The first week of summer has arrived. Wherever you are, you can feel it—the cities emptying out, the parks and beaches filling up, and a collective unspoken agreement to wear as little as possible. The instinct to introduce more skin as the heat rises leaves plenty of room for beachwear to become a part of the equation. The bikini tops that transition into a going-out shirt, the one-piece that doubles as a bodysuit, board shorts that are just as much made for your bodega run as they are for going into the water. This summer, swimwear is making its way into the streetwear conversation.
While swimwear integrating into our everyday clothing is not a new concept, something shifted this season that made it feel more wearable. According to our spring/summer 2026 trend forecast—and the runways that informed it—swimwear has fully crossed over into ready-to-wear. At Sandy Liang, swim-inspired bra tops were paired with floor-length skirts. At Rabanne, surf-ready rashguards were folded down and worn as pants. At the Met Gala, themed “Fashion Is Art,” attendees showed up in skin-baring looks that showed off the body.
The ripple effect has reached the brands leading the charge. Fruity Booty—the UK-based swimwear label founded by Hattie Tennant, whose poppy colors and unexpected silhouettes have gained cult status, leading to recent pop-ups in both L.A. and New York—is seeing the crossover happen in real time. “The way you’d wear a colored bra to be slightly visible, the same goes for a bikini,” says the brand’s creative director Jazz Mignone. For her, versatility is the whole point: “People like the option of a new item being multipurpose. Often the things we want to wear as clothing go hand in hand with swim.” As for the swim trend of the moment? “Color,” she adds. “It’s much easier to have fun with swim than it is with clothing. We’ve been playing with highlighter orange, lime green, and the perfect pink.” Even Giggly Squad podcast co-host Paige DeSorbo, featured below, has taken note, introducing cover-up–friendly pieces to her line, Daphne.
The result is a summer where the line between what you wear to the beach and what you wear everywhere else has dissolved. Can a bikini top serve as a top for your coffee run? Can you wear a one-piece to dinner? We found 22 people who put those questions to the test.
Paige DeSorbo, 33
Occupation: Podcaster
Social handle: @paige_desorbo
Three words to define my personal style: Elegant, playful, polished.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: In the air-conditioning.
The best part of dressing for summer: I love anything mini—skirts, shorts, or dresses.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: Throwing a dress over your bathing suit can fix so much.
One thing I never go to the beach without: Sunglasses.
My song of the summer: Anything Justin Bieber.
What I’m reading this summer: Hannah [Berner] made me order Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Daphne.
Shanny Wise, 28
Occupation: Musician
Social handle: @fcukers__, @shannnnnnnnnnnny
The best part of dressing for summer: Wearing a bikini under everything.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Surfers and snowboarders.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: Right now as I’m writing this in this taxi.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: You’re always ready to swim.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: 50 because I wanna get a little tan still.
My song of the summer: “X-Ray Vision” by Lee Scratch Perry.
What I’m reading this summer: The Bible.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Monster.
Hallie Batchelder, 28
Occupation: Podcaster and social media entertainer
Social handle: @halliebatchelder
Three words to define my personal style: Comfortable, edgy, elevated.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: With a glass of rosé at a gallery on Nantucket.
The best part of dressing for summer: Wearing less.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: It’s simpler and bolder. A bathing suit can be a statement piece, a pop of color that makes an outfit.
One thing I never go to the beach without: SPF.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Something lightweight like Supergoop or Sun Bum—something that melts into skin but also adds that glowy factor.
My song of the summer: Anything Sexxy Red.
What I’m reading this summer: I don’t read. I’ll read, like, Deuxmoi.
Maria Isabel, 29
Occupation: Artist, singer-songwriter
Social handle: @mariaisabel
Three words to define my personal style: Sporty, fun, sexy.
The best part of dressing for summer: Everything looks good with a tan.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: The ’90s and everyone on the subway.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: To a party. Bikini top = shirt in the summertime.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: Soft-launch in a beach town where everyone is in bikinis. No one bats an eye when there’s a large body of water nearby.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Sofie Pavitt Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30.
My song of the summer: “Suiza” by María Isabel. ;-)
What I’m reading this summer: Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time. <3
Fill in the blank: ______ girl summer: Sexy.
Lindsay Vrckovnik, 29
Occupation: Designer and model
Social handle: @linmick, @verconiik
Three words to define my personal style: Colorful, carefree, comfortable.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: Far away from the city.
The best part of dressing for summer: My suitcase is light!
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: It’s always changing, so I’m always looking. Traveling keeps me inspired and excited to return to my creative space.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: On my bike!
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: We’re not here for that long; don’t overthink it.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Ilia tinted moisturizer! It makes your skin look perfect and protects you. <3
My song of the summer: Every song on the new Drake album.
What I’m reading this summer: Right now, it’s Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Next up is the new novel by Asako Yuzuki. I recently finished Butter and loved it so much.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Kindhearted.
Isabella Carr, 27
Occupation: Model and writer
Social handle: @isabellacarrr
Three words to define my personal style: Tough, sexy, confusing.
The best part of dressing for summer: Not dressing!
