The Swimwear Styles Defining 2026 So Far
The 2026 swimwear season is already delivering a clear message: consumers are gravitating toward playful, embellished, and versatile designs that blur the line between beachwear and everyday fashion. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie Gabriela Moura — one of this year’s breakout faces alongside Olandria Carthen — recently shared her take on the trends shaping the season, and her insights offer a valuable glimpse into what today’s swimwear buyers are actively seeking.
Moura, a 21-year-old Brazilian model who also walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, describes her ideal bikini aesthetic in terms that resonate across the current market: “I love bikinis that you can tie on the side, and I love how people are embracing more Brazilian bikinis.” The Brazilian cut — characterized by its cheeky rear coverage and adjustable side-tie detailing — has been steadily gaining traction beyond Latin American markets, and 2026 appears to be its breakout year globally. For swimwear manufacturers, this signals sustained demand for cuts that prioritize a sculpted, minimalist silhouette with maximum adjustability.
Embellishments Are Having a Major Moment
Perhaps the most actionable trend insight from Moura’s commentary is the rising consumer appetite for embellished swimwear. “I love how bikinis have shells on them and beads. It’s just so girly,” she notes, adding that she’s moved away from solid colors in favor of “a moment with glitter or beads.” Her favorite look from the SI shoot — a green, floral Agua Bendita bikini — epitomizes the whimsical, detail-rich direction buyers are leaning into.
From a production standpoint, this shift toward ornamentation presents both opportunities and considerations. Shell accents, beadwork, and glitter finishes require careful sourcing and quality control to withstand saltwater, chlorine, and repeated wear. For OEM swimwear partners, the key lies in sourcing durable embellishments and employing reinforced attachment techniques that preserve the garment’s aesthetic appeal through multiple seasons. Brands planning their wholesale swimwear orders for late 2026 and early 2027 would be wise to allocate a portion of their SKU count to embellished styles — particularly in the mid-to-premium price tiers where consumers expect elevated detailing.
Swimwear That Leaves the Beach Behind
Another noteworthy shift Moura highlights is the growing tendency to style bikinis as everyday wardrobe staples. “I love how people aren’t just wearing bikinis to the beach; they are making outfits out of them,” she explains, referencing festival fashion at events like Coachella where bikini tops were paired with jeans, skirts, and layered accessories.
This “swimwear-as-outerwear” trend has implications for design and fabrication. Bikini tops that double as crop tops need structured cups, comfortable underbust bands, and fabrics that don’t read as overly shiny or technical. Textured materials, matte finishes, and thoughtful hardware choices can help a piece transition seamlessly from poolside to streetwear. For brands developing 2027 collections, designing with dual-purpose styling in mind could be a meaningful differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
What This Means for the Swimwear Industry
The trends emerging from the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch reflect a broader consumer mindset: swimwear is no longer a single-context purchase. Shoppers want pieces that feel special — whether through handcrafted embellishments, flattering Brazilian-inspired cuts, or the versatility to be worn well beyond the water’s edge. Polka dots, vibrant color palettes, and Y2K-influenced silhouettes are all part of this expressive, personality-driven moment in swimwear.
For retailers and brand owners, the message is clear. Stocking a mix of trend-forward embellished styles alongside core solid-color offerings allows brands to capture both the fashion-forward consumer and the practical buyer. And for those working closely with a swimwear manufacturer on custom development, now is the time to explore how techniques like beaded trim application, glitter-bonding, and adjustable side-tie construction can be integrated into upcoming production runs. The brands that move quickly on these trends will be best positioned when demand peaks.