The Swimwear Trends Buyers are Predicting to be Big Hits this Spring Summer
Springtime has given us a taste of warmer weather, but it just isn’t enough as UK Google searches for ‘all-inclusive holiday’ have risen by 70% in the last quarter, as 98k Brits are looking into booking holidays this month. In a recent UK study, three-quarters (74%) of women revealed they will be booking a summer holiday in 2025.
With interest in sunny destinations spiking, so too are searches for beachwear – with 1.1M Google searches for ‘bikini’ in the UK in the last month. According to the study carried out by fashion retailer NEXT, three in five (62%) women said they will be investing in new swimwear this year, seeking out new looks for their travels.
To offer some holiday wardrobe inspiration, we teamed up with NEXT to share their trend predictions for this year’s biggest poolside looks, whilst senior lingerie and swimwear technologist Georgina Bibby has offered tips for finding a bikini or swimsuit that makes you feel your best.
Trending swimwear styles for SS25
Palm Royale
“The palm royale trend is heavily influenced by vintage styles – think bold, retro prints in floral and geometric prints. These swimwear pieces are colourful styles that wouldn’t go amiss in Palm Beach in the 60s. Mix peachy oranges with candy pinks and mint greens along with brighter shades for full impact. Layer your swimsuit or bikini with palazzo pants or a summer maxi dress for happy hour at sunset.”
Goddess dressing
“As you can imagine, goddess dressing is the trend that embraces shiny metallics and ultra-feminine draping to give a truly celestial vibe. Embrace bronze, gold and silver tones for the ultimate divine look, or nod to the trend with draped necklines and subtle metallic details.
“Accessorising your swimwear is key for this style – big bangles, statement earrings and chunky sandals finish it perfectly.”
Bohemian style
“The boho trend is huge for spring-summer fashion this year and swimwear reflects this too. Typically characterised by ruffled hems, crochet styles and neutral or pastel colour schemes, boho style is easily translated to beachwear. Prints to look out for this year are paisley, aztec and tie-dye.
“Add to your boho beachwear look by pairing your swimwear with a crochet summer dress or kaftan cover-up and carrying a straw or raffia beach bag.”
Retro romance
“This style is elegant and glamorous, featuring silhouettes reminiscent of the 50s – think halterneck necklines and high waisted bikini bottoms in monochromatic shades. Classic prints like spots, stripes and gingham also tie well into this trend. Accessorise a retro romance look with chunky-framed sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.”
Minimal and muted
“Minimalist swimwear tends to focus more on texture, materials and cut – rather than having bold prints or patterns. We love crinkle textures for the 2025 season, along with varied necklines, like a one-shoulder piece or plunge cut. The colour palette for this style is muted – with beige, brown and green all huge shades for this year.
“Add interest to your minimal beachwear by layering with draped cover-up silhouettes, wide-leg trousers in linen or satin and an oversized tote bag.”
When it comes to shopping for your holidays, NEXT’s lingerie and swimwear technologist Georgina Bibby has provided YCB readers with her top tips for finding swimwear that makes you feel your most confident.
Pay attention to the fit
“When choosing swimwear that makes you feel and look good the first thing to do is consider the fit. If your bikini or swimsuit doesn’t fit correctly, you could find yourself with straps that dig in, backs that ride up and tight or baggy briefs which could look unflattering. Ensuring your swimwear is the perfect fit will go a long way to making you feel good. It should feel like a second skin and one you are confident in!”
Find your swimwear style
“Trying out different swimwear styles to find the one that compliments you best can help you feel more confident. It’s natural to want to follow trending styles and shapes but they may not necessarily make you feel your most comfortable.
“That being said, swimsuits are having a real resurgence this year and are a fairly universally flattering shape. Whether you prefer a sporty style or cut-out silhouette, these make a great option if you like to have more coverage than a bikini provides.
Take note of the material
“Another tip is to look out for what your swimwear is made from. Different fabrics have different functions and will support your body in different ways, this will impact how your body looks and therefore how you feel.
“Powermesh linings are good for that extra tummy control, this fabric will usually be on the inside of control suits or briefs for that added support.
“Suits or bikinis with a higher elastane content are also beneficial for comfort as this provides extra stretch giving you better movement in your swimwear.”
Importance of colour
“The colour of your swimwear can also be key – choose colours you like and colours that complement your skin tone. Colour can have a big effect on how we look so nailing this will work wonders for your confidence.
“The same can be said for patterns. Certain patterns are great for creating illusions and hiding any small insecurities we may have.
“For example, vertical stripes in a swimsuit or bikini can give a more slimming illusion.”
For more swimwear inspiration and to shop for your summer wardrobe, visit the NEXT website.