-
How The Small Screen Trumped Street Style as The New Source of Fashion InspoTV wardrobes are influencing what we wear IRL more than ever
-
Why Your Next Bag Will Probably be Shaped Like a Pizza, or Maybe a Bottle of BleachNovelty bags are booming right now, and we asked a psychologist why
-
Not quite ready to embrace spring dresses? You need a transitional waistcoat suitA spring-ready take on tailoring
-
How the slogan t-shirt became this season's must-have - and why it's more than just another trendNot just another Nineties throwback
-
Flip Flops Are the Simple Yet Chic Shoe to Turn to This Season—Here Are 15 Styles to Shop NowYou can thank The Row for their resurgence
-
All the coolest brides are wearing drop-waist wedding dresses this yearMinimalist, nostalgic, and universally flattering
