Thong Bikinis, Cutouts, and 5 More Trends to Shop From Miami Swim Week

Poster Girl
Photo Illustration: Ava Cruz
Poster Girl
Photo Illustration: Ava Cruz

To get a sense of the defining swimwear trends worth keeping an eye on for this season, turn to the runways at Miami Swim Week. This year, the days-long soiree took place in mid-July on South Beach, bringing together designers from more than 70 countries. The end result was a swimwear-lover's fantasy: nonstop runway shows, countless pop-up shops, and poolside style inspiration for days. Hosted in cohort across several groups including Miami Swim Week The Shows and Paraiso Miami Beach, Miami Swim Week is where the best swimwear trends of 2022 emerge. And based on what the designers presented this season, it's hard to pick favorites with so many versatile shapes and silhouettes. That's right, swimwear is finally getting more flexible.

From hybrid styles that double as both swim and resortwear (think chic one-pieces that can also function as bodysuits) to string bikinis with varying levels of coverage, 2022 swimwear trends have something for all shoppers. On the runway, designers showcased a clear willingness to experiment, whether with unexpected cutouts, playful textures, or reimagined cover-ups. With this much variation from Miami Swim Week, you'll have no problem finding a swim ensemble (or two or three) for your next beach getaway.

The runways offered up options sure to satiate all style personalities: the beachgoer who just wants a chic swimsuit to hit the waves in, the I-don't-care-if-it's-functional-as-long-as-it's-photogenic shopper, and lovers of bold bikinis that bare it all. Have a penchant for saturated hues and striking prints? Keep scrolling, because with summer in full swing, we've rounded up seven standout swimwear trends straight from Miami Swim Week to dive (heh) into right now.

Miami Swim Week Trends: The New Cover-Up
Getty | Jason Koerner

Miami Swim Week Trends: The New Cover-Up

Gone are the days when tie-front, robe-like swimsuit cover-ups were your only options. Sheer dresses and jacket are starting to step into the resortwear spotlight. Consider styles featuring vibrant colorways, as showcased above on rapper JT at Matte Collection, or Acacia's minimal and refined take on the sheer dress. The trend embraces designs that feel all at once ready for the beach and primed for a lunch date. With the right garment underneath, this look champions a style you can take off the shore as well.

Melissa Simone Amira Maxi Dress
melissasimoneswim.com

Melissa Simone Amira Maxi Dress

Want all eyes on you on vacation? This Melissa Simone Amira Maxi Dress ($200) will all but make sure of it.

Louisa Ballou Heatwave Dress
louisaballou.com

Louisa Ballou Heatwave Dress

One brand has had fashion-forward beach dresses at its core since its inception. The Louisa Ballou Heatwave Dress ($455) comes with a split colorway in hues that are just begging to be snapped for the 'gram.

Gigi C Michelle Mesh Coverup
gigicbikinis.com

Gigi C Michelle Mesh Coverup

"Angelic" is the only word that comes to mind for this dreamy Gigi C Michelle Mesh Coverup ($110). Pair it with a white bikini and stacked gold jewels for a date-night-ready ensemble.

Miami Swim Week Trends: It's All an Illusion
Onalaja

Miami Swim Week Trends: It's All an Illusion

If the cutout trend proves anything, it's that showing off skin is going to be in for a while. At Miami Swim Week, the runways flooded with models in mesh-paneled garments, revisiting the cutout's sister trend, which includes using flesh-toned fabrics to create the illusion of exposed skin. The result? Sultry yet sleek swimwear that could easily work as going-out apparel. Ema Savahl's couture swimwear show reimagined the brand's painted-onto-the-skin technique, while Onalaja married mesh inserts with sequins to create a striped effect.

Norma Kamali Bishop Nude Insert One Piece Swimsuit
fwrd.com

Norma Kamali Bishop Nude Insert One Piece Swimsuit

Hesitant to deviate from bikinis? This Norma Kamali Bishop Nude Insert One Piece Swimsuit ($275) just might change your mind, if only because these translucent mesh stripes make for one super-interesting garment.

