Stylish Women Are Packing These Swim Trends for Every 2026 Getaway
3 min readNow that we’re easing into the summer months and refreshing our warm-weather wardrobes with a few new linen pieces and perhaps a cotton sundress or two, there’s another category worthy of attention for poolside lounging and beachside escapes: swimwear. And, in true ELLE fashion, I’m breaking down the season’s most coveted swim trends and rounding up the chicest styles to pack for your next getaway.
Shop the Best 2026 Swim Styles
Spring/summer 2026 runways—and a few recent cruise collections—offered a clear preview of the swimwear trends set to define the season, with a few unexpected twists along the way. One-pieces and bikinis emerged embellished with gleaming hardware, intricate detailing, and artful cutouts, often layered beneath crochet maxis or breezy resort-ready sets, signaling a confident, welcome return to maximalist swimwear. Elsewhere, designers embraced a more restrained approach, leaning into neutral palettes and barely-there aesthetics that shifted the focus to the silhouettes themselves.
Of course, one of the most enjoyable aspects of swimwear styling is the accessorizing, too. Whether it’s a printed sarong or lightweight pashmina tossed over sun-kissed shoulders, an oversized wide-brim hat that channels old-Hollywood glamour, or even bonnet-inspired swim caps à la Chanel’s cruise 2026 collection, the styling possibilities are endless. The message this season is clear: swimwear is no longer just functional—it’s fun, too. Ahead, shop the trends poised to take over this summer.
Bold Zebra Print
Those drawn to maximalist prints will be glad to hear that animal print—especially zebra—is making a bold comeback this summer. The trend spans everything from timeless black-and-white styles to more daring interpretations, like Triangl’s red-and-white bikini and The Attico’s striking yellow zebra-print one-piece. Personally, I have my eye on Vix Swimwear’s daring cutout style—just picture it paired with a flowing maxi sarong and an oversized sun hat—so glam!
Playful Polka-Dots
I’ve already dissected the playful polka-dot trend, with designers sending plenty of spotty looks down the runway this season—and that enthusiasm extends to swimwear, too. The print feels simply charming, surfacing in a range of colorways, from the summery Peixoto Honeycomb bikini to Juillet’s striking black-and-white one-piece.
Texture Play
Along with sleek nylon and polyamide silhouettes, textured swimwear is also one of the biggest swim trends defining the season—from crochet cover-ups to vibrant bikinis like Akoia Swim’s orange style, made for a tropical escape. Puckered fabrics are equally in demand, elevated by thoughtful embellishments, whether delicate ruched rosettes or intricate beaded detailing.
Sun-Protective Styles
With the added benefit of shielding your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, rash guards and protective silhouettes are more popular than ever this season. Leading the charge is a new wave of styles that feel decidedly modern, whether through playful animal prints like Watskin’s bold leopard design or vibrant, mood-boosting hues. Better yet, many are crafted from UPF 50+ fabrics, so you can swim and lounge comfortably all day without worrying about sunburn.
Trending Swim Accessories
Of course, no chic swim look is complete without the right accessories. Lean into glamour with an oversized straw sun hat—like Eric Javits’s striped statement style—and a sweeping maxi kaftan, or keep things relaxed with a breezy crochet cover-up or printed scarf. To carry beach-day essentials like sunscreen and towels, a chic beach bag like a raffia tote is a must, and M.Gemi’s polished version is an ultra-practical pick thanks to the open-weave and sturdy leather handles.
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