6 Swimsuit Trends That Always Look Expensive By The Pool

It’s officially swim season again, hooray! But with such a long wait for the sun to make an appearance, we hadn’t given our swimwear much thought. Now that the holidays are booked and the out of office replies are on, we’re finally getting around to shopping for new swim styles, and if like us you relish the thought of stripping off and wearing nothing but your most-pared back summer wardrobe, I have good news. There is one key piece you’re going to want to add to your suitcase, and it’s a multi-faceted wonder.

Sorry bikinis, but 2024 is all about the elegant one-piece. Classic, chic, and impossibly comfortable, the sensible cossie is one of the biggest swimwear trends 2024 has to offer. And, while it’s true that certain swimwear styles will never date—(think black bikinis and a white one piece), our general fashion aesthetic can vary year-on-year, so it stands to reason that what we wear on the beach does too. So, which swimsuit trends feel fresh for 2024? We asked expert Ingemae Kotze, founder of swimwear brand Away That Day for the six trends that you’re about see on beaches, yachts, and poolside over the next 12 months. You’re welcome.

1. CONTRAST MONOCHROME

Style Notes: Sick of statement prints and bold brights? According to Kotze, 2024 is all about minimalist monochrome with plenty of vintage appeal. “This retro-inspired trend is not going anywhere soon,” notes Kotze. “Monochrome swim is nostalgic, timeless and flattering on all skin tones. Our Cannes one-piece in Black and Ivory Pyratex for example is our number one best-selling swimsuit we’ve ever launched.” Just goes to show, sometimes the most fashion-forward trends have retro roots.

Shop Monochrome Swimsuits:

2. EARTH TONES

Style Notes: In much of the same vein as monochrome, lurid hues are firmly off the table, and earth tones are the chic alternative that always looks expensive. Think runway-ready chocolate brown, warm tans, and rich, lush greens. “Earthy tones are super sophisticated and also very on trend,” adds Kotze. “They say brown is the new black, and I am all for it. This neutral shade compliments all skin tones and adds instant class to your summer wardrobe.”

Shop Earth Toned Swimsuits:

3. GET WAISTED

Style Notes: Looking for a swimsuit trend that the Who What Wear team are backing? Belted swimsuits are not only a flattering fit that draws in the waist, but they also come automatically accessorised, so there’s no need for you to have to plan any clever styling. We consider this an easy win-win.

Shop Belted Swimsuits:

4. CO-ORDINATE YOUR COSTUME

Style Notes: And speaking of styling up our swimwear, did we mention that the sarong is back? Forget its formally dated connotations (you won’t find any tropical prints in this edit), even designers agree that cover-ups are worth showing off this year. “Matching cover-ups instantly elevate your holiday look with minimal effort. Whether it be a sarong, crochet dress or a wrap skirt, they are the perfect addition to swimwear and always looks chic and stylish” adds Kotze.

Shop Swimsuits and Sarongs:

5. ONE-SHOULDER

Style Notes: Spice up a simple swimsuit by opting for sculptural shapes and interesting silhouettes. And no, you don’t have to struggle your way into complicated cut-outs to make a statement, an elegant one-shoulder suit has the same impact as any risqué style, but with a far more fuss-free approach. In short, the kind of piece we’d happily wear on its own or styled up with a cover-up and chunky sandals.