Every summer, French swimwear stands out for its creativity, technicality, and the importance placed on local manufacturing. In 2025, French brands are solidifying their position in the European swimwear market thanks to innovative fabrics, upgraded finishes, and a clear commitment to sustainability.
According to the Retviews 2024 study, the European swimwear market shows a 5% growth in average price, reflecting the transition towards technical, durable products designed to meet the expectations of French consumers, 67% of whom now prioritize quality and longevity.
The bikini remains the preferred swimsuit in Europe in 2024.
The market share of thongs increased by 75% in one year, driven by minimalist aesthetics.
One-piece swimsuits now represent 20% of the global offering.
Shaping models show a 53% increase, supported by the rise of shapewear.
Key Points
French brands focus on cut, textile technicality, and durability to differentiate themselves.
2025 trends include high-cut swimsuits, modern bikinis, and structured one-pieces with architectural cut-outs.
Vibrant palettes, pastels, and floral/tropical prints dominate collections.
Body shape remains central to swimsuit choice: French consumers seek aesthetics and function.
Eco-responsibility is gaining ground: recycled fibers, clean dyeing processes, made in France creation.
French Swimwear Trends: Key Styles
Image Source: pexels
High-cut Swimsuits and Brazilian Thongs
In 2025, high-cut styles and Brazilian thongs are gaining visibility on French beaches. Driven by the influence of Latin American designers and social media, this aesthetic emphasizes body verticality and highlighting curves. French brands adapt this style by using thicker materials, reinforced support, and more elegant lines to ensure comfort and durability.
These styles particularly appeal to Generation Z: 54% of them state a preference for a high-cut style for the leg-lengthening effect (IFM–Kantar 2024 survey).
Bikinis, Crop Tops, and Modern Cuts
The bikini remains a safe bet, but its morphology is evolving. French brands are introducing crop top styles, sculpting bralettes, and asymmetric triangles, influenced by athleisure and technical apparel. Short-sleeved tops, very present in sea-sports collections, meet the demand for support and UV protection.
High-waist continues to grow in sales (+18% according to Retviews).
Cut-outs, multiple ties, and draped effects modernize silhouettes.
For men, the French now prefer long or medium-length swim shorts, while briefs are making a discreet comeback in premium collections, driven by the retro-sporty trend.
Revisited One-Piece and High Waists
The one-piece is experiencing a deep renewal: asymmetries, laser cut-outs, shaping materials, and corset-like lines. Etam models, highly sought after on Vinted, confirm the rise of second-hand and growing interest in sustainable quality.
V-neckline for a redefined bust effect.
Full coverage bottoms for a natural curve.
Open back and halter neck inspired by 70s style.
Material innovations are strong: Wild uses premium recyclable fibers; Cara Belleza blends jewelry and swimwear; Mood Paris implements precise adjustment systems, like sliding adjusters, improving support for all body types.
The one-piece becomes a true fashion garment: integrated shapewear, advanced comfort, and high-end aesthetics.
Trendy Colors and Patterns
Image Source: pexels
Vibrant and Pastel Colors
French 2025 collections use color as an emotional differentiator. Bright reds, energetic yellows, and neon oranges follow the rise of "dopamine dressing" shades. In parallel, pastel tones – lavender, mint, sky blue – reflect a need for softness after several highly saturated seasons.
These colors are also influenced by Paris Fashion Week, where the "chromatic optimism" trend dominates the Spring-Summer 2025 shows.
Tropical and Floral Patterns
Tropical and floral patterns remain essential: oversized foliage, watercolor flowers, revisited Hawaiian prints. French houses adopt a more artistic approach to prints, inspired notably by the work of Casey Cadwallader, whose bias-cut tulles evoke moving petals.
Marine Stripes and Graphic Prints
A French icon, the marinière finds new codes in swimwear: gradient stripes, plays on thickness, texture contrasts. Graphic prints, meanwhile, are boosted by generative artificial intelligence used in textile design, giving rise to complex and unique patterns.
