Swimwear Trends to Skip in 2026
Every season brings new swimwear trends, but not every trend deserves a place in your wardrobe. Some styles look better on runways and Instagram than in real pool and beach settings. This guide identifies the 2026 swimwear trends that might not be worth your money, helping you invest in pieces that will actually work for your life.
Extreme Cut-Outs
Cut-out swimwear continues trending, but extreme versions push into impractical territory. Swimsuits with so many openings that they are more hole than fabric might look editorial, but they create nightmare tan lines and require constant adjustment.
Strategic cut-outs at the sides or a tasteful keyhole detail remain stylish and practical. But swimsuits that resemble barely connected strips of fabric cause more frustration than they are worth. Save these looks for photoshoots, not actual beach days.
Consider also how cut-outs work with your body. Openings designed for model proportions may land at unflattering spots on different body types. Try on extensively before committing to complicated cut-out designs.
Ultra-Thin Straps
Barely-there spaghetti straps continue appearing on runways, but they fail in practice for most women. Thin straps offer zero support, dig into shoulders when wet, and constantly slip down during any movement.
For anyone larger than a small A cup, ultra-thin straps cannot provide adequate lift or support. Even for smaller busts, these straps require constant adjustment and do not stay in place during swimming or activity.
More substantial straps look just as stylish while actually functioning. Skip the wispy strings for straps with enough width to stay put and distribute weight comfortably.
Impractical Embellishments
Heavily embellished swimwear with chains, metal hardware, and dangling charms makes statements but creates problems. Metal heats up uncomfortably in the sun, hardware can catch on pool surfaces, and elaborate embellishments rarely survive chlorine and salt water well.
Simple, elegant hardware like quality rings and clasps serves functional purposes while adding subtle design interest. Excessive embellishment, however, typically looks better in product photos than in waterside reality.
Consider also how embellishments feel when lying down or leaning against lounge chairs. Anything raised or dimensional creates pressure points. Comfort matters more than trend points during actual pool days.
Difficult-to-Wear Silhouettes
Some trending silhouettes are more art than swimwear. Asymmetrical designs with unusual strap configurations may win fashion awards but require instruction manuals to put on correctly. If you cannot figure out how to wear it in the fitting room, imagine attempting it at a crowded beach.
Extreme high-cut legs that expose hip bones look striking in photos but are unflattering on most body types and require significant grooming maintenance. These styles dominated fashion weeks but rarely translate to real-world wearability.
Skip styles that work only when standing completely still in perfect lighting. Real beach and pool time involves sitting, bending, walking, and moving. Your swimwear should look good throughout all of it.
Overly Trendy Colors and Prints
Each season declares specific colors and prints as must-haves, but not every trend works for every person. A color that photographs beautifully on models may wash out your complexion or clash with your personal aesthetic.
Extremely trendy prints date quickly. Last year’s must-have pattern becomes obviously last-season by the following summer. Classic prints like stripes, florals, and geometric patterns offer longevity that micro-trends cannot match.
Invest in colors that genuinely flatter you rather than chasing designated trend colors. Your personal best shades remain flattering regardless of what fashion arbiters declare each season.
What to Invest In Instead
Focus your swimwear budget on timeless pieces that work for your body and lifestyle. Quality bikini sets in flattering solids, well-constructed one-pieces with strategic details, and classic high-waisted styles remain chic across seasons.
Invest in fit and construction over trendiness. A perfectly fitting swimsuit in a classic style always looks better than an ill-fitting trendy option. Quality materials last longer and maintain their appearance through multiple seasons.
Build a core wardrobe of reliable pieces from our collection, then add one or two on-trend items if they genuinely appeal to you. This balanced approach maximizes both style and practicality.
