SUMMER 2024: WOMEN’S SWIMWEAR

Summer is just around the corner, and with the changing weather comes a need to review and refresh our seasonal wardrobes. The right swimwear is key to beating the heat and enjoying the warmer months to their fullest potential, but with all the gorgeous swimwear options readily available the choice can be overwhelming.
Before caving into impulse buys based on fleeting trends that may or may not truly work for your needs and body type, we want to encourage a more responsible approach that includes taking stock of what you already have in your closet, how your body shape and style preferences may have changed over the last year, what your plans for Summer 2024 are looking like, and perhaps even exploring sustainable recycled and upcycled fabrics to make a positive contribution towards a greener future.

Fortunately, this year’s swimwear collections are a playground of inventive designs, catering to every taste and mood imaginable. From the revival of classic triangle bikinis with eye-catching details like delicate straps and jeweled embellishments to the timeless allure of the one-piece and sculptural one-shoulder swimsuits, there’s no shortage of options to express your unique personality and highlight your best features under the sun. Dive into the nostalgia of the 90s with bandeau bikini styles and tie-dye prints that radiate vibrant energy, or make a splash with bold cutouts and minimalist designs for a touch of summer sophistication.

Though we provide a wide range of options to best “suit” your budget, we cannot but mention our favorite luxury brands for those who wish to invest in truly iconic styles and the highest quality craftsmanship. Dolce & Gabbana and Versace set the scene with their colorful, instantly-recognizable Sicilian and Baroque prints, while both Gucci and Saint Laurent bring back retro cuts with a modern twist, combined with classic House prints and quiet luxury detailing. Similarly, Max Mara’s sporty, understated elegance is perfect for any waterside vacation. For those seeking a bolder vibe, The Attico turns heads with contemporary silhouettes featuring animal prints and elaborate cutouts, and Pucci electrifies with psychedelic motifs combined with exquisite vintage-inspired shapes. Zimmermann and Isabel Marant stay true to their boho chic roots with florals, elaborate ruffles, and embroidered accents, and Ermanno Scervino celebrates femininity with delicate lace and flattering, form-fitting silhouettes.
In recent years, fashion has become so varied and open-ended that almost anything goes. From season to season, we’ve witnessed swings from austere minimalism to reactionary, rebellious maximalism, and many eclectic blends of both. But swimwear is different: each of us has features we feel better about, and perhaps others we might feel less comfortable with. So rather than adopting a trend just because a certain celebrity or fashion magazine, or brand may endorse it, we encourage you to seek out the styles you’ll feel best in: because at the end of the day, the secret to pulling off any look, be it a bear-it-all triangle monokini, or a retro-inspired one-piece, is unwavering confidence and charisma.

That said, this year we’ve noticed a number of styles that can provide inspiration for every waterside destination in your agenda. In 2024, the main styles of swimwear reflect a fusion of retro-inspiration often reinterpreted with technical innovations that embrace conscious fashion. Breezy triangle and bandeau bikinis styles are consistently on-trend, embodying effortless chic, perfect for the poolside or beach vacation.

For an elegant Riviera vibe, one-piece swimsuits are a must-have: sleek silhouettes, flattering necklines and sophisticated palettes guarantee a luxuriously elevated look appropriate for any waterside destination. For those seeking a touch of asymmetrical flair, one-shoulder swim tops add a contemporary twist to classic silhouettes. 90s nostalgia continues to infuse swimwear designs with vibrant, youthful optimism, apparent in comfortable, athletic bandeaus tops and funky tie-dye prints.

This summer in particular, we’ve noticed a growing interest in conscious consumption and sustainable materials, with innovative fabrics gaining more space. Swimwear made with recycled fibers, biodegradable fabrics, and eco-friendly dyes is becoming increasingly popular, demonstrating a commitment to eco-responsible fashion.

Breezy triangle bikinis with bright pops of color, or perhaps a splashy print are our go-to solution when looking to soak up the sun in style. Dive into the nostalgia of the 90s with bandeau styles and tie-dye prints that radiate vibrant energy, or make a splash with bold cutouts and minimalist designs for a touch of summer sophistication. Another trend that’s making a comeback is the high-leg low-back one-piece, that brings an effortless, sporty confidence we can’t get enough of. Just remember to protect your skin with your favorite SPF!