Materials and Textile Innovation
Recycled and Durable Fabrics
The ecological transition is profoundly structuring the French market. Brands are adopting recycled polyester (rPET) made from plastic bottles, ECONYL®, or regenerated polyamides. According to the IFTH, demand for recycled fabrics for swimwear increased by 307% between 2021 and 2024.
Designer x artist collaborations for exclusive patterns.
Use of AI to create custom prints.
Comfort and Technicality
New textiles meet increased demands:
4D elasticity for dynamic support.
Quick-drying (< 3 minutes according to IFTH tests).
Resistance to fading in salt or chlorinated water.
100% Made in France Creations
Relocalization continues to appeal. Brands like Le Slip Français, Armor Lux, and Petit Bateau promote a short and controlled supply chain, despite higher production costs. However, as the Senate reminds, only 19% of French people would agree to pay more for this label, which pushes brands to balance price and quality.
Details and Accessories
Ruffles, Knots, and Cut-outs
Details sculpt the style of French swimwear: voluminous ruffles, decorative knots, geometric cut-outs, or deeply scooped backs. The French approach remains subtle, emphasizing construction and materials rather than excess.
Ruffles and gathers.
Knots on shoulders or waist.
Sculptural cut-outs.
Smocking and comfortable drapes.
Metallic Effects and Transparency
Metallic effects, sequins, and mesh play introduce a glamorous dimension, particularly sought after for beach parties or resort wear. Mixing opacity and transparency allows for a controlled sensuality, a signature of French style.
Swimsuit/Pareo Combo
The pareo makes a strong comeback in 2025 collections: tropical patterns, light veils, artisanal dyes. A pareo matching the swimsuit's colors creates a coherent and elegant look, easily adaptable between the beach, hotel bar, and seaside strolls.
Tips for Choosing Your Swimsuit
Adapting to Your Body Shape
French stylists recommend an approach that integrates visual balance, comfort, and optical correction. Some guidelines:
V-shape body: colorful or printed bottoms, minimalist top to balance the shoulders.
X-shape body: high-waist bottoms and vertical lines to highlight the defined waist.
H-shape body: triangles and thin-tie bottoms to create curves.
A-shape body: volume on top (ruffles, structured bandeau tops), high-cut bottoms to lengthen the legs.
O-shape body: plunging necklines, side reinforcements, and shaping fabrics to smooth the silhouette.
Finding Your Style
Style depends as much on personality as on trends. Romantic ruffles, bold laces, tropical prints, asymmetrical cuts, or sportswear spirit: the goal is to harmonize silhouette, comfort, and personal expression.
Beach Look Tips
Opting for an eco-responsible swimsuit, colorful accessories, a coordinated pareo, and resistant materials significantly improves product longevity and stylistic coherence. A straw hat, structured sunglasses, and a bag made of natural materials easily complete a French Riviera-inspired beach look.
FAQ
What are the benefits of eco-responsible swimsuits?
Eco-responsible swimsuits use recycled fibers (ECONYL®, rPET), reduce plastic waste, and limit the carbon footprint. Many French brands ensure transparency and traceability via the "made in France" label or environmental certifications.
How to care for your swimsuit to make it last longer?
Rinse your swimsuit with clear water after each swim, hand wash it with mild soap, and let it air dry in the shade. Avoid tumble drying, bleach, and abrasive surfaces, which weaken the fibers.
Which style to choose according to your body shape?
The one-piece sculpts the body and reassures figures seeking support. The high-waist bikini visually slims the waist. Ruffles add volume where you want to rebalance your silhouette (bust or hips). Trying it on remains the best way to check comfort and support.
Can you wear a French swimsuit to the pool?
Yes, you can wear a French swimsuit to the pool, provided you check that the fabric resists chlorine and opt for models without overly fragile embellishments (jewelry, excessive sequins). Technical swimsuits designed for intensive use (aquagym, competitive swimming) are particularly suitable.