Bikini Styles Explained: From Classic Cuts to Trend-Forward Designs

If there’s one thing we’re sure about at SI Swimsuit, it’s bikinis. If there’s another, it’s how to style them.

Since the modern bikini’s inception in 1946, we’ve seen an ever-changing shift in swimwear as a reflection of evolving trends, shifting societal norms and the uprise of championing body diversity in the fashion industry. Therefore—now more than ever— swimwear is personal, and finding your perfect suit is all about your own style.

Penny Lane, Ellie Thumann, Abbie Herbert and XANDRA | Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images/Sports Illustrated

Whether you need a go-to suit for a day in the sun, a showstopping number for a poolside party or you’re simply wondering, “Which suit best suits me?” you’ve come to the right place. Below, we present your one-stop shop for every bikini style, its functionality and styling suggestions. Plus, check out what looks SI Swimsuit models are sporting lately.

How to choose a bikini top

Let’s—quite literally—work from top to bottom.

Alix Earle was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by Indah. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Triangle top: For a classic look with minimal coverage, a triangle-style top features adjustable ties to conform to your body.

Halter top: Looking for a similar style with a bit more support? A halter top typically features a thicker, sturdier tie around the neck for a stronger hold and added lift.

Yumi Nu was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Asta Resort. Scarf by Swimsuits for All Necklace by local artisan Bracelets by Amazon | Yumi Nu

Bandeau top: If you’re trying to catch some rays, opt for this strapless top, which is ideal for tanning but offers minimal support.

Longline top: This style features fabric thats extends under the bust, giving the garment more coverage and structure.

Achieng Agutu was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by White Fox. Necklace by Julietta. | Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Underwire top: For folks with larger busts, consider an underwire suit for bra-like support and structure.

Push-up top: If your goal is to accentuate your bust, look toward push-up tops for enhanced cleavage with amplified lift.

Danielle Herrington was photographed by James Macari in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by BECCA. | James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Sport/high-neck top: This activewear-inspired top is ideal for those looking to join in on a game of beach volleyball or simply staying on the go in the heat.

One-shoulder/asymmetric top: Boost your style points in this fashion-forward number, featuring strap(s) of different sizes.

How to choose a bikini bottom

Picked your perfect top? Let’s find its perfect match.

Katie Austin and Brooks Nader were photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Katie swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Brooks swimsuit by Andi Bagus. | Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Thong bottom: Looking to keep the coverage to a minimum? Opt for thong-style bottoms for the cheekiest look, specifically for tanning.

Classic brief bottom: This common style features balanced coverage, occasionally featuring tie detailing and/or cheekier options.

Penny Lane was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Agua by Agua Bendita. | Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

High-waisted bottom: This retro-inspired garment rises above the belly button to flatter your waistline and accentuate your shape.

Brazilian-cut bottom: Another cheeky garment, this bottom often provides more front coverage than a thong with a low-rise cut.

Cameron Brink was photographed by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Swimsuit embroidered by Abbode. | Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Boyshorts bottom: These bottoms offer a more athletic and/or modest style than others, featuring a full coverage silhouette.

V-cut bottom: Like its name, this garment dips into a “V” shape in its front to accentuate your curves and frame your figure.

Gabby Thomas was photographed by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton. Swimsuit by GIGI C. | Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

High-leg bottom: This ’80s-inspired style sits above the hipbones to elongate your legs.

A good starting point for choosing a top and bottom is to find the right pieces for your body shape. Swimwear brand Roxy provides a solid outline of the five most common body shapes and how best to style them. Click here to learn yours.

Mixing styles for your perfect look

Customizable swimwear is always a go-to, especially if you’re looking to play with colors and textures. Show off your personal style by pairing a top and bottom of different fabrics (such a sequins, mesh, denim, etc.) or patterns. In many cases, the items will be sold separately.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Top by Solo Studio. Swimsuit bottom by Miaou. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Playful contrasts between both garments are not only eye-catching, but also can help exude confidence while they're on. For example, if you’re in need of a more supportive top but want to keep the bottoms to a minimum, mixing and matching suits is a perfect way to complete your goal.

The monokini and other one-piece-inspired suits

In addition to bikinis, we love a good one-piece that shows off nearly as much skin as a two-piece. Which one is your favorite?

XANDRA was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by Heidi Fish. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Monokini: Looking for a fashion-forward one-piece that exudes bikini energy? A monokini is your best bet—featuring large cutouts with minimal coverage.

