5 Stunning Swimwear Trends to Watch in 2020

Elena Matei Super Model

Elena Matei Super Model

Summer might be over, but with inspiration from July’s Miami Swim Week still splashed across the tabloids (and our wishlists), any true fashionista knows it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s hottest swimsuit trends. With retro styles, bold animal prints and a nod to sustainability all taking center stage, the most popular swimwear trends for 2020 are bound to inspire you to update your poolside wardrobe. 

With so many gorgeous new styles to choose from, it’s no surprise that some ladies end up overwhelmed by options. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five of the hottest swimwear trends for 2020 that’ll have you counting down the days until next summer.

1. Animal Print

Animal print has long been a staple of the fashion world. Not for the faint of heart, this bold style is perfect for ladies that thrive in the limelight. Sporting a seriously sexy tiger print bikini with glitzy gold accents, Moldovan model, Elena Matei, proved that she’s got what it takes to be queen of the jungle in a recent shoot for Beach Bunny’s Resort 2020 campaign. While tiger and leopard print are most popular, we’ve also seen some fab zebra and snakeskin suits on offer to inspire your animalistic side.

2. Retro Romance

There’s something about yesteryear that fills us with a sense of nostalgia and romance – two feelings we all want to soak up on our next holiday in the sun. That’s why retro swimsuits are making a come back as one of the biggest swimwear trends of 2020. Retro swimsuits favour high-cut designs, sporty colour palettes and halter-style bikini tops. 

While sporty 80s tankinis are all the go, the glamorous 50s are also making a comeback. If you struggle with the confidence to don a two-piece suit, look for trendy pin-up style bottoms, which often sport a full, feminine skirt or cute ruffles. This cut is especially flattering on curvier girls and perfect for anyone worried about showing too much skin.

3. Sustainable Swimsuits

With climate change at the forefront of the world stage, it’s no surprise that even swimwear brands are trying to do their part for the environment. Most notably, The UpCycle Project and Paraiso issued a cool challenge that asked design school students to partner with swimwear brands, such as Vitamin A, Volcom and Maaji, to create two-pieces collections from each brand’s unused textiles. 

Volcom now proudly creates Georgia Jagger endorsed swimwear from yarn produced by recycling fishing nets and discarded nylons. These planet-friendly swimsuits don’t compromise on quality and will have you looking as fantastic as you feel for doing your part for sustainability.

4. Sun-smart Swimwear

Sustainability isn’t the only sensible swimwear trend for 2020. Designers are also becoming increasingly conscious of creating swimsuits that protect the wearer from high UV-exposure. One hot trend that doesn’t compromise style for sun safety is long-sleeved suits. Popularised in Australia during the 70s, “rashies,” as this style is colloquially known, were originally used to keep surfers’ skin from chafing under wetsuits.

Designers have given us a lot of hot options to choose from for summer 2020, with sexy tankinis and sensational one-pieces. Both sporty and functional, it’s obvious why the trend has taken off. Long-sleeved swimwear is also a great option for anyone struggling with the confidence to bear their arms after a long winter of no-gym and Netflix (remember, all bodies are beach bodies).

5. Little Black Swimsuit

Ah, the little black dress: elegant, timeless and loved by women the world over for its ability to flatter any figure. We’re calling it now: by the end of summer 2020, the little black swimsuit will be as much as a staple in your wardrobe as your LBD. 

If you’re still picturing the safe but decidedly unsexy black one-piece your aunt wore on the family holiday five years ago, think again. The styles on offer are anything but matronly, with plunging necklines and hi-cut designs at the top of our list. Elegant lace-up styles can help your bring out your inner princess. Feeling sporty? Try on a sleek, front-zip one-piece for size. And who could forget the little black bikini?

By all means, stock up on a bold animal print or flirty floral bikini, but you should always have a classic black swimsuit on hand. For a casual poolside look, pair your LBS with an oversized, flowing, cotton white shirt and your favourite pair of shades.

Now we’ve counted down the top swimwear styles of 2020, the only problem you’ll have is trying to stop at just one!