Swimwear and bikinis 2026: trends and where to shop

Summer is here and with it the annual hunt for the perfect swimsuit or bikini. In 2026 trends range from the structured "vintage chic" bikini to the asymmetric one-shoulder swimsuit. In this guide we cover what's hot, which brands offer the best value, and where to buy them cheap before sizes sell out.

Swimwear and bikini trends 2026

Vintage chic bikini (high-waisted)

The big trend: high-waist 50s-style bottoms, triangle or underwire top, thin ties. Flatters 95 % of bodies and elongates the leg. Calzedonia, Mango, & Other Stories. £25-50.

Asymmetric one-shoulder swimsuit

Clean lines, one shoulder, geometric cuts. Calvin Klein, Tropic of C, Calzedonia. £35-75.

Sporty underwire bikini

The underwire is back for support without the lingerie look. Adidas, Speedo, Calzedonia Sport. £35-60.

Micro bikinis (bold trend)

Y2K version, small triangles + Brazilian bottoms. SHEIN, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Cupshe. £12-30.

Cut-out swimsuits

Strategic openings at waist, sides or back. H&M, Zara, Mango, ASOS. £20-45.

Trending prints 2026

• Mini florals (Liberty style).
• Animal print — muted leopard, coral zebra.
• Embroidered crochet.
• Nautical stripes.
• Earth-tone solids — terracotta, sand, olive.

Best brands by budget

Budget (£12-30)

• Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius.
• SHEIN, Cupshe.
• Primark.
• Decathlon Olaian / Tribord.

Mid-range (£30-80)

• Calzedonia.
• Mango, Zara.
• H&M Premium.
• & Other Stories, COS.
• ASOS Design.

Premium (£80+)

• Eres.
• Tropic of C, Solid & Striped.
• Calvin Klein Swimwear.
• Heidi Klein.
• Lisa Marie Fernandez, Marysia.

Choosing by body shape

• Large bust: underwire tops, structured cups, halter neck.
• Small bust: lightly padded triangles, bandeau, balconette.
• Wide hips: mid- or high-waist bottoms.
• Short height: high-waist bottoms, V-neck one-piece.
• Tummy: draped fits, integrated belts (not internal panels).
• Very pale skin: avoid pure white, go beige or terracotta.

Where to buy cheap

• Summer sales — see our summer sales 2026 guide.
• Decathlon Olaian / Tribord.
• ASOS — huge range + codes.
• John Lewis Swimwear.
• Bicester Village outlet — Tommy Hilfiger Swim, Liu Jo Beach.

Purchase calendar

1. Before 15 June: Best selection, full price.
2. 25 June – 15 July: Sales -30/-50 %.
3. 15 July – 15 August: 2nd/3rd markdown -50/-60 %.
4. After 15 August: Outlet, limited stock.

International sizing

• UK = US + 2 roughly (UK 12 = US 8).
• EU = UK + 28-32 (UK 12 = EU 40-42).
• IT/ES: similar to UK -2 (UK 12 = IT 44, depends on brand).
• US brands: tend to run wide; size down one.

Accessories

• Wide-brim hat (Mango, Accessorize).
• Matching sarong.
• Sandals (Havaianas, Birkenstock).
• Raffia bag.
• Minimal jewellery — see TOUS sale 2026 guide.

Comparing prices with ComparaModa

1. Search: bikini, swimsuit.
2. Brand: Calzedonia, Mango, Zara.
3. Combine with 2026 summer sales.
4. Beach wedding: 2026 wedding guest looks.
5. Section sale.

Bottom line

The perfect 2026 swimsuit or bikini combines the trend that suits you with the right price. Buy early for sizes, use the sales, prioritise fabric quality. Start your wishlist in the bikini section on ComparaModa.