Ema Savahl Ender Bubbles Black One Piece
emasavahl.com

Ema Savahl Ender Bubbles Black One Piece

The skin-like base on this swimsuit is striking on its own, but the polka-dot motif on this Ema Savahl Ender Bubbles Black One Piece ($450) also creates an optical illusion that highlights your curves.

Miami Swim Week Trends: Sarong or Skirt?
Just Bee Queen

Miami Swim Week Trends: Sarong or Skirt?

If the question of how to get the best bang for your buck is on the table, here's your answer as far as resortwear goes: sarongs as skirts. Not the ultrasheer, ultramini, you-would't-catch-me-wearing-this-anywhere-other-than-the-beach kind. Instead, designers posed an updated kind of sarong. The design is relatively opaque and can rival any skirt in a nonaquatic setting. Heading on a trip? With this trend, you've got a top contender for your waterside activities and dinner outfit all in one.

Zara Printed Sarong
zara.com

Zara Printed Sarong

There's something about sarongs that just makes prints stand out, and we think it might be the chic, gathered-at-the-waist shape. This Zara Printed Sarong ($46) pretty much proves this theory.

Just Bee Queen Issa Skirt
justbeequeen.com

Just Bee Queen Issa Skirt

This Just Bee Queen Issa Skirt ($395) comes together with a statement ruffled gathering rather than a tie front, morphing the idea of a sarong into an actual skirt. In other words, this skirt is one of the most versatile resortwear items you can invest in.

Cupshe Love Struck Ruffle Maxi Pareo
cupshe.com

Cupshe Love Struck Ruffle Maxi Pareo

When you're not on the beach, style this Cupshe Love Struck Ruffle Maxi Pareo ($35) with a black bodysuit and strappy heels to transform the garment entirely.

Miami Swim Week Trends: Strap In
Poster Girl

Miami Swim Week Trends: Strap In

Nostalgia seeps its way into every corner of fashion, and swimwear is no exception. Remember the chunky belts of the 2000s? According to brands such as Poster Girl, which sent a line of bikinis complete with belt-like details down the runway during Miami Swim Week, they're back. Designers interpret the trend in a number of ways, from a bikini top with belted shoulder straps to a one-piece cinched with a buckle to styles that may incorporate such details solely for aesthetic rather than function. Nevertheless, they command attention and are worth considering for your poolside 'fit.

Heart of Sun Swim My Darling Bikini Top and My Darling Bikini Bottom
heartofsun.shop

Heart of Sun Swim My Darling Bikini Top and My Darling Bikini Bottom

Surely among the edgiest of bikinis you've seen, these Heart of Sun Swim My Darling Bikini Top ($98) and Heart Of Sun Swim My Darling Bikini Bottom ($90) are for anyone seeking a biker-inspired swim look. Naturally, the design and placement of the belts make the set easily customizable and adjustable, too.

Jonathan Simkhai Noa Belted Underwire One Piece Swimsuit
bloomingdales.com

Jonathan Simkhai Noa Belted Underwire One Piece Swimsuit

For a crisp, clean, and modern approach to the trend, try out the Jonathan Simkhai Noa Belted Underwire One Piece Swimsuit ($195). Add a floppy straw hat and raffia beach tote to round out the easy look.

Miami Swim Week Trends: Into the Jungle
Monday Swimwear | Simon Soong Photography

Miami Swim Week Trends: Into the Jungle

Animal prints are always in style, but this season, swimwear designers made a strong case for embracing these animal-themed patterns. Whether it was a take on the classic leopard print, tiger-printed swimsuits complete with matching cover-ups, or embroidered depictions of animals, many brands fully encourage you to unleash your wild side.

Monday Swimwear Clovelly Top and Monday Swimwear Byron Bottom
mondayswimwear.com

Monday Swimwear Clovelly Top and Monday Swimwear Byron Bottom

Between the playful, deep-V silhouette of this Monday Swimwear Clovelly Top ($98) (complete with a supportive underwire) and the simple yet stylish matching Monday Swimwear Byron Bottom ($77), this set will command plenty of attention.