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: My mom and dad, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: You can sweat all you want and it doesn’t destroy the pieces.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: Anyone judging you is a loser.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A book, headphones, and SPF!!!
My song of the summer: “Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy.
What I’m reading this summer: A Writer’s Diary by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Unbothered.
Francesca Keller, 28
Occupation: Actor, DJ, GirlPox Productions
Social handle: @badgalfra
Three words to define my personal style: Eclectic, drama, sporty.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: Honestly, sleeping in until 2:30 p.m. and spending all night outside when it cools down. Or get the hell out of the city.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: It’s energy-saving! A bathing suit can be a top, too! You get a two-for-one special. Swimwear should make you feel comfortable. There are so many varieties, too. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
One thing I never go to the beach without: Deodorant and a hairbrush for when I come out of the water!
My preferred SPF/sun protection: It should be a good sunscreen, but unfortunately, I am careless with sunscreen/sun protection. I love a good tan, and my Italian skin tans immediately. Sorry, Mom—she hates that.
My song of the summer: “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, obviously…
What I’m reading this summer: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. Wish me luck.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Sweaty.
Aydan Nix, 23
Occupation: Stylist and maybe a model sometimes
Social handle: @toospoiled
Three words to define my personal style: Nostalgic, comfy, eclectic.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: Binge drinking micheladas with my best friends (I am licking TF out of that Tajin rim).
The best part of dressing for summer: Being half-naked, duh.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Movies always, my sisters, and my best friends.
One thing I never go to the beach without: Miami Mint Geek Bar, tanning oil, and a book.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Nope, sorry. I want a tan—don’t hate me.
My song of the summer: “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward.
What I’m reading this summer: Famesick by Lena Dunham.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Naked.
Sophia Wilson, 25
Occupation: Photographer and director
Social handle: @phiawilson
Three words to define my personal style: Colorful, preppy, punk.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: On a flight to L.A.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: The deli.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: You get to be naked; it’s awesome.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: Just think about the tan lines you’ll get.
My preferred SPF/sun protection and why: Vacation Classic Whip Glow. It’s incredible. It sprays and feels identical to whipped cream—I’m obsessed.
My song of the summer: “American Girl” by Tiffany Day.
What I’m reading this summer: The Andy Warhol Diaries
Jalil Johnson
Occupation: Freelancer, and Substack writer (Consider Yourself Cultured)
Social handle: @jalil_johnson_
Three words to define my personal style: Preppy, eclectic, utilitarian.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: A beach on Martha’s Vineyard.
The best part of dressing for summer: Open-toed shoes….I’m not into feet, but I am into air circulation.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Jackie O., Alfred Hitchcock’s blondes, and, most recently, Haider Ackermann.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: You can get wet.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A book and a bottle of water. You have to stay well-read and hydrated.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: For my face, I love La Roche-Posay SPF 30, and for my body, I really like Vacation Classic Lotion also in SPF 30.
My song of the summer: “Paradise” by Sade.
What I’m reading this summer: Dancer From the Dance by Andrew Holleran.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Booked and busy.
Diva Smith, 26
Occupation: Musician
Social handle: Instagram: @divasmith; TikTok: @d1vasm1th
Three words to define my personal style: Comfort, color, charm.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: Probably Coachella...
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: There’s so much whimsy in being ready to jump into a body of water at any given moment.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: Treating every day like a beach day is an unbeatable mindset.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A hairbrush.
My song of the summer: “Sunny Surrender” by Diva Smith. ;)
What I’m reading this summer: Cosmo, baby!!
Kianna Naomi, 26
Occupation: Actor and internet person
Social handle: @kiannanaomi
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: Somewhere in Brazil.
The best part of dressing for summer: Less clothing!! More fun!! And flip-flops!!
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: I was probably just gallivanting in L.A. or Brazil.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: It’s beachproof.
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Beauty of Joseon—it leaves no white cast.
My song of the summer: “Hellbent” by Naomi Scott.
What I’m reading this summer: My book club is currently reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés.
Anya Tisdale, 26
Occupation: Makeup artist and content creator
Social handle: @anya.tisdale
Three words to define my personal style: Kitschy, versatile, imaginative.
The best part of dressing for summer: Not being overstimulated by too many layers!
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: A few days ago in Maui on the Road to Hana! It rained a lot toward the end, but I felt amazing in it.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: You won’t care about it in three months, so you might as well do it now! Go be hot, diva!
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Recently, I’ve been using the Ultra Violette Sequin Supreme SPF 50, and I LOVE it, as a girl who loves to wear a full beat to the beach. Holds up super well and gives a pretty glow as the day goes on!
My song of the summer: “How to Teleport” by Jane Remover.
Bretagne, 31
Occupation: Vintage dealer
Social handle: @04009
Three words to define my personal style: Lived-in, effortless, a little bit punk.
The best part of dressing for summer: Playing with color and showing off tattoos.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Architecture and nature, my friends, and my family. My siblings and my mom were my first style icons.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: Yoga.
One thing I never go to the beach without: My water bottle!
What I’m reading this summer: I want to finish Octavia E. Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy (I’m on Adulthood Rites), and reread one of my favorites, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I think it’ll hit differently in my 30s.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: I’m kind of in my boy era, so it’s a boy-girl summer for me.
