Swimwear, Reimagined: The Art of Dressing for the Water

Summer holidays invite a different rhythm of dressing, and swimwear sits at the heart of that wardrobe. It’s no longer reserved solely for the shore but styled as an extension of resort dressing itself. Slow afternoons by the water and evenings that stretch seamlessly from beach to bar. From sculptural one pieces to romantic bikinis and playful, youthful silhouettes, the season’s best swimwear is designed to travel well, photograph beautifully and move effortlessly through every sunlit wave crashing the shore

The Key Swimwear Trends Defining Summer 2026

We’ll see a balance of nostalgia and modernity; retro inspired high waisted bikini bottoms, balconette tops for the quiet glamour and bold prints, saturated colours for the joyous escapism to tropical destinations and long awaited holidays. Athletic influences also play a role, with supportive cuts, high necklines and secure straps designed for movement and surfing without sacrificing style. Asymmetry and subtle cutouts from midwest America will add a fashion forward edge, while sustainable fabrics in Bali and elevated textures signal a growing shift toward conscious luxury.

Luxury swimwear in 2026 is designed to last beyond just one summer, destination, or trend cycle. Beachwear or island attires today are about craftsmanship, longevity and silhouettes that feel pure on the skin rather than cut outs you cannot even swim in.

Five High End Beachwear Brands Defining Luxury by the Shore

The best monokinis are no longer worn just for a dip in the ocean but styled for beach clubs, yacht afternoons and sun soaked lunches that stretch into golden hour. From sculpted one pieces to softly romantic bikinis and minimalist classics, these are the brands shaping how the world dresses by the water this summer.

Love Shack Fancy

LoveShackFancy’s Laguna Bow Print One Piece captures the brand’s signature romance in swimwear form, blending soft nostalgia with modern polish. Rendered in a chilled blue palette and finished with a delicate bow motif, the silhouette feels playful yet considered, striking that sweet spot between feminine charm and resort ready sophistication. It is the kind of swimsuit that feels styled even before accessories enter the picture, equally suited to a sun soaked beach day or a leisurely poolside lunch layered under a cotton cover up and oversized sunglasses.

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Zimmermann

Zimmermann remains the benchmark for romantic resort dressing. The Australian brand is known for its feminine silhouettes, sculptural detailing and signature prints that feel timeless yet distinctive. From statement one pieces to delicately patterned bikinis, Zimmermann swimwear transitions effortlessly from beach to brunch, making it a favourite for polished holiday wardrobes.

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Bungalow Swim

Bungalow Swim understands that honeymoon swimwear is not about statement dressing but about ease, intention and feeling quietly confident in your own skin. Designed to move effortlessly from pool to plunge to pause, each piece is made for unscripted moments such as early morning dips, post spa swims and those unplanned hours that stretch longer than expected. It’s less about what you are wearing and more about you feeling relaxed, present and entirely at ease.

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La Perla

La Perla brings couture sensibility to the shoreline. Their leopard print cut out bikini top brings the house’s couture to swimwear, balancing bold sensuality with meticulous craftsmanship. Made in Italy, the design pairs an animalier print with sculptural cut outs, mesh panelling and an underwired sweetheart neckline that offers both structure and allure. Adjustable straps and a precise fit elevate it beyond trend-led clothing, making it a statement piece that feels confident, polished and unmistakably luxurious whether styled poolside or layered under a sheer resort shirt or with necklaces.

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Lovers and Friends

The Lovers and Friends Jet One-Piece in black is a masterclass in sleek, modern swimwear that effortlessly bridges poolside practicality and city-to-beach sophistication. With its clean, sculptural silhouette and minimalist design, this maillot flatters while remaining pared-back and timeless, making it an ideal piece for summer holidays where versatility is key. Whether styled with high-waisted linen trousers for a seaside lunch or worn alone with statement sunglasses and a wide-brim hat, it’s a chic essential that feels as current on Mykonos sands as it does on a resort pool deck. And when has anyone ever gone wrong with mesh?

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Princess Polly

Princess Polly’s Vickie Triangle Bikini Top in black distils classic swimwear into something quietly statement-making. With its clean triangle cut, contrast piping and subtle hardware accents, it balances minimalism with just enough edge to feel current. Designed to flatter without overcomplication, it’s the kind of piece that works hard on summer holidays, equally at home layered under an open linen shirt, paired with a high-cut bottom for a beach day, or styled with oversized sunglasses for that effortless, off-duty cool the brand does so well.

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High end swimwear is not about logos or fleeting trends. It is about fabric that holds its shape, cuts that flatter season after season and designs that feel relevant long after summer ends. These brands prioritise craftsmanship and thoughtful design, making their pieces worth returning to year after year and for mid-week in-city spa/swim sessions. In a world of fast fashion and disposable trends, investment swimwear offers longevity, comfort and a sense of confidence that cannot be replicated, both domestically and internationally.

How to Style Swimwear for Summer Holidays

Treat swimwear as part of your core holiday wardrobe. Pair sculpted one pieces with linen trousers or sarongs for brunches by the sea. Mix bikini tops with tailored shorts or flowing skirts to extend their wear beyond the beach. Always finish the look with oversized sunglasses, a wide brim hat and a woven bag for understated resort polish. The key is versatility, sunscreen and choosing pieces that move seamlessly from water to wherever the day takes you.

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