Mar, 20265 MIN READ
The 2026 Swimwear Trends You Need to Know
If you’re already planning your next getaway (or just mentally escaping to warmer days), then now is the perfect time to talk about the 2026 swimwear trends. This season’s swimwear trends are feminine, bold, and sure to make a splash!
To help guide you through the biggest swimwear trends of 2026, we asked our very own in-house expert Zoe Price Smith, Boux Avenue’s Chief Design and Product Officer, for what are set to be the hottest styles this year. Premium textures, leg-lengthening silhouettes, vibrant colours and statement details are all on the menu this Summer, so whether you’re refreshing your holiday wardrobe or looking to invest in timeless pieces, Boux Avenue has the swimwear styles you’ll be seeing everywhere.
Before we dive into the details of each trend, here is a quick cheat sheet on the must-have swimwear trends for 2026:
- Textured Styles - Think crinkle fabrics, flattering ruching and crochet-inspired tactile textures.
- High Leg - High leg bikini bottoms and swimsuits help to elongate the legs boosting confidence and sexiness this Summer.
- Vibrant Colours - Let the colour do the talking this Summer, as bold colours and prints dominate swimwear trends in 2026.
- Mermaidcore - Enchanting and aquatic, this trend is playful, yet fashionable, and is all about embracing the fantasy.
- Statement Hardware - Jewellery-inspired details that turn simple swimwear into a styled statement.
- Polka Dots - A nostalgic print reimagined for 2026, straight from the runways.
- Cut Outs - Strategic flashes of skin that sculpt, flatter, and modernise classic silhouettes.
- Sexy Swimwear - With bust boosting padding and dramatic cuts, this trend is designed to turn heads, but will make you feel incredible.
Textured - The Elevated Essential
Texture is taking centre stage in 2026. From soft crinkle fabrics and flattering ruching to intricate broderie and crochet-inspired finishes, this trend is designed to look and feel premium. Textured swimwear adds instant depth and eye-interest, meaning even the simplest designs feel editorial and thoughtful.
"Textured swimwear is durable and flattering, with the stretch and structure providing subtle contouring,” says Zoe Price Smith. “This trend is showing up in 2026 swim collections in a variety of shapes and styles, offering customers a true choice.”
Featured in Black and Ercu, the Riad Textured Balconette Bikini Top is the perfect example of how texture can transform a classic shape. The underwired balconette bikini offers lift and support, while the geometric textured finish subtly sculpts your shape. Complete the look with the flattering V-shaped Riad Textured Brief Bikini Bottoms or for a fuller coverage style, the Riad Textured High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, an elegant alternative that will leave you feeling confident.
This textural trend reflects a wider shift towards curating your Summer wardrobe with investment pieces, designed to last for more than one season. Although it’s trending in 2026, these are the pieces you’ll reach for year after year.
High Leg - The Cut Makes A Difference
The high-leg silhouette continues to dominate women’s swimwear trends in 2026, and designers are refining the rise so it sits higher on the hip, without feeling too extreme.
This shape works by visually elongating the length of your legs and accentuating your waistline, creating a sleek, confident shape. Zoe Price-Smith describes the high-leg trend as “sexy, playful and timeless.”
Ready to embrace the look? Boux Avenue has some gorgeous high leg swimsuits and bikini styles to get you on board with this classic trend. With adjustable tie ruching on the leg and the neckline, the iconic Ibiza Swimsuit is ideal for keeping you supported and stylish this Summer. Customise your coverage and feel fabulous in this bestselling swimsuit.
Before we dive into the details of each trend, here is a quick cheat sheet on the must-have swimwear trends for 2026:
If you’re looking to explore this trend but aren’t sure where to start, we suggest trying a side-tie bikini bottom. This style is ideal as you can customise where you’ll place the sides, depending on how you feel. Wear them higher on the waist for a sculpted, leg-lengthening effect, or lower on the hips for a more relaxed, laid-back look.
The high-leg is effortless and timeless, and the perfect trend if you want to show some skin this Summer.
Vibrant Colours - Show Off Your Personality
After a long, wet Winter, bright colours are the perfect way to embrace that positive Summer energy. Bold colours feel energising and can instantly alter your mood for the better - and they look incredible in your holiday photos too.
The Jamaica Broderie Plunge Bikini Top and matching Jamaica Broderie Brief Bikini Bottoms in vibrant Green will breathe a breath of fresh air into your Summer wardrobe. The fresh hue pops beautifully against sun-kissed skin, while the broderie texture keeps the look soft and feminine.
For those drawn to warmer tones, the Ibiza Lace Up Swimsuit in Coral delivers that bold colour with an elegant twist. The flattering lace-up detailing and a pearlescent finish make it ideal for styling beyond the beach. Simply throw on some linen trousers and sandals to take it straight to the beach club.
Consider it dopamine dressing, but for the beach!
Mermaidcore - Feminine, tranquil and enchanting
The mermaid core trend isn’t going anywhere in 2026, in fact, it’s evolving into one of the dreamiest swimwear aesthetics of the year.
Pearlescent fabrics, shell-inspired hardware, and beachy crochet knits define this ocean-inspired look. Mermaid core leans into escapism and fantasy, making it the ideal trend for destination holidays and statement poolside moments. It’s feminine and playful, with a touch of nostalgia - but still grown up and wearable.
In a gorgeous pearlescent pink fabric, the Tahiti Push Up Bikini Top captures the essence of mermaid core perfectly. The centre of the bikini is adorned with a delicate golden starfish that draws in the eye for a flirtatious, whimsical look. Complete the look with the matching Tahiti Cheeky Brazilian Bikini Bottoms, designed with a flattering ruched back and luxe gold details.
