Whilst we’ll always love curating looks that feel new and exciting to wear, when it comes to staple items like our swimwear, we’re all about anti-trends. Classic cuts and timeless colourways make for never-fail staples, ones you can depend on year after year. With that in mind, we’re turning our attention towards anti-trend swimsuits. They’ll look just as flawless this year as they do in five more making them so worth the investment!
HOW TO AVOID ‘TRENDING’ SWIMSUITS
To be sure our suits will stand the test of time in terms of style and quality, we’re looking out for key elements that scream ‘trend’ over ‘classic’. That way we know how to avoid them and can spend our hard-earned funds on eternally stylish, well-made beach and swimwear instead. So, if the swimsuit you’re considering falls into any of these categories, be warned, it’s most likely to be a passing trend!
THE MATERIAL LOOKS AND FEELS CHEAP
With countless fashion crazes proving increasingly short-lived, manufacturers want their clothing made quickly and cheaply. This often leads to poor construction and the use of low-quality fabrics. That way they can move swiftly onto the next fad a few weeks later, the items you buy aren’t built to last and, unfortunately, it shows.
THEY DON’T WASH WELL
Now we know that trends and fast fashion often go hand in hand, even if your new swimwear survives the first couple of wears, after a few washes, they can start to fall apart.
THE PRINT (CUT, COLOUR, ETC.) IS VERY ‘IN’
Don’t get us wrong, we adore printed swimwear. That said, usually when a certain niche print, style, or colourway is very ‘of the moment’ we won’t love it for long. That’s because styles with a meteoric rise in popularity usually fall out of favour just as fast. You’re bombarded with ads for a particular item, in this case, a swimsuit style, that companies want to sell at that particular moment. Then, once everyone has it they’ll move on to the next 'big thing' and clog up your social feeds with new promotions for that instead! At this point, you’re left with a suit you’d never have considered purchasing a couple of months ago. It now feels dated, nobody else is wearing it, and it’s more likely to sit in the back of a drawer than to secure a coveted spot in your suitcase.
THE SUIT DOESN’T GO WITH ANYTHING ELSE YOU OWN
If you’ve proudly spent time, and likely a fair amount of money, curating a capsule closet of well-made, ethically sourced pieces, adding in trending (usually cheaply made) items just won’t work. Especially when it comes to fast-fashion swimsuits since the difference in quality will be glaringly obvious. These bikinis and one-piece swimwear options don’t sit well on your body and, frankly, just feel ‘off.’ Meanwhile, even if you choose a trending suit that is well made, the fact you’re only getting a few uses out of it won’t sit well in your carefully curated lineup of mindfully sourced swimwear pieces.
YOU HAVE TO CONVINCE YOURSELF TO WEAR IT
Lastly, we think it’s fair to say we’ve all been guilty of purchasing trend-inspired swimsuits on a whim. However, because they’re not a style we’d usually go for, we can’t work out how or when to wear them. The verdict? If the swimsuit you want to buy doesn’t slot seamlessly into your beloved beachwear lineup or you need to think of excuses and create situations to wear it, leave the trend behind!
ARE ALL TRENDS A NO-GO?
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not suggesting you ignore all trends and live in the same swimwear styles forever. Trying new things is how we discover new styles, colours, and prints we love and want to invest in for the future. Our advice? Always do your research. Make sure the brand you’re buying from has an ethical, eco-friendly, and circular approach to fashion with a focus on top-quality fabrics and construction. Bonus points if they have excellent customer reviews to back it up. Once you know who you’re buying from and why, don’t be afraid to slip into something new. Try not to be led by what’s in Vogue and think instead about what feels fresh and new to you personally. Shop for prints and colourways that go well with other beachwear pieces you already own and this way you can mix and match with ease. A surefire way to get the absolute most out of your anti-trend swimwear investment.
ANTI-TREND SWIMSUITS TO LOVE NOW AND FOR YEARS TO COME
Whether you’re travelling the world, headed off on a special trip, or simply updating your swimwear for the warm weather ahead, choosing a new swimsuit is important. Therefore, we’ve put together an edit of sorts to help you narrow down the styles you’ll love for longer than just one summer. Each bikini and one-piece bathing suit has been selected for its eternally chic cut, premium fabric and construction, and timeless print/colour option.
ONE PIECE SWIMSUITS
Beautiful, versatile, and always flattering, one-piece swimsuits like the Chikyu belted one-piece will always have a place in our beach wear rotation. With a full-coverage front, wide shoulder straps, a tie-up waist, and a sultry low-cut back, this suit is the perfect balance between style and comfort. Choose your favourite hue from three timeless shades available, then use the belt to accentuate your waist and offset the chic square neckline.
Alternatively, the Zabel tube one-piece will add a modern yet still undeniably classic edge to your summer swimwear. Available in six stunning shades and prints, this sustainable suit with our original zig-zag straps and elegant gold hardware is a summer staple. It also offers medium coverage so it’s as perfect for swimming as it is for other beach and poolside activities.
TRIANGLE BIKINI’S
Stylish and sought after throughout every decade since the first iteration of the style back in the 1940s, triangle bikinis still reign supreme when it comes to simple two-piece swimwear. With this in mind, the classic Rifu triangle top and matching side tie bottoms are the quintessential triangle set. The best way to resist the pull of passing trends will be to slip into this always-fashionable suit for countless summers to come. Additionally, the Marie long triangle top and matching, side-tie bottoms both embrace and elevate this timeless trend. How? With a daring yet sophisticated plunge neckline and cheeky, high-waisted bottoms.
HIGH WAISTED BOTTOMS
Whether you’re looking for a two-piece with full/medium coverage or feel like contrasting a more revealing top with high-waisted bottoms, styles like the Nikko scrunch bottoms are always a good idea. Their flattering high-rise fit with ruched detailing will go with everything from bandeau tops to structured bra cups with straps. Additionally, the Kumanomi high waist bottoms are effortlessly chic, offer a mid to high rise, and have minimal detailing. They’ll be an instant summer staple and will go with any top you pair them with.
CLASSIC BIKINI TOPS
No matter your style, we have timeless, sustainably made bikini tops you’ll want to wear year on year. For a pretty and playful edge, try our previously mentioned triangle styles, the Rifu or Marie long triangle tops. For style, comfort, and structure, we recommend the Hedy classic triangle or Kumanomi cup top. Finally, when you can’t decide between a one or two-piece suit but need the functionality and beauty of both, count on the Annie one-shoulder bandeau top and matching high-waist bottoms to provide everything you need.
Written by Sophie Mara - Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for Koraru
Sophie is a fashion and lifestyle writer based in the eco-friendly city of Brighton, England. She has years of experience writing for a number of online fashion and lifestyle publications about personal styling, fashion & lifestyle, Fashion Week coverage, beauty and more. On rare occasions when she's not writing, Sophie can be found with her head in a good book or catching up on her favourite interior design series
