The Biggest Swim Trend of 2021 Has Arrived, and I Have Thoughts About It

There are new swim trends that bubble up each year before summer, but this time around there’s one that’s too big to ignore: three-piece swimsuits. Already spotted in countless TikTok videos, the trend has gone viral and is poised to be the biggest swimsuit trend this summer. What exactly are three-piece swimsuits, though? Like the name suggests, it goes beyond just a bikini with an extra coordinating item that completes the look.

Matching skirts are especially popular pieces to add to a bikini to tap into the trend, but we’re also seeing everything from pants and shorts to shirts and hats, which have been finished in the same fabric. This is yet another cool way to wear the matchy-matchy outfits that have been popularized recently, especially among the Gen Z set.

I personally love the idea of having an easy item to throw over a swimsuit to transition from a beach look to something that feels like a more finished outfit. With optimistic thoughts about a vacation on the horizon, this is the first thing I would pack in my suitcase. Here, see more about the cool three-piece swimsuit trend and how insiders are already wearing it.

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(Image credit: @osereeswimwear)

Skirts are the standout item rounding out the 3-piece swimsuit look and I have my eye on this lurex version from Oséree. Honestly, what could feel more luxe than wearing one of these shimmery pieces?

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(Image credit: @aexaeswim)

On-the-rise swimwear brand, Aexae, is one that you should definitely have on your radar. One of the key buys this season? Their string bikini and matching sarong in the bold green color that is already dominating 2021

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Frankies Bikinis is one of the brands you'll see every TikToker recommend for tapping into the three-piece swimsuit trend. It's easy to see why, because they have so many cool takes on it.

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(Image credit: @coolisaconstruct)

Cool is a Construct is another brand that's everywhere on TikTok right now. With bold, colorful prints, their take on the trend feels right in step with the comeback of '00s fashion.

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(Image credit: @solidandstriped)

Solid & Striped is always up on the coolest trends of the season and their take on three-piece swimwear includes a pair of tailored belted shorts.

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(Image credit: @osereeswimwear)

This might be one of my favorite takes on the three-piece swimsuit trend because you could actually wear it just about anywhere if you added a crisp poplin button-down over it.

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(Image credit: @frankiesbikinis)

Like I said, Frankies Bikinis has so many cool takes on three-piece swimsuits, including this pretty floral printed bikini with a matching bucket hat.

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(Image credit: @same)

Same always designs some of the most cult-worthy bikinis of the season and I have a feeling this style is going to be popular this summer.

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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.