They're Here—These 9 Bikini Trends Will Dominate Summer 2023

Suffice it to say but we Brits aren't blessed with year-round swimsuit weather, which is perhaps why we take such a considered approach when we look at investing in new styles. Many of us will relish the opportunity and make the most of the two-week holiday window in which we can cast our usual layers aside and wear nothing but breezy cover-ups and pretty swimwear. And, with summer on the fast approach, now seems like the perfect time to identify the key cossies to think about adding to your suitcase. 

Putting one-pieces to the side for a second, let’s concentrate on bikinis—specifically the bikini trends 2023 has to offer. Although certain swimwear will never date—black bikinis and red swimsuits have enduring appeal—swimwear aesthetics can vary greatly year-on-year, and present a way to tap into trends we might not wear in our daily lives. I, for example, am always drawn to bright bikinis when but the rest of my wardrobe is made up exclusively of neutrals. So which bikini trends feel fresh for 2023? There are nine that I keep spotting on those who have already jetted off to warmer climates. See them below. 

1. Creamy Colours

Style Notes: White and cream swimwear always looks chic. However, this year, it has undoubtedly taken over from black tones. It's tricker to keep looking fresh than other hues as the light tone has a tendency to discolour in chlorine or when rubbed with suntan lotion. To combat this, rinse properly after every use; you may even want to pack a small amount of Daz with you for it to soak in.  

2. Bandeau Tops

Style Notes: If tan lines are your pet peeve, this is the bikini trend for you—there's a serious revival of bandeau bikinis this season. Incredibly versatile, after a day spent tanning, pair yours with a maxi skirt and billowing shirt for a low-key evening look. 

3. Tropical Floral

Style Notes: Florals go hand in hand with the summer months but, in lieu of washed-out colours and ditsy prints, things have taken a bold turn with tropical motifs in zingy shades. 

4. Ring Details

Bikini Trends 2023: @emmahoareau wears a bikini top with a ring detail

Photo:

@emmahoareau

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 present. 

5. Ruched Halters

Bikini Trends 2023: @claire_most wears an orange halterneck bikini top

Photo:

@claire_most

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 on the bikini bandeau.

6. Contrast Edging

Style Notes: With a sporty flair, while at the same time also feeling minimalist, bikinis with contrast edging keep cropping up this summer. Black is the most prominent colour offset with white, which harks back to the cossies we saw on the Chanel spring/summer runway last year. In a word: chic. 

7. Mega Metallics

Bikini Trends 2023: @fisayolonge wears a metallic blue bikini

Photo:

@fisayolonge

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

8. High-Cut Bottoms

Bikini Trends 2023: @meccajw wears high-cut bikini bottoms

Photo:

@meccajw

Style Notes: Continuing this season are '90s-style high-cut bikini bottoms which instantly lengthen the leg. Choose a saturated colour or string-tie sides to add to the throwback aesthetic. 

9. Brown Tones

Bikini Trends 2023: @theindiaedit wears a brown bikini

Photo:

@theindiaedit

Style Notes: One of the most dominant bikini trends for 2023 is brown, earthy hues, which mirror one of the biggest clothing trends on the spring/summer runways.