The past week in Miami was a whirlwind of swimwear runways, presentations, activations, and parties that proved just how major the category is in the fashion industry. Among the many shows, I attended a majority of the runways presented by Paraiso Miami Swim Week… for the third year in a row! I always love coming back to Miami to experience swimwear in its neutral (hot and wet) habitat.
And this year was no exception. From some of my returning favorites like Oceanus, Sigal, and Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer to new-to-me brands like Fae and Vogue Mexico’s presentation of Gengi, there was a wide range of swimwear styles on display. However, there were some core swim trends that I noticed stretch across many of them.
From trending shades and patterns like midnight blue and chevron, unexpected silhouettes like longline swim tops and ponchos, to styling details like statement belts and matching headbands, read on for the top swimwear trends expected to blow up next summer (and that, yes, you can and should start wearing this summer).
Midnight Blue
While statement shades from last year like Baywatch red and butter yellow returned to the runways, more shades like orange sherbet and whimsical periwinkle entered the chat. But the color that truly made an impact across many collections was midnight blue. The deep, dramatic shade found its way onto swimwear (including blinged-out styles), sheer coverups, and resort dresses for elegant and evening-appropriate styles.
From Eight Swimwear and Oséree’s navy bikinis and mini dresses to Monday Swimwear and Melissa Odabash’s head-to-toe navy blue coverup outfits, midnight blue is swimwear’s latest trending color.
Statement Belts
Yes, chain belts and body chains are still going strong, but I was struck by all the detachable fabric belts that made one-pieces and even bikinis stand out from the sea of swimwear. Whether they cinched the models’ waists over coverups or hung low on their hips, like Halle Berry’s iconic James Bond swim look, they were a standout decorative detail (more so than being functional).
Brands like Luli Fama, Monday, and Oh Polly notably opted for the low-slung look via thick fabric bands and flowing fringe belts. So whether you find a matching swim belt or add one of your existing favorite styles, you can easily elevate your swim looks with this simple accessory.
Jungle Fever
Even more than last year’s under-the-sea creature and shell appliques, wild animals overwhelmingly strutted down this year’s runways. From actual animal designs like giraffes and snakes to animal prints, the jungle took over Miami. Even more surprisingly, many of the prints were in super colorful iterations, like purples, pinks, and greens, rather than neutrals.
Oceanus is perhaps the most famous for its intricate beaded animal designs across swimsuits and mini dresses, but more brands stepped into the jungle, like Bikini Beach with its slithering snake designs. Plus, brands like Fae, Gengi, Luli Fama, and Oséree gave us abstract zebra prints and super-colorful leopard and cheetah prints.
Swim Tops
Retro-inspired swim skirts and shorts were still as prominent as they were at last year’s runways, but the new unexpected silhouette came in the form of swim tops. Specifically, more elevated versions of tankinis à la halter tops were big and made a case for easily being styled as everyday tops paired with denim shorts or maxi skirts too.
Shan especially had several blouse-like swim tops grace the runway, while Hot Girl Summer had some cropped tee swim tops and Sinesia Karol presented a silk scarf halter worn with bikini bottoms.
Stripes & Chevron Print
Taking over from last year’s polka dot and Pucci craze, prints like thin stripes and colorful chevron made a splash, offering sailor and Missoni vibes this time around instead. Aside from several animal prints, stripes and chevron truly proved that they are the prints of summer 2026.
From slightly more playful and junior-feeling (aka super colorful) designs from brands like Gengi, Kulani Kinis, and Oh Polly to more refined, elegant designs from Etnia, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree, these prints come in several varieties and vibes.
Ponchos & Capes
Beyond swimsuits, coverups and resortwear are huge parts of Miami Swim Week’s collections. And this year, I noticed an increase in ponchos as popular coverup top options and capes attached to swim tops. (We also can’t ignore the many skinny scarves attached to or styled with swimwear, surprisingly proving that many winter silhouettes have found their way into the summertime.)
Cupshe debuted a few billowing capes attached to bikini tops, while brands like Sinesia Karol and Monday had their knit and sheer ponchos styled as resortwear make dramatic statements on the runways.
In The Nude
While there were many vibrant colors to pull inspiration from, there were also many shades of nude that complemented many of the models’ skin tones. And designers didn’t shy away from styling models in shades that nearly blended into their skin — perhaps borrowing from Skims’ signature color palette — and creating many double-take moments for me.
More than half of Monday’s collection featured a range of nude swimwear and coverups, from pale peach to deep brown. Brands like Fae, Luli Fama, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree also spotlit the neutral shade range.
Matching Headbands & Headscarves
Aside from many floppy straw hats (which seemingly never go out of style), thick fabric headbands and silk headscarves that perfectly matched the swimsuits were a major hair accessory trend this time around. The ‘60s-inspired, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn-esque styling added a retro flair that still felt modern (Ã la Sabrina Carpenter’s current style).
Monday Swimwear was perhaps the most apparent example of implementing both the headbands and headscarves. Sigal and Oceanus also opted for matching headscarf styling that became the cherry on top of already-stunning swimwear.
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