31 Cool Preppy Swimsuits to Check Out This Summer

last updated 11 November 2023

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Whenever preppy fashion is brought up my mind immediately conjures up images from popular '80s movies like Heathers, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, and other cult classics. More specifically, I end up picturing well-to-do people from coast to coast in polo shirts, seersucker separates, tennis outfits, plaid blazers, Oxford shirts, and other timeless pieces. While the current take on the style genre is still very much a nod to that exact aesthetic, it has evolved into a more modern, elevated selection of pieces. This was made super clear to me during a recent perusal of swimwear options this season.

With summer at our doorstep, beach and pool-side looks are top of mind and in my search for great swimwear picks of the moment, I ended up coming across some incredibly cool preppy swimsuits. Think bikinis and one-pieces with a variety of details spanning from sporty designs to floral prints, ruffles, trendy cutouts, and even classic solid styles. Ahead, shop 30 standout swimsuits—some will even appeal to the most die-hard minimalist's heart (hi, that's me!).

J. Crew

Underwire Bikini Top

This gingham print bikini is perfect for getting Sara Ramén's look above.
Shop the matching High-Rise Bikini Bottom ($30).

H&M

High Leg Swimsuit

I love this subtle green color.

Markarian x Summersalt

The Mini-Ruffle Perfect Wrap One-Piece

The wrap detail is so good.

Minkpink

Lilac Ruched Bralette

Pretty in pink for summer? Yes, please.
Shop the matching Lilac Tie Side Bottoms ($59).

L Space

Float on One-Piece Swimsuit

I'm all for the casual-cool feel of this one-piece.

Eberjey

Cassidy Bikini Top

How cute is this palm-tree print?
Shop the matching Ursula Bikini Bottoms ($102).

Peony

+ Net Sustain One-Shoulder Gingham Stretch-Econyl Swimsuit

This one shoulder option is super pretty.

Good American

Always Fits Hot Shoulder One Piece

Classic one-piece with a bright one-shoulder twist.

H&M

Balconette Bikini Top

The striped top can be worn with or without straps.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($13).

Tanya Taylor

Valencia Smocked Bikini Top

Here is a fresh take on the smocked trend this season.
Shop the matching Valencia Smocked Bikini Bottoms ($95).

Robin Piccone

Chandy Tie Front One-Piece Swimsuit

This tropical print feels elevated and chic.

Peony

+ Net Sustain Holiday Floral-Print Recycled Bikini Top

How sweet is the blue blooms print?
Shop the matching Floral-Print Recycled Bikini Briefs ($56).

Xirena

Analyse One Piece

This printed halter one-piece feels timeless.

H&M

Balconette Bikini Top

I'm getting a glam feeling from this high-waisted shorts bikini option.
Shop the matching Shortie Bikini Bottoms ($13).

Bleu by Rod Beattie

Kore Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit

Make a statement in this navy cutout option.

Sea Level

Cross Front Multifit Bikini Top

The cross-front design here is super flattering.
Shop the matching High Waist Gathered Side Swim Bottoms ($55).

Veronica Beard

Aniston Swimsuit

Here's a great way to jump in on the cutout trend.

H&M

Push-Up Bikini Top

There's nothing chicer than a classic white bikini.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($13).

Robin Piccone

Aubrey Tank Top

If you prefer a more modest bikini top, this is a cool option.
Shop the matching Aubrey Ruched High Waist Bikini Bottoms ($88).

Norma Kamali

Mio One-Shoulder Swimsuit

This one-shoulder swimsuit has a cult following.

Haight

Gaia Underwired Stretch-Crepe Bikini Top

I am obsessed with this white bikini.
Shop the matching Stretch-Crepe Bikini Briefs ($109).

H&M

Flounced Shaping Swimsuit

A wrap-around effect makes this one-piece swimsuit standout.

H&M

Balconette Bikini Top

How pretty is this twisted blue bikini top?
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($13).

Solido

Ruffle One Piece

This ruffled one-piece has a lovely open-back design.

Artesands

Salmagundi Vermeer Bikini Top

Patchwork prints are having a major moment.
Shop the matching Salmagundi Magritte Side Tie Bikini Bottoms ($75).

Faithfull the Brand

Adara Stretch-Terry Bikini Top

This bold green color is one of the biggest trends of the season.
Shop the matching Chania Stretch-Terry Bikini Briefs ($95).

PQ Swim

Lettuce Edge Triangle Bikini Top

This paisley print bikini is incredibly chic.
Shop the matching Lettuce Edge Tie Full Bikini Bottoms ($76).

Matteau

+ Net Sustain the String Floral-Print Triangle Bikini Top

Thanks to stretch-recycled fabric this bikini is one of the more sustainable picks of this season.
Shop the matching The String Floral-Print Bikini Briefs ($145).

Artesands

Vivaldi's Versse Cezanna D-, DD- & E-Cup Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit

This goes out to those that love a subtle print.

Lisa Marie Fernandez

Triangle Wrap Bikini Set

Loving this sporty two-tone bikini.

Marysia

+ Net Sustain Broadway Reversible Scalloped Recycled Seersucker Bikini Top

The scalloped design bring this otherwise classic black bikini to the next level.
Shop the matching Mott Scalloped Recycled Seersucker Bikini Briefs ($156).

Next: These 6 Swimsuit Styling Hacks From TikTok Are Game Changers

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Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently the shopping updates editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.