Born, 28
Occupation: Muse
Social handle: @bornflawed
Three words to define my personal style: Will wear anything.
The best part of dressing for summer: Cover-ups are the best dresses year-round.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Making everyday looks couture.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: I have a Dilara Findikoglu bikini that fits like a corset. It’s my prized possession that I’ll wear on a night out. My pink Calzedonia bikini graced Primavera Sound.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: You are ready to get wet.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A headband or hat.
My preferred SPF/sun protection and why: I’d get SPF 100 if I could. I want to take care of my skin.
My song of the summer: “Young Hearts Run Free” by Candi Staton.
What I’m reading this summer: Romantasy always.
Jo Sunday, 25
Occupation: TV writer, actor, stand-up comedian
Social handle: @jo.llofrice
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: In my friend’s dad’s car on the way to the beach.
The best part of dressing for summer: Getting to be slutty in peace.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Barbarella, rock stars, old-timey cell phone ads, Raven Baxter, obviously, old men on the train who look like they’re going somewhere important, Totally Spies!, the city.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: My office job, where, yes, I caused a commotion.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A bad attitude.
My song of the summer: “Swamp Bitches” by Doechii featuring Rico Nasty.
What I’m reading this summer: Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte.
Brenda Liang, 26
Occupation: Cofounder of Siren Basics
Social handle: Instagram: @brendaliang @sirenbasics; TikTok: @sushibreath
Three words to define my personal style: Sensibly sassy, divalicious.
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: Either indoors or floating in the ocean—there’s no in-between.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: My mom’s outfits from the ’90s! She’s so iconic. Shoutout Mommy!
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: A party at Public Records.
Swimwear is better than streetwear because: Sometimes, swimwear is so much more vibrant and playful than clothes.
My song of the summer: “Inside of Me” by Madonna and her entire Bedtime Stories album, or the Wunna album by Gunna.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Oyster.
Clara Liang, 22
Occupation: Master’s student and cofounder of Siren Basics
Social handle: @clarahychi @sirenbasics
Three words to define my personal style: Whimsy, sweet, and a lil spunky.
The best part of dressing for summer: Wearing chunky accessories without them getting caught in my sweater.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: Kali Uchis and ’90s Hong Kong streetwear.
One thing I never go to the beach without: Speaker or headphones. Music is an ESSENTIAL.
My song of the summer: “The Less I Know the Better” by Mau P, “Losing You” by Solange, “Sicklysweet” by Jetta x Tobiahs, “So Much In Love” by D.O.D., and “Cherry Wine” by Nas x Amy Winehouse.
What I’m reading this summer: A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Glitter nails.
Tessa Belle
Occupation: Comedian
Social handle: @tessabelllle
Three words to define my personal style: Femme, slut (complimentary), blonde (derogatory)
The best part of dressing for summer: You can wear bimbo outfits without the moral punishment of being cold.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: Church.
My preferred SPF/sun protection and why: EltaMD offers strong protection without clogging your pores (@EltaMD, please send me some bottles for free, I can’t feed my family).
My song of the summer: The only music I know is Dua Lipa or Lin-Manuel Miranda. :')
What I’m reading this summer: Famesick by my foremother Lena Dunham.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Bi.
Sherris, 37
Occupation: Owner, sewer, cutter, and maker of Sherris
Social handle: @sherris__
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: The Red Sea.
The best part of dressing for summer: Wearing thin fabrics that dry fast.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: My mom.
The last place I wore swimwear outside of the water: The garment district.
One thing I never go to the beach without: Sunscreen 🍅
My preferred SPF/sun protection and why: EltaMD. It’s smooth and light, and it doesn’t leave any marks.
My song of the summer: “I Feel So Free” by Madonna.
Mayan Toledano
Occupation: Photographer
Social handle: @thisismayan
Where you’ll find me on the hottest day of the year: In the Mediterranean Sea with my best friends.
The best part of dressing for summer: More color and my skin is much happier from the sun, so everything works.
Who or what I look to for style inspiration: When I’m with my friends, and we share our closets.
One thing I never go to the beach without: A thin, old cotton sheet to lie on
My preferred SPF/sun protection: Isdin—it’s so light and so good.
My song of the summer: “Sophia” by Rusowsky.
Livia Rose Johnson, 25
Occupation: Musician, cultural futurist, curator, and artist
Social handle: @liviarosejohnson
The best part of dressing for summer: The freedom! Less layers, more expression, more skin, more spontaneity, just hotness all around.
Advice for someone shy about wearing swimwear out: When you wear it with intention and layering, nothing can go wrong. My bikini from H3R has fur coming out the sides—go big or go bigger!
One thing I never go to the beach without: A speaker, a camera, and something to sip.
My preferred SPF/sun protection and why: Supergoop body glitter SPF thing. It makes me look so good, and I’m protected AF.
My song of the summer: “Lil Bikini Top” by L1V14 or “Conte a Todos” by Sango or anything Rihanna.
Fill in the blank: _____ girl summer: Siren! Like the art of seduction, the girls are not out here to play, and we get what we want.
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.
