Irregular stripes, Minimal Fit, ruching, high-waisted, crochet, cut-outs, and color blocks: these trends are not just passing fads. They are based on a real evolution in the swimwear market : a search for more flattering, more durable, and more photogenic pieces for social media. Influencers on TikTok and Instagram make every viral swimsuit design a must-have, while brands invest in technical materials (chlorine resistance, UV protection, recycled fibers).
So that you can choose a swimsuit that is trendy, suited to your body type, and durable, we have combined :
an analysis of major swimwear fashion trends,
technical manufacturing criteria (materials, resistance, comfort),
and a simple method to connect your body, your style, and your use.
You have probably noticed that sales of bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are increasing in France, with growing interest in high-waisted cuts, ruched swimsuits, and crochet designs. The chart below illustrates the estimated market share evolution of major model types between 2023 and 2024.
Note: this chart is an illustrative representation of market trends in France for the 2023–2024 period, based on collection observations, online research, and retailer feedback. It does not replace an exhaustive statistical study but allows for visualizing major developments.
Do you want to choose a trendy model that highlights your body type while remaining comfortable and durable? It's time to be bold, but with a true professional framework.
Key Takeaways
Irregular stripes provide a dynamic optical effect and visually structure the silhouette.
Ruched swimsuits combine aesthetics and comfort : they smooth sensitive areas and adapt to various body types.
High-waisted cuts lengthen the legs, emphasize the waist, and align with the retro-chic trend.
Crochet stands out with its artisanal image and eco-responsible potential, highly popular on social media.
Cut-outs and color blocks help guide the eye, rebalance volumes, and create very graphic looks.
Choosing a swimsuit should always consider body type, material, frequency of use, and exposure (pool, sea, intense sun).
S.W.I.M. Method: A Simple Framework for Choosing Your Swimsuit
To go from a simple “crush” to a truly informed choice, you can use a mini-method, inspired by the criteria used by swimwear professionals : the S.W.I.M. method.
S – Silhouette: body type (A, H, V, O, X), bust height, shoulder width, hips.
W – Wearability: wearing comfort, support, range of motion, lining.
I – Visual Impact: stripes, ruching, cut-outs, color blocks, details (ruffles, rings, ties).
M – Material: composition (polyamide, polyester, elastane), chlorine resistance, UV protection, drying.
If a model ticks at least 3 of these 4 criteria for your intended use (beach, pool, travel, photos), you're already on a good foundation. The following sections will help you sort this out in detail.
Understanding Technical Swimsuit Materials
Parameters to Check on the Label
Composition: most modern swimsuits are made of polyamide or polyester with 15–25 % elastane (Lycra® or equivalent) for flexibility and fit.
Sun protection: some swimsuits indicate UPF 50+ (UV protection factor for textiles), meeting standards like AS/NZS 4399.
Chlorine resistance: "intensive pool" swimsuits often mention reinforced resistance, inspired by technical standards like ISO 105-E03 for colorfastness.
Durability & eco-responsibility: presence of recycled fibers (e.g., recycled polyamide or Econyl® type yarn), environmental certifications, or mention of more responsible production.
How Does This Impact Your Choice?
Pool use: prioritize materials advertised as chlorine-resistant, with suitable elastane to prevent the swimsuit from stretching out too quickly.
Beach & intense sun use: look for a comfortable lining and, if possible, a UPF indication for better skin protection.
"Photo / Social media" use: crochet, textures, and vibrant colors show up very well in pictures, but often require more delicate care.
Major Trends in Viral Swimsuit Design
Image Source: pexels
Irregular Stripes: The “Disruptive Print” That Structures the Silhouette
You've surely seen swimsuits with irregular stripes on Instagram or TikTok. This pattern breaks the classic codes of marine stripes and immediately catches the eye. The stripes don't always follow the same direction or thickness, which creates a modern, almost graphic effect.
You'll find this type of viral swimsuit design at brands like Calzedonia or in designer capsule collections. Irregular stripes are popular because they allow you to play with volumes :
vertical or slightly diagonal to lengthen,
placed in the center to refocus the gaze,
denser in certain areas to create a visual "sculpting" effect.
Do you want to stand out on the beach while visually sculpting your silhouette? This type of pattern is ideal if you don't like solid colors that you find too simple but want to maintain a chic look.
Ruched Swimsuits: The Alliance Between Technique and Comfort
Ruched swimsuits are among the favorites this season, and it's not just a trend. The ruching plays a real technical role : they add texture, smooth out minor irregularities, and improve the fabric's fit on the skin.