For a one-piece option, the Ibiza Broderie Swimsuit in Steel Blue channels ocean energy. The open-back silhouette and intricate crochet strap detailing adds a softness and romance to the swimsuit, making it perfect for destination escapes. Don’t forget the beachwear, and layer over the Knitted Halterneck Beach Top and Knitted Side Split Beach Skirt for a coordinated and effortless beach-to-bar moment.
If you’re drawn to aqua tones, playful hardware accents and pearlescent finishes, mermaidcore is your Summer aesthetic.
Statement Hardware - Jewellery, But Make It Swim
In 2026, the details matter more than ever. If you love bag charms, layered necklaces and never want to take your jewellery off, this is the swimwear trend for you. Statement hardware transforms simple silhouettes into styled, fashion-forward pieces.
“Hardware adds intention and its placement can really elevate the entire look,” says Zoe Price-Smith.
Strategically placed hardware draws the eye and enhances your natural shape. Whether that’s a gold accent at the centre of a bikini top to highlight the décolletage, rings at the hip to emphasise a high-leg silhouette, or decorative tie ends that add movement and shine, it allows you to accessorise without the need for separate pieces.
The Mirada Pearl Balconette Bikini Top is the ultimate expression of this trend. The delicate gold and pearl hardware pops against the luscious Green and is also featured on the matching Mirada Pearl Cheeky Brazilian Bikini Bottoms drawing attention to the high leg.
Alternatively the Mirada Pearl High Waisted Bikini Bottoms boast the same ring pearl hardware at the centre of the high waist, placed to make you look and feel confident when lounging by the pool.
The beauty of this trend? Your swimwear becomes the accessory, meaning you won’t have to compromise when moving from lilo to sunlounger this sunny season.
Polka Dots - The Iconic 2026 Print
Polka dots are officially back on the swimwear trend radar for 2026. This trend taps into 50’s vintage glamour, but the print has evolved into a confident, high-fashion statement, striking the perfect balance between playful and polished.
“Polka dots are the print of 2026,” explains Zoe Price-Smith. “We’ve seen them transition from the catwalk to swimwear in a really modern, exciting way. It’s the perfect print to show off your personality.”
The classic cut of the Casablanca Padded Triangle Bikini Top and matching Casablanca tanga brazilian bikini bottoms is complimented perfectly by the timeless white and soft blue polka dot print.
Adorned with a pearl accent and finished with a delicate broderie trim, this matching bikini set is effortlessly feminine, perfect for poolside lounging and tan lines.
For a bold, sophisticated look, the Ibiza Eyelet Spot Plunge Bikini Top and matching Ibiza Spot Tie Side Brief Bikini Bottoms in polka dot White and Chocolate Brown will be sure to attract compliments in the sun this Summer. Personalise your fit in the iconic Ibiza shape with the functional bikini tie front and adjustable tie-side briefs in this iconic, trending colour-way.
What makes polka dots such a strong investment for 2026 is their staying power. Unlike novelty prints that can feel tied to a single season, polka dots return time and time again, so if you love prints but still want something enduring, this is the trend to embrace.
Cut Out Swimsuits - Sculptural Simplicity
Cut-out swimwear continues to evolve in 2026, becoming more architectural and refined this sunny season. From subtle and precisely placed panels that enhance shape, to dramatic and bold cut outs that spice up a one-piece swimsuit, this trend celebrates the body rather than concealing it.
“Cut-outs are a playful and sexy trend, and a well designed cut-out will enhance the silhouette,” explains Zoe Price-Smith
Cut-outs are incredibly versatile in how they flatter different body shapes:
- A side cut-out can define the waist and enhance curves, naturally drawing the eye inward. This can create the illusion of a more sculpted waistline.
- Vertical cut-outs, such as centre-front panels, visually lengthen the body, making them ideal for those who want to create the appearance of added height.
Beyond their placement, the size of the cut-out makes all the difference. Smaller, strategic openings feel polished and refined, perfect for those easing into the trend. Larger, bolder cut-outs offer statement appeal, transforming swimwear into something closer to resort-ready fashion.
With strategically placed cut-outs that define the waist, and adjustable ruching at the hips, the bestselling Naples Crinkle Super Push-Up Swimsuit is alluring and understated. Clean lines and clever placements redefine cut-outs as the perfect blend of daring and sophistication in 2026.
Sexy Swimwear - Designed To Be Noticed
Sultry, confident and great for hiding tan lines, the sexy swimwear trend is evergreen. This trend looks different for everyone and crosses over with many other trends too. Cut outs, plunging necklines, bust-boosting padding and high-leg silhouettes, sexy swimwear has no rules!
At Boux Avenue, you won’t have to compromise on style or support when trying out sexy swimwear.
Underwired bikini tops like the Ibiza Crinkle Plunge Bikini Top have been designed with a ruched neckline, so you can adjust and tie to your desired fit and effect.
Pair it with the Ibiza Crinkle Thong Bikini Bottoms for a cheeky yet sleek statement.
The Marrakech Push Up Swimsuit strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sophisticated. Crafted in a premium floral-embossed fabric, this swimsuit will sculpt and define your curves, and the key-hole, push up neckline is delicately adorned with a pearl accent, adding a touch of glamour to this dazzling look.
Whether you gravitate towards a minimal triangle bikini or a dramatic plunge one-piece, sexy swimwear in 2026 is about feeling empowered. Bring the vibe of lingerie out onto the beach this Summer and soak up the sun!
Find Your Perfect Swimwear Style for 2026
There’s no better time than now to get ready for Summer. With so many swimwear trends to explore, you’ll be sure to find something that makes you feel confident, stylish and ready for the sun! Whether you’re all about the classic high-leg, statement hardware, mermaid core, or the nostalgic polka dot print, Boux Avenue has the perfect bikinis and swimsuits for your 2026 Summer wardrobe.