Days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and getaways are being booked, meaning it’s high time to brush up on the biggest swimwear trends of 2026. Many of them, including polka-dot prints and minimalist shapes, take cues from the season’s major fashion trends. But others (like the nostalgic return of mid-aughts surfer-girl style) are swim-specific—and all the more exciting for it. Get beach-ready with our favorite swimwear trends of the summer below, before all the best stuff inevitably sells out.
Our favorite 2026 swimwear trends
1. Polka dots
We can’t get enough of this playful, retro print right now, and we’re clearly not alone: Virtually every swimwear brand is offering its own take ahead of beach season. Whether you prefer bright pops of color or more subdued black or brown, you’ll find the pattern splashed across bikinis, one-pieces, swim dresses, and any other silhouette you could want. You won’t regret buying in.
Styling tip: Lean into the ’50s of it all with a wide, stretchy headband and heeled mules at a poolside bar—or keep things sleek and contemporary with simple linen pants as a cover-up.


