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.
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
