Style Guide

7 Sexy Swimsuit Trends for Spring

This year's hottest trends are inspired by surfer style, athleisure and ... 50 Shades of Gray?

By Sarah Rufca Nielsen March 11, 2016

Scuba Sleeves

Whether you're ready to ride the tanker waves, hiding as much skin as possible from the sun or just over the whole itty-bitty-bikini thing, the new designer neoprene suits and rash guards are both practical and stylish. From left: Lisa Marie Fernandez 'Farrah' bonded maillot, $395 at Shopbop; Cynthia Rowley floral wetsuit, $295 at Shopbop; J.Crew colorblock short-sleeve rash guard, $68 at J.Crew; Maaji 'Peachy Sunset Watch' rash guard, $84 at Everything But Water.

Strappy Swimwear

Some credit 50 Shades of Gray for popularizing this bondage-inspired style, but we think of it as your own personal hammock, crazy tan lines included. From left: Kenneth Cole 'Shirr Thing' monokini halter, $107 at Everything But Water; Hervé Legér off-the-shoulder cut-out bandage bikini, $1,030 at Net-A-Porter; Mikoh 'Seychelles' one-piece, $218 at Mikoh; Pink strappy front T-back bikini top, $44.95 at Victoria's Secret.

Crochet

That '70s look has even invaded swimwear, with nubby knits that are ready for the water. From left: Robin Piccone 'Mia' crochet one-piece, $138 at Nordstrom; Kiini Tuesday crochet-trim bikini, $286 at Matches Fashion; Seafolly 'Mesh About' high-beck one-piece, $202 at Nordstrom; She Made Me 'Hira' banded crochet top, $124 at Everything But Water.

Cut-Outs

One-piece suits are anything but boring with these peekaboo panels. From left: Mikoh 'Marrakesh' cutout crop top, $112 at Mikoh; Carmen Marc Valvo high-neck cutout back one-piece, $122 at Neiman Marcus; Mara Hoffman 'Starbasket' cut-out one-piece, $253 at Mara Hoffman; OYE Swimwear Holly high-neck cutout one-piece, $350 at Shopbop.

Athletic Halters

As athleisure looks continue to conquer the fashion world, it's no surprise that fitness-inspired silhouettes are big this swim season. From left: Made by Dawn high-neck crop top and basic bottoms, $68 each at Free People; Madalynn 'Kate' top and bottoms, $78each at Revolve; Amuse Society 'Kendell' stripe tank, $74, and 'Sola' stripe high-rise bottoms, $84 at Amuse Society; Victoria's Secret colorblock high-neck top, $34.50, and cheeky short, $24, at Victoria's Secret.

High-Waisted Bikinis

Credit Taylor Swift's retro style (and missing belly button) for making this flattering cut trendy again. From left: Robin Piccone White capsule collection high-neck bra top, $98 and belted high-waist bottom, $94, at Everything But Water; Mara Hoffman wrap-around triangle top bikini, $126, and cut-out high-waisted bottoms, $139 at Mara Hoffman; Dolce & Gabbana printed underwire bikini top, $495, and printed bikini briefs, $345 at Net-A-Porter; Soleil It On Me bikini top, $59.99, and bottoms, $44.99, at Modcloth.

Ruffles

Just the thing to add some feminine flounce when you need it. From left: Lisa Marie Fernandez 'Mira' ruffled off-the-shoulder swimsuit, $430 at Moda Operandi; Lolly 'Dreamy' one-shoulder ruffle top, $115 at Shopbop; Glam in the Sand tankini top and bottom, $79.99 each at Modcloth; Shoshanna watermelon ruffle halter top, $125, and string bottom, $92 at Shoshanna.

Spring break is here, and whether that means a cruise, a drive down to Galveston or just looking at tropical Instagrams from your desk, it's enough to get us all thinking about swim season, and, more importantly, what we'll be wearing poolside. The perk of the spring-break-less work? Plenty of time to shop for your next swimsuit at your desk.

Swimwear, Trends

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7 Sexy Swimsuit Trends for Spring

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