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The Best Bikinis That Fashion Insiders Are Shopping For Summer
From Gucci's viral thong design to Reformation's vintage-inspired sets.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
Whether you're jetting off somewhere sun-soaked and fabulous in the coming months, or are still holding out hope that Britain's sorry excuse for a summer soon gives way to the heatwave we all deserve, the chances are that you'll be thinking about the best bikinis and one-pieces to buy for the season ahead.
Perhaps your trusty swimwear companions of yore have started to sag and fade and your beach looks are in dire need of an upgrade, or maybe you've already amassed an impressive collection over the years but still find yourself lusting after a fresh set (or three) to get you in the holiday mood. Whatever your situation, there's no denying that investing in a stylish new bikini can do wonders for the soul – and elevate your summer wardrobe to no end.
But with so many brands, styles, cuts and prints to choose from, there's no denying that searching for the best bikinis can feel like quite the daunting task. That's why we've done the hard work for you and scoured every high-street shop and high-end designer alike to bring you the official ELLE edit of the bikinis to shop for summer 2024, that come with a fashion editor seal of approval.
Gucci and Missoni's luxury designs are among the most coveted this season, while Hunza G's cult cossies continue to be the cool girls' top pick – not least because the super-stretchy material and 'one size fits all' approach means they'll fit beautifully for many years to come. Zara and H&M have come up crops with chic styles that belie their affordable price-point, and we've also found some great sustainable options from the likes of Away That Day and Ôsalé.
From the barely-there polka-dot sets and directional one-shoulder designs to bold animal print styles, these are the best bikinis to buy for summer 2024.
Do you dare to bare? Gucci has brought back Tom Ford's iconic Nineties logo-thong design but in bikini form. Perfect for those who value impact more than coverage.
H&M Light Yellow Bikini
Non-Padded Bikini Top
High-Waist Bikini Bottoms
With its high-waist bottoms, frill details and lingerie-like construction, H&M's pale yellow bikini set looks far more expensive than it actually is.
A Missoni crochet-knit bikini is a no-brainer for those planning on sunning themselves in some of the world's most glamorous resorts this summer.
Zara Double-Layer Animal Print Bikini
Bikini Top
Bikini Bottoms
Animal print is set to be big this season, but if you're hesitant about going full leopard-print on the beach, opt for this fun double-layer design instead.
Hunza G's one-size-fits-all ethos is brave considering all the body shapes out there, but the super stretchy fabric makes it surprisingly pliable. The brand's new stripe designs are already a hit, and this red-and-white colourway feels particularly timeless.
Away That Day Olive Shine Bikini
Cannes Top
Fiji Bottoms
You'll no doubt have spotted Away That Day's signature U-wire bikinis a good few times this season already. The eco-friendly brand is a fashion insider favourite, and the new olive shine fabric is set to be a hit.
Fruity Booty Carmen Bikini
Bikini Top
Bikini Bottoms
Polka dots are officially back for summer 2024, but with a cool-girl twist. Case in point: this underwired Fruity Booty bikini that's covered in sweet micro-spots and features a lime-green rosette.
Damson Madder Printed Bikini
Triangle Bikini Top
Bikini Briefs
Made mostly from recycled materials, Damson Madder has updated the classic string bikini with a kitsch fruit-label print.
Brat girl summer is officially upon us, and Lido's fluoro green bikini is all you need to look the part. Just add a big dose of attitude.
Forget what you thought you knew about Triangl: the neoprene vibes are long gone, making way for a thoroughly modern brand with well-priced swimwear and bang-on-trend designs. This red-and-orange crochet style is already a favourite.
The Y2K trend isn't going anywhere, so even though Burberry's classic check two-piece is quite the investment, it's guaranteed to see you through countless summers to come.
Reformation Bikini
Tossa Bikini Top
Azure High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
When Reformation dropped its first swimwear line earlier this years, fans went understandably wild and cleaned the site out in seconds. Now, the brand's chic vintage-inspired designs are back in stock and ready to elevate your holiday wardrobe.
You can always count on Martine Rose to bring the cool-girl retro vibes. We love the bold colours on this bikini and the nostalgic stripe print too.
Zara Bikini With Topstitching
Triangle Bikini Top
Bikini Bottoms
Who said pink and red don't go together? Zara has smashed it once again with this seriously stylish set that features contrast topstitched trim and an adjustable tie back.
Bring the summer party vibes to the beach in this sparkly stretch-Lurex set from Italian brand Oséree.
Kióhne Wings Bikini
Hand Embroidered Top
Hand Embroidered Saltwater Bottoms
A bright red bikini is a veritable beach essential, if you ask us. This one-shoulder design oozes Riviera glamour with a modern twist.
Monday Swimwear Bikini
Clovelly Balconette Bikini Top
Argentina High-Rise Bikini Bottoms
A rigorous design and fit process makes Monday Swimwear one of the best in the business when it comes to extended sizing. This black balconette style is a classic and particularly flattering and supportive for those with bigger busts.
The Attico's cult zebra-print bikini has been updated in a warm brown and pale pink colourway. Even better, it's currently discounted in the summer sales.
Christopher Esber Embellished Bikini
Ruched Bikini Top
Ruched High-Rise Bikini Bottoms
This beautiful burnt-brick shade just screams European summer, and flatters all manner of skin-tones.
Let's Swim Bikini
Shark Logo Triangle Bikini Top
High-Rise Brazilian Bikini Bottom
Fans of David Koma's edgy aesthetic will be delighted to hear that the designer has now turned his hand to swimwear, debuting a series of one- and two-pieces that are designed to take you seamlessly from beach to bar.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
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