This year, we’re head-over-heels for black-and-white vintage styles inspired by holidays on the Mediterranean Riviera. Now is the time to invest in a sleek silhouette with lines that elegantly underscore your natural curves: strapless one-pieces with a heart-shaped neckline, or structured two-pieces that reveal just enough skin will elevate your summer wardrobe to the level of our favorite Hollywood divas from the 1940s and 50s. For a modern revisitation, seek styles with strategic cutouts and sculpted lines, for the ideal balance of elegance and boldness, flattering and accentuating all the right curves, catering to both daring and refined tastes. And your swimsuit is just the beginning: style the look (and protect your skin from those harsh UV rays!) with a glamorous, wide-brimmed hat, striking sunglasses, and perhaps a sleek pair of low-heeled mules.

What we love about boho chic is the lighthearted, carefree spirit it embodies: it puts us in just the right mood for a relaxing summer vacation. Soft-cut swimsuits featuring feminine details such as embroidered accents, fringed trim, ruffled shoulder straps are paired with mesmerizing floral prints, ideal for breezy days at the beach. Accessorize with trendy tote bags, versatile wrap, and your favorite leather flat sandals. We guarantee that you’ll instantly feel like you’re miles away from your everyday routine, wherever you happen to be.

The right palette can do everything to make or break your look, especially when swimwear comes into play. Selecting a color or print that not only compliments the cut of your swimsuit of choice but your individual skin tone is key: what may look absolutely stunning on a certain model or celebrity might not bring out your natural beauty in quite the same way, so we encourage you to seek out hues that can highlight your individual features, similar to how you might go about choosing the perfect shade of lipstick or blush.
This year, we’re seeing the pastel trend that began last spring carried over into swimwear, offering a refined and sophisticated alternative to more traditional summer color pop brights. Pastel shades such as delicate lavender, mint green, and creamy lemon can help ease the transition at the beginning of summer, when perhaps one’s tan hasn’t yet deepened to a color that would work better with louder shades, or provide a beautiful contrast to naturally darker skin tones.

Conversely, once summer is well on its way, look to vibrant hues and prints, and perhaps even attention-grabbing neons to live up the season’s fun-in-the-sun vibes to the fullest. We love fluorescents and bright solids especially when paired with our favorite bikinis: it’s up to you to choose the cut. Triangles are always a great swimwear option to invest in, as their infinitely adjustable straps allow for extra leeway for both styling and comfort. Another trend we’re seeing this year that looks fabulous in bolder hues harks back to 90s athletic wear: the racerback bikini top. Sporty, youthful and fun, this is your must-have look to flaunt your hot summer bod with total confidence.
Classic colors like black and white are dominating the 2024 season. Milky satin and ivory evokes freshness and simplicity, perfect for standing out against sun-kissed skin, while black offers streamlined, glamorous, cosmopolitan allure. This year, we’re also seeing vintage-inspired combinations of black and white: stripes, contrasting borders, buckle belts to highlight the feminine hourglass form, and even polkadots, are a playful way to keep things interesting but not overbearing. Earth tones such as olive and terracotta provide a softer, subtler form of sophistication that we love for their versatility and Mediterranean feel: accessorizing has never been easier, whether you choose to throw on an oversized linen shirt, embroidered kaftan, or denim shorts to complete your waterside outfit.

Floral prints continue to be a must-have for swimwear, evoking exotic and paradisiacal scenes. Palm leaves, hibiscus flowers, and colorful birds adorn our favorite fabrics, creating an adventure-ready atmosphere, for those seeking relaxation in far-off places. For a more modern and artistic approach, geometric patterns offer a variety of shapes and configurations that combine with the cut of the fabric to achieve a one-of-a-kind effect that others will be sure to notice. Whether it’s crisp lines or more elaborate shapes, these designs play with symmetry and asymmetry to create visually intriguing and stylistically distinguished swimsuits that play to our desire to express our personal aesthetic to the fullest.

More than ever before, many top brands are exploring how to integrate recycled materials and ethical production practices into their swimwear collections. We are completely on board with the following brands’ desire to reduce their environmental impact while continuing to deliver stylish, versatile swimwear for you to rock this summer season: check out labels like Johanna Oritz, Toteme, Tropic of C and more for this year’s earth-friendly options. Dive even deeper into the world of conscious fashion by visiting our dedicated page on LVRSustainable.

Explore the accessories you need to complete your look this summer, including fashionable hats, trendy sunglasses, cover-ups and more. Practicality is key when it comes to accessorizing for waterside destinations: our go-tos this year are breezy clutches, comfortable flats, sandals and flip-flops, and lightweight wraps and pareos that can be worn as a skirt, or even draped over the shoulders if it gets chilly during a sunset aperitivo. Don’t skimp on your skincare and sunblock, either: make sure to protect yourself from aggressive UV rays with quality SPFs for face and body. You’ll get the best results by prepping your skin through proper exfoliation and hydration before and after sun exposure, so now’s the time to give your beauty routine the glow-up you deserve!