Many consumers love this viral swimsuit design for several reasons :
They enhance feminine curves by softening lines.
They offer practical comfort, especially when you move, swim, or play with children.
They adapt to different body types, making it easier for you to find a model that truly suits you.
Ruched tankinis come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, to personalize your look.
During simple internal tests (repeated swimming and drying trials on different models), it is often found that ruching helps the swimsuit maintain good visual integrity, even when the fabric has slightly stretched over time. Do you want to slightly smooth your stomach or hips without wearing very rigid shapewear? Ruching is an excellent option.
High-Waisted: Retro, Flattering, and Reassuring
The return of the high-waisted swimsuit has not gone unnoticed. This viral swimsuit design is everywhere, from magazines to social media, because it is retro, flattering, and comfortable.
The high waist lengthens the silhouette, visually slims the waist, and covers the lower abdomen. You can pair it with a triangle, bandeau, or scarf top to vary styles. This model is particularly popular with those who seek a vintage style while feeling supported.
Do you want to harmonize the abdominal area, maintain good freedom of movement, and stay ultra-trendy? The high waist ticks all these boxes. It is also very suitable for A, H, and O body types, who appreciate its enveloping and reassuring feel.
Crochet: Craftsmanship, Durability, and Festival Style
Crochet has enjoyed a real craze for several seasons. It embodies a slower, more artisanal fashion, with a high perceived value. Magazines and shopping selections highlight several models this year :
Crochet bikini from the brand She Made Me , available in nude shades.
Mango triangle crochet swimsuit, inspired by the 70s with colorful stripes.
You choose crochet for its artisanal, photogenic, and bohemian feel. The materials used are often more responsible , with fibers designed to better resist salt and sun. Designers like Anna Kosturova or Zimmermann offer premium models that retain their shape over seasons, provided a few care rules are followed.
Tip: Crochet swimsuits are perfect for a festival look or a chill day at the beach. You can also wear them as a top with denim shorts or a flowing skirt to go from the beach to happy hour without changing.
Cut-outs and Color Blocks: Sculpting the Body Through Design
Cut-outs and color blocks are among the boldest viral swimsuit designs. We are seeing more and more models with strategic openings and combinations of bright or contrasting colors, designed to sculpt the silhouette.
Stylists advise opting for flexible materials so as not to stiffen the line, and to favor vertical details (V-necklines, elongated cut-outs) to visually stretch the bust. Solid colors, especially when contrasted between top and bottom, help structure the body.
To lengthen the silhouette: vertical cut-outs or structuring colors.
For a graphic effect: diagonal or horizontal color blocks to play with proportions.
Tip: If you're new to cut-outs, start with a model with a moderate opening at the waist or back, then move on to bolder trikinis when you feel more comfortable.
Why Do These Designs Go Viral?
Originality and Desirability
Swimsuits that create a buzz have one thing in common : they create an immediate "wow" effect. Asymmetrical cut-outs, jewelry details, ruffles, retro or sporty prints... everything is designed to stand out in the news feed.
You'll find asymmetrical cut-outs that energize the silhouette and attract all eyes. Sporty styles, inspired by athletic wear, appeal with their practical and sculpting side. Tropical, leopard, retro floral, or tie & dye prints bring a dose of good mood to your summer.
In summary, these models stand out for :
an immediately recognizable design,
a story (sustainable, vintage, sport, bohemian),
and strong photogenicity on social media.
Social Media Influence
Social media plays a huge role in the popularity of swimsuits. You see new designs every day on TikTok and Instagram. Influencers launch trends by sharing their favorites, try-on videos, and vacation looks.
For example, Kendall Jenner wore a Calzedonia swimsuit for less than 55 euros, which was widely relayed, and Carla Bruni caused a sensation with a polka dot one-piece by Etam , in collaboration with Marcia Wear.
In practice, a trend often follows this cycle :
Hashtags and algorithms boost the visibility of the most engaging content.
Challenges and hauls on TikTok encourage everyone to replicate the looks.
Likes, saves, and shares validate the style and accelerate sales.
Tip: To spot upcoming trends, keep an eye on limited collaborations between brands and influencers, as well as new swimwear hashtags of the season.
Choosing Your Viral Swimsuit According to Your Body Type
Image Source: pexels
Tips by Silhouette
Do you want to find the perfect swimsuit for your silhouette? Here are some simple guidelines for each body type:
A-shape body type: shoulders narrower than hips. Choose a bandeau or a push-up to highlight your bust. A slightly high-cut and low-waisted bottom lengthens your legs.
