I love almost everything about summer: the longer days, the sunshine and of course, summer dresses. But the one thing I struggle with? Swimwear.

I’m a big fan of swimsuits and bikinis when they feel and look good, but it takes me a long old time to find decent swimwear.

READ MORE: I’m Incredibly Picky When It Comes to Bikinis, But This High Street Brand’s Never Let Me Down

It’s about finding what works for you, and while it can take a little longer to find flattering swimwear than it does to find a decent dress, there’s plenty of trends to pick from this year.

As Y2K fashion makes a terrifying return to the forefront of fashion, you absolutely don’t have to wear anything you don’t feel comfortable in. If itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny bikinis fill you with dread (join the club), opt for a swimsuit and a sarong.

Fashion should be about feeling good and having fun (our motto at Wear Next), so while I’m sharing some of the biggest swimwear trends for the season ahead, feel free to pick and choose whichever work for you.

Without further ado, here are the trends you’re about to see a whole lot more of in 2022.

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Cut outs

This trend is seeping into nearly every part of our wardrobe – skirts, trousers, dresses, tops and now even swimwear.

Cut out bikinis and swimsuits are everywhere, and while they seem terrifying to embrace, they’re not as scary as you might think.

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Gathered Swimsuit, £29.99, Zara – buy now

Plus Size One Shoulder Cut Out Swimsuit, £12.80, Nasty Gal – buy now (up to size 28)

Cut-out detail swimsuit, £49.99, Mango – buy now

Recycled Horn Ring Cut Out Crop Bikini Set, £20.80, Nasty Gal – buy now

Crochet

Crochet has been having a revival for some time now, but it’s going no where for 2022.

Daisy high-rise crocheted bikini, £135, Maiyo at Cult Mia – buy now

Out From Under Knitted Check Bikini Top, £29, Urban Outfitters – buy now

Out From Under Knitted Check Bikini Bottoms, £26, Urban Outfitters – buy now

Crochet Swimwear Top, £125, Ganni at Coggles – buy now

Crochet Swimwear Bottoms, £105, Ganni at Coggles – buy now

New to Coggles? Use the code NEWCOG to get 10% off.

Crochet bikini top, £19.99, Mango – buy now

Crochet bikini bottoms, £17.99, Mango – buy now

Belted

Chanel show us how it’s done with belted bikinis featuring the designer’s iconic logo, now the high street is embracing it too.

Whether you prefer swimsuits or bikinis, this look is easy to recreate.

Black belted swimsuit, £40, River Island – buy now

Karisa belted two-tone stretch-ECONYL swimsuit, £270, Evarae at Net-a-Porter – buy now

Noelia Pink V-Neck Cut Out Back Tie Bikini Top, £18, Cupshe – buy now

Noelia Pink Mid Waisted Belt Bikini Bottom, £15, Cupshe – buy now

Metallic

If it’s good enough for Lizzo, it’s good enough for us!

Another Y2K trend to make a comeback, this girlband-inspired look is to die for.

Kenzi Bikini Top, £78, Free People – buy now

Zurie Bikini Bottoms, £88, Free People – buy now

Metallic Triangle Bikini Top, £36, les girls les boys – buy now

Metallic Bikini Bottoms, £30, les girls les boys – buy now

Lumiere metallic triangle bikini set, £175, Oseree at Selfridges – buy now

Ribbed

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Form-fitting but so flattering, ribbed swimwear will save the day if you’re struggling to find anything decent.

Edie Nile strapless crinkle bikini, £145, Hunza G at Selfridges – buy now

Open Back Swimsuit, £49, Cos – buy now

Push-up bikini top, £14.99, H&M – buy now

Bikini bottoms, £14.99, H&M – buy now

Prefer a swimsuit? This bikini comes as a one piece too!

Red Ring Detail Bikini Top, £20, River Island Plus – buy now (up to size 24)

Bikini Bottoms £12, River Island Plus – buy now (up to size 28)

Bandeaus

Bandeau bikinis aren’t ideal for the fuller busted, but they’re great for avoiding tan lines!

Tie Dye Bandeau Bikini Top, £28, River Island – buy now

Tie Dye Bikini Bottoms, £12, River Island – buy now

Bandeau Bikini Top, £14, ASOS DESIGN – buy now

Bikini Bottoms, £14, ASOS DESIGN – buy now

Gloria crinkle-knit bandeau bikini, £150, Hunza G at Matches Fashion – buy now

Tied Up

Prepare to get all tied up in this swimwear trend. The best thing about it? Anyone can wear it!

Two-Way Printed Bikini Top, £19.99, Zara – buy now

Printed Bikini Bottoms, £17.99, Zara – buy now

Wrap bikini top, now £9, ASOS DESIGN – buy now

Bikini bottoms, £18, ASOS DESIGN – buy now

Marzia printed recycled triangle bikini, £162, Faithfull The Brand – buy now