Same Los Angeles Gold Chain One Piece
samelosangeles.com

Same Los Angeles Gold Chain One Piece

Chunky chain straps, a chic zebra print, the side cutout of all side cutouts — these are just a few things that make this Same Los Angeles Gold Chain One Piece ($255) a literal work of art

Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Hunter Triangle Bikini Top and Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Brasil Bottom
montce.com

Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Hunter Triangle Bikini Top and Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Brasil Bottom

The Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Hunter Triangle Bikini Top ($92) and Montce Tigre Micro Scrunch Brasil Bikini Bottom ($88) are the updates you need to the classic bikini. With double straps at the hip that you can wear as high or low as desired, this set may come with the best fit yet.

Miami Swim Week Trends: Unmatching
Cupshe

Miami Swim Week Trends: Unmatching

Finally, permission to not match! Well, kind of. Brands such as Cupshe and Sinesia showcased bikinis you might not typically think of as sets: printed bottoms paired with solid tops, marrying colorblock hues, and the like. This customizable trend lends itself to your individuality.

Akosha Triangle Top and Akosha Cinco Bottom
akoshaswimwear.com

Akosha Triangle Top and Akosha Cinco Bottom

This Akosha Triangle Top ($108) is reversible and thus ideal for endless mixing and matching. Try styling it on its striped side while juxtaposing it against the subdued, burnt-orange print on these Akosha Cinco Bottoms ($128). Meanwhile, the striped waistband — which is adorned with gold-toned ringlets, no less — ties it all together.

Los Angeles Apparel The Ophelia 2-Tone Ring Bikini Top
losangelesapparel.net

Los Angeles Apparel The Ophelia 2-Tone Ring Bikini Top

The easiest way to make this trend your own is to play with simple colorblocking. Take one color from this Los Angeles Apparel The Ophelia 2-Tone Ring Bikini Top ($52), and pair it with bottoms of the same color, like this Los Angeles Apparel High Cut Thong Bikini Bottom ($32).

Leni Swims Zia Halter Top
leniswims.com

Leni Swims Zia Halter Top

Mixing and matching is most fun when working with vibrant colors and prints, like this Leni Swims Zia Halter Top ($67). Tack on solid-colored bikini bottoms, such as these Leni Swims Capri Cheeky Bottoms ($45, originally $67) in orange, and you're golden.

Miami Swim Week Trends: Second-Skin Hues
Riot Swim | Simon Soong Photography

Miami Swim Week Trends: Second-Skin Hues

"Dopamine dressing" and "Barbiecore" may be buzzwords of the moment, but brands such as Riot Swim, Bodhi, and Beach Bunny are proof that there's still a place for the subdued and minimal. These brands were among the bunch offering up flesh-toned swimsuits in various shades of nude, and they're far from boring. In lieu of saturated hues, you'll find excitement in crafty design — think unexpectedly high cuts and deconstructed interpretations of the typical bikini silhouette.

Iconic Swim Riptide Bikini
iconswim.com

Iconic Swim Riptide Bikini

Swim shirts, like the one that's part of this Iconic Swim Riptide Bikini ($34) set, are growing in popularity. And in an especially wearable tone such as Iconic Swim's chocolate hue, prepare to increase your cost per wear by pairing it with trousers or jeans even when you're not hanging poolside.

Sage Swim Julieanna Set
sageswm.com

Sage Swim Julieanna Set

This Sage Swim Julieanna Set ($100) may be one of the daintiest bikinis you ever did see, and that's exactly why you can expect it to stand out in a crowd. Layer over a mesh cover-up and a floppy hat for a weekend getaway 'fit.

Riot Swim Echo One Piece-Coconut
riotswim.com

Riot Swim Echo One Piece-Coconut

With an ultra high-legged cut that exaggerates the hips, a plunging neckline, and expertly placed ruching details, this Riot Swim Echo One Piece-Coconut ($150) is a prime contender for your pool wardrobe. When you're not waterside, wear it under your favorite denim with chic espadrilles.