If you haven't read Marie Claire's 2025 swimwear trend report yet, here's the top-line takeaway: fuller coverage swimsuits are having their moment in the sun. Tankinis are back (thanks largely to Bella Hadid's collaboration with widely-beloved swimwear brand Frankie's Bikinis). Board shorts have shed their surfer bro connotations and become the core component of a cool girl's beach outfit. And swim shirts—yes, the sun-safe rash guards your mom made you wear as a pasty pre-teen—are poised to be summer 2025's sleeper hit.
I'm on board with a modest swimwear trend for a few reasons. To start, my confidence comes from comfort, so, personally, I'm more at ease in swimsuits with fuller coverage. I prefer to be strapped into a swim top that covers my upper ribs as opposed to a stringy triangle bikini—that way, I can enjoy a swim without worrying a boob will accidentally pop out for the whole beach to see.
I'm also finally listening to what MC's beauty editors have been telling me for years: sun care is sexy. Since it can be a hassle to reapply sunscreen products every two hours—not to mention taking care to apply it properly—I like that swimwear made of SPF-infused fabrics and cut in full-coverage silhouettes takes that task off my plate.
Bella Hadid modeling a gingham, bandana-style bikini top from her collaboration with Frankie's Bikinis.
Lastly, full-coverage swimwear is a closer match to ready-to-wear, meaning the pieces lend themselves to mixing in with the rest of my wardrobe. As Laura Kirk De Valencia, the fashion Substack La Deeply Shallow author, previously told me, "SPF fabric has this subtle shine that makes swim shirts great for texture play, paired with something matte like denim or raw silk to create contrast." Since I'm a fashion editor whose brain is programmed to run outfit combinations at all hours of the day, this is perhaps the most exciting prospect. With distressed denim cut-offs or a sequined midi skirt, the beach-to-dinner-and-drinks opportunities are endless with the right rash guard.
If you, like me, are excited by the prospect of a cropped cami you can safely swim laps in and waterproof Bermuda shorts you can wear to après-sun Aperol spritzes, you'll enjoy my edit of swimwear below. Keep scrolling to discover the season's best—and surprisingly cute—options of fuller coverage styles from reliable retailers like J.Crew and Free People, as well as cult-favorites swim labels like Frankie's Bikinis and Left on Friday.
Summer's Best Tankinis
2025 picks up where 2024's tankini trend left off but broadens the category to include more than just the sports-minded styles you've seen on retailer racks for decades. Staud's rainbow-striped cami top could easily be dressed up with tailored jeans and leather flip-flops for a happy hour, while Land's End square-neck tankini will slot nicely into an adult going-out outfit.
Summer's Best Swim Shirts
I was pleasantly surprised to see how much design development has occurred in the rashguard world. Left on Friday's short-sleeved and mock-neck cropped top in cherry red is a personal favorite because I have a pair of ruby and white polka-dot pants that would complement perfectly. Paolina Russo and Lemlem's graphic swim shirts also rank high on my list as an unexpected statement top to pair with simple, baggy blue jeans.
Summer's Best Board Shorts
While I still appreciate a cheeky, bordering-on-thong bikini bottom, I like the adaptability of a board short. Teamed with a frilly boho blouse for an aesthetic clash or a Breton striped shirt to level up the nautical feel, waterproof swim trunks are swiftly becoming my favorite controversial summer trend.
