Maybe it's just a symptom of living in Australia, but come springtime my cart is loaded with swimsuits. Nearly every year the brief is different: the summer of 2024 was all about getting sporty in fun tankinis made for movement, while the one before that was all about shedding layers in the skimpiest bikinis. This time around? To be completely honest I'm torn.

As a midsize girl, it's a tug-of-war between fun yet impractical togs with no support, or the comfortable yet somewhat pedestrian maillot. Which proves, if anything, that swimsuit shopping is deeply personal and highly subjective. If you too are navigating the annual swimwear hunt, then we're here to lend a helping hand. From beaded dreams to black and white print that'll never go out of style, these are the swimwear trends we'll be observing during the summer of 2025.

Beaded styles

Left to right: SIR Leilana Bandeau Top and String Brief, FELLA Eli Top and Digby Bottom, FELLA Tony Top and Marcus Bottom, Bydee Badalona Top.

Not all embellishments are created equal. Beads are having a full-circle moment – literally. From delicate seed beads that whisper ‘70s nostalgia to glossy Italian plexiglass beads that bring subtle texture and a sculptural shape, these tiny details make a big impact. Think of them as the beachwear equivalent of jewellery – minus the risk of losing an earring to the surf.

Floral one pieces

Left to right: ARK SWIMWEAR Ditsy Floral Deep V One Piece, Peony Swimwear Shirred One Piece, Seafolly Bandeau One Piece, POSSE Lucinda One Piece.

There's nothing predictable about new-season florals. From whimsical prints to 3D details, these styles are set to rival even the prettiest bouquet of IRL flowers.

String bikinis

Left to right: TRIANGL Vinca Yellow Velvet Bikini Set, Kulani Kinis Trio Ring Bikini Top and Cheeky Tie Bikini Bottoms, Bassike Tie Back Bikini Top and Side Tie Bikini Bottom, MONDAY SWIMWEAR Palma Top and Palma Bottom, REMMIE BY RILEY Denim Lace Tie Top and Denim Lace Tie Bottom.

Some things never go out of style. Case in point? The classic string bikini. Casual, unfussy, and perfect for days spent lounging by the pool, there's a reason the string bikini is a contender for the best summer swimsuit season after season.

Chocolate brown swimwear

Left to right: It's Now Cool The Triangle Top and 90's Tie Pant, FELLA Franco Top and Hubert Bottom , FAITHFULL Sol Bikini Top and Costa Bikini Bottom, Form and Fold The Tilt Underwire D-G One Piece.

Simply eating it is no longer enough, we must slather it all over our bodies. Although this particular shade of cocoa has been trending for some time now, we're still tooting its horn. And it tastes just as sweet.

Cut out swimwear

Left to right: Christopher Esber Salacia One Piece, Bydee Marbella One Piece, Cin Cin Diamond Heart Cut Out Swimsuit, Reformation Valera One Piece.

Another one for the one-piece loyalists; let us offer you a more daring proposition. Why not a try a maillot with cut outs this summer? The daring part is the tan lines you risk developing. Although, who wouldn't want an imprint of this Christopher Esber swimsuit on their body?  Anyway, just like the tankini, these styles need not be relegated to the pool. They're practically screaming to go from day to night, whatever that means.

Black and white swimwear

Left to right: BONDI BORN Bernadette One Piece, SIR Pietra Bandeau and Pietra Classic High Brief, FELLA Alfie Top and Chad Bottom, MONDAY SWIMWEAR Clovelly One Piece, HUNZA G Loretta Bikini.

Forget colour. Black and white swimwear is the perennial comeback that never actually went anywhere. It’s graphic, clean, and we're quietly certain it’ll outlive any neon phase.

For more summer wardrobe inspiration, why not peruse the brands we will be shopping for summer linens, or the netted mesh bags that'll take one from sand to city. Don't forget to be sun-safe.