Sorry, Bikinis—These 5 Chic One-Pieces Are Going to Rule This Summer

Now that more than a full year has passed since lockdown was enforced, it's safe to say we've never worn joggers and leggings quite as much as we have done over that time. While enjoyable at first, the novelty has gradually worn off, and with summer fast approaching, we find ourselves wanting to wear something else, anything else. And if joggers are at one end of the sartorial spectrum, swimwear is well and truly at the other.

After all, what could be more summery than swimwear? Synonymous with sunshine and SPF and the beach, shopping for swimwear never fails to fill us with excitement, as it often means a holiday will follow not long after. Sure, long-haul holidays are somewhat scarce right now, but buying swimwear to wear on home soil will provide you with the same shopping rush and endorphins. And right now, we find ourselves gravitating toward chic one-piece swimsuits over bikinis.

Whether you're heading on a spa break, visiting your local lido or pool, or fancy taking a dip in the ocean or your local wild swimming spot, a swimsuit will serve you well. Plus, it makes for more effortless styling, too. Just layer a pair of jeans or a skirt over the top and your costume, and it'll look just like a bodysuit.

Having not thought about swimwear for quite some time, we reached out to some industry experts to determine which swimsuit trends they're backing for 2021. Cue Georgiana Huddart, creative director of Hunza G, Lily Russo, a fashion editor turned beachwear guru and co-founder of the fabulous resort and swim destination Beach Flamingo, Kirsty Ames and Heidi Sommerau, co-founders of Ayla, Georgia Thompson, founder of Evarae, and acclaimed designer, Jonathan Simkhai. Together, they've worked up a comprehensive list of the most stylish bikini trends 2021 has to offer. Scroll below to see and shop them, then start planning your staycation accordingly.

1. Classic Silhouettes

"There are still question marks over this year's summer plans for lots of people so they want swimwear that works at home or abroad," advises Kirsty Ames and Heidi Sommerau, co-founders of Ayla. "A classic design with an eye-catching feature, like a low scooped back, gives you versatility. It won't look out of place at a British swimming pond but it is chic enough for a Mediterranean beach club."

"I think, for one-pieces, we will see a combination of '70s strong silhouettes like the one-shoulder," agrees Georgiana Huddart, creative director of Hunza G, while Georgia Thompson, founder of Evarae, also predicts a revival of simple, timeless swimwear shapes. "For summer 2021, one-piece swimsuits are definitely back with a bang! Women are leaning towards body sculpting fits." Noted. 

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2. Pretty Pastels

"It's been a long wait for summer to arrive and we are all desperate to brighten up our wardrobes with colour again," continues Ayla's Ames and Sommerau. "Pink and peach are uplifting colours and will be the go-to for swim this year."

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3. In the Details

"I'm seeing a lot of elevated stand-out details, whether it's a belted waist or ruffle shoulder," confirms Thompson of Evarae. Designer Jonathan Simkhai also backs the inclusion of beautiful details: "This season is definitely all about unexpected details," he says.

Lily Russo of Beach Flamingo loves the swimwear details this season; particularly ruffles. "There's nothing frou-frou about these ruffles," she affirms. "They're sophisticated and elegant—and can be incredibly flattering, too, when balancing out wider hips or smaller busts."

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4. Statement Prints 

When it comes to prints, Simkhai believes more is definitely more. "Our striped monochrome one piece is one of our favourites, as is the one-shoulder Addyson style in oversized polka dots. Tie-dye is still huge; our version features cutout detailing, a ruched waist and drawstring accents. We also love a classic one-piece such as the Noa which we've released in candy pink and metallic black with flattering cups and belted waist."

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5. Metallic

"Metallic fabrics are really big for 2021," says Russo of Beach Flamingo. "Choosing a swimsuit should be like choosing any other piece of clothing and I'm always looking for fun standout pieces I will keep for seasons to come. These are pieces that could easily be worn with a high-waisted skirt or trousers, too." We like your thinking. 

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Next Up: I Live in Paris—These Are the 4 Swimwear Trends I Always See in the Riviera