H-shape body type: shoulders and hips aligned, undefined waist. Opt for models with ruching, cut-outs, or color blocks to create curves. Waist belts or ties are your allies.
V-shape body type: shoulders wider than hips. Favor tops with ruffles, ties, or patterns to soften the frame. High-waisted bottoms or those that tie at the sides rebalance the silhouette.
O-shape body type: rounder silhouette, undefined waist. One-piece swimsuits with a V-neckline or vertical cut-outs lengthen the bust. Sculpting fabrics help you feel supported without being compressed.
X-shape body type: shoulders and hips aligned, defined waist. You're in luck, almost everything suits you. Try bandeau, triangle, scarf, balconette, or push-up tops. Monokinis, backless styles, bustiers, and trikinis beautifully highlight your waist.
Tip: Take the time to try on several models and see yourself in photos. What you like in the mirror is often even more telling in images, especially for judging the effect of cut-outs and stripes.
Highlighting Your Assets
Do you want to shine on the beach? The goal isn't to hide everything, but to emphasize your strengths. If you like your bust, choose a push-up, balconette, or plunging neckline top. To lengthen your legs, opt for high-cut or high-waisted bottoms.
Ruched swimsuits, strategic cut-outs, and color blocks help you draw the eye where you want it, just as a stylist would in a photoshoot.
Asset to highlight | Recommended model |
|---|---|
Bust | |
Waist | High-waisted, monokini |
Legs | High-cut, low-waisted |
Embracing Trends at Your Own Pace
Hesitant to adopt a bolder trend? You're not alone, but many have taken the plunge this season. The bright red bikini , for example, seen on several celebrities, has exploded searches and inspired many brands.
You can choose a model you like that remains comfortable, regardless of your body type. Less revealing pieces, wider straps, and enveloping shapes are also very popular this year, as they provide reassurance without sacrificing style.
Dare to be sexy in your own way and don't worry about what others think.
Try different styles, colors, and cut-outs to find what truly matches your personality.
Choose a swimsuit in which you can pose, swim, play, dance, and feel good all day long.
Tip: The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and proud of your choice. The real trend is to dare to be yourself and wear your swimsuit with confidence.
Swimsuit Purchase Checklist Before Finalizing Your Choice
Have you identified your body type (A, H, V, O, X) and what you want to highlight?
Is the material suitable for your primary use (pool, sea, travel, photos)?
Is the support sufficient when you move, swim, or sit?
Do the seams, elastic, and finishes seem strong and comfortable?
Do you feel good in this model, without constantly "monitoring" yourself?
Conclusion: Trend, Comfort, and Confidence
This season's swimsuits focus on originality : leopard prints , retro floral patterns, high-waisted cuts, crochet textures, and vibrant colors like passion red . The varied cuts adapt to all body types. To find the perfect model, consider your silhouette, choose colors that suit you , and dare to use minimalist accessories (pareo, oversized shirt, hat, delicate jewelry).
Don't hesitate to share your favorites or your looks on social media . You inspire the community, support brands that resonate with you, and discover new ideas every day.
FAQ
How to choose the right swimsuit size ?
Always check the brand's size guide, as each manufacturer sizes differently. Take your measurements with a tape measure (bust, underbust, waist, hips) and compare them to the chart. If you hesitate between two sizes, consider your intended use : for active swimming, a slightly more fitted support will be more comfortable than a swimsuit that is too loose.
Are crochet swimsuits water-resistant ?
Yes, you can wear your crochet swimsuit to the beach or pool, provided it is designed for swimming. Quality models dry quickly, retain their shape, and resist salt and chlorine better. Avoid rubbing them too hard, twisting them to wring them out, and placing them on rough surfaces to preserve the knitwork.
Which model flatters a curvier figure ?
You can try a one-piece with a V-neckline or vertical cut-outs that lengthen the bust. Sculpting fabrics help you feel supported without being compressed. Dark colors are slimming, but intelligently placed prints can also be very flattering. A belt, a drape, or ruching at the waist structures the silhouette.
How do I care for my swimsuit ?
Rinse your swimsuit with cold water after each swim to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. Hand wash it with a mild soap, without harsh wringing. Avoid tumble drying, radiators, and ironing. Lay it flat to dry, in the shade. This prolongs the life of your swimsuit and preserves its elasticity and colors.
Can I wear my swimsuit in the city ?
Of course ! You can wear your swimsuit top under an open shirt, a light blazer, or with high-waisted shorts. Crochet or patterned models easily transform into trendy tops for summer. Pair them with jeans, a long skirt, or flowing pants to create a perfect day-to-night look on vacation.