High-cut one-piece: If you’re into the high-leg style bikini bottom, opt for a high-cut one-piece for a retro Baywatch-inspired look.

Anna Hall poses in a teal cut-out one-piece swimsuit for her SI Swimsuit debut. — Anna Hall was photographed by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton. Swimsuit by ALT Swim. | Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Monokinis and one-pieces are all the rage, and for good reason. Their versatility appeals to those looking to make a fashion statement while preferring a suit with more coverage. On the contrary, those looking for less coverage but a more unique silhouette can also gravitate toward the trending look sported by celebrities like Kylie Jenner and several of Olivia Dunne’s suits from the 2023 issue.

Fashion-forward styles

We love bikinis that make a statement, and yours can too with these trendy options.

Ming Lee Simmons was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings by LELET NY. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Micro bikini: This set is for the ultra-minimalists—or those looking for the smallest tan lines possible—with barely-there coverage.

Crochet bikini: If you’re channeling a bohemian look, crochet is your perfect choice. Beware, however, that these adorable suits may not always be water-friendly.

Wrap bikini: For a suit that hugs your body, wrap bikinis feature extra fabric to literally wrap around your midriff for a visually dynamic display.

Hunter McGrady was photographed by Derek Kettela in Switzerland. Swimsuit by Rebdolls. Jacket by LaPointe. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Metallic/glitter bikini: Looking to shine while on the beach? These suits do the trick with their glimmering textures and striking color—also perfect for pool parties.

Luxe material bikini: Who says bikinis have to stick to one fabric? Materials like velvet, denim, fur, mesh and leather can be featured on swimwear, but may not be a go-to for jumping in the water. “I wore a furkini in [the 2025 SI Swimsuit] issue, and I want to make that a trend," SI Swimsuit Legend Hunter McGrady says.

Best bikinis for every occasion

Now that we’ve covered the swimwear styles, here’s where you can flaunt them.

Camille Kostek was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Blackbough Swim. | James Macari/Sports Illlustrated

Beach day: Stick to comfort-forward suits—most often featuring classic or cheeky cuts—for a day in the sand. Triangle, halter or underwire tops paired with classic, high-leg or v-cut bottoms can be a good option here.

Tanning: If you’re looking to bask in the sun, minimal coverage options suit you best. Bandeaus or triangle tops with thong or Brazilian bottoms will often do the trick, but can be swapped out depending on comfort levels.

Valentina Sampaio was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by Sophie Deloudi. Earrings by 8 Other Reasons | Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Pool parties/vacation: If you’re looking to add a trendy look to your Instagram feed, make a statement with a fashion-forward suit or customize a combination that reflects your unique personal style.

Outdoor sports: Beachside games require more stability from your swimwear. High-neck/activewear tops matched with boyshorts or other secure bottoms are a go-to combination for when you’re on the move.

Of course, you don’t need to stick to one style for each outing! Choose swimwear that best suits your needs and comfort to feel most confident in your ‘fit.

Current bikini trends

At SI Swimsuit, our finger is on the pulse of the hottest looks of the moment. Check out some of our most recent beloved trends, according to our 2026 issue.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Katherine Goguen at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Fla. Swimsuit by Shani Shemer. Headpiece by Andi Bagus. | Katherine Goguen/Sports Illustrated

Earthy, boho hues, 1980s-inspired brights and safari-inspired looks were at the center of the stories told throughout the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue. Whether embracing a romantic feel, high glamour or bohemian vibes, each of the locations we travled to for this year’s magazine—including Botswana, Fort Myers, Fla., Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Montauk, N.Y., and South Caicos—helped to tell a different story.

Hunter McGrady was photographed by James Macari in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Swimsuit by Raquelle Pedraza. | James Macari/Sports Illustrated

“It’s always interesting to see our styling of each shoot come to life on set,” SI Swimsuit’s fashion editor, Margot Zamet, explains. “We fit each model on location the day before their shoot, which means lots of bikinis and luggage, as well as a sometimes story-gone-rogue energy. [One of our stories in Loreto this year] went rogue in all the right ways, and to be honest, I’m not even sure where we began—but by the end, we were referring to it as the ‘Burning Man story.’ It was cool and the girls looked hot. It was edgy, bohemian, gritty and super raw feeling. There were some pretty epic suits, one of my favorites being Hunter McGrady in a hand-sewn shell bikini by Raquelle Pedraza.”

Learn more about bikinis here at SI Swimsuit.