The swimwear space is different from any other genre of fashion. It has its own seasons, its own fashion week, and its own leading designers. And yet, the trends that will go on to litter beaches and pool decks all spring and summer long are pretty much guaranteed to mimic those dominating in the ready-to-wear space. We as consumers only have the capacity to embrace so much. And in 2024, the vibe is classic, or if you’re headed to Cap d’Antibes, classique.

“The styles are becoming more minimal and elevated,” says Ela Onur, the founder and creative director of the swim and lingerie brand Else. “Customers are investing in versatile and flattering styles [capable of taking] swimwear from the beach to the bar and beyond.” With so many brands already releasing their first swimwear collections, we can already see this come to fruition in the form of neutral color palettes like cream, tan, black, and brown, and timeless shapes, from triangle and balconette bikinis to simple, high-cut maillots.

According to Rebecca Morton, the founder and director of Peony Swimwear, the best place to look for inspiration is in the past, when swimwear was less about bright, loud colors and more about pretty prints and flattering silhouettes. “The most-loved swimwear pieces from our collection are unapologetically feminine,” she says. “[Think] vintage-inspired prints, intricate detailing, and shapes that contour the body.”