Fashion

17 Unique Swimsuit Styles You Need To Know About

by Melodi Erdogan

Say buh-bye to the standard swimwear silhouettes so many of us are bored of (ahem, string bikinis and tankinis) and give a warm welcome to 17 unique swimsuit styles you need to know about. Designers and brands have gotten creative with beach and pool attire as of late, working chic details and stylish trends into swimwear that give new meaning to the sartorial category. From alluring Bardot tops to lace-up, high-waisted bottoms, be prepared to dream of spending your summer vacation in these unique, snazzy looks.

If you're more of a classic bikini or swimsuit kind of person, don't worry. Those styles are still around, and I doubt they're going anywhere. They are classics, after all. But during my own personal search for a stylish swimsuit, I noticed that there were more uncommon designs available this season than I have ever seen before.

From high and low cuts to '90s motifs, I am definitely coveting detailed one-pieces with lace-up fronts and bold, bright bikini tops. There are feminine, edgy, boho, glam, and rock 'n' roll styles out there, too, so no matter what your tastes are, there's bound to be a stylish, cool suit in a unique style for you.

Ahead you'll find 17 styles likely to make you rethink swimwear and ditch the cookie-cutter options. I guarantee you won't be able to pick just one to experiment with.

1. One-Shoulder One-Pieces

Mesh One-Shoulder One-Piece, $24.90, Forever21

This gorgeous, one-shouldered swimsuit features a fitted bodice, mesh detailing, and an asymmetrical shape. Who needs two straps when one strap can look this good?

2. Skater Skirt Bottoms

Striped Bow Back Skater Bikini Top, $68.50, Torrid; Striped Skater Skirt Swim Bottom, $44.50, Torrid

You can never go wrong with a classic skater skirt. This skater skirt bottom is basically your favorite day-to-day skirt but swim-ified. Paired with the fitted bodice top, the duo makes for a perfect bold pattern match.

3. Studded

Luv AJ x Beach Riot Gia Studded Swimsuit, $215, Nasty Gal

The gorgeous studs featured on the front of this swimsuit turn the basic black one-piece into a stunning, Instagram-worthy swimsuit. It's the little things, guys.

4. Mini Skirt Bottom

Abstract Stripe Twist Front Bikini Top, $68.50, Torrid; Abstract Stripe Ruched High Waist Skirt Swim Bottom, $44.50, Torrid

Be prepared to va-va-voom in this high-waisted skirt and bikini top set. From the brightly-colored pattern to the long-line design, it's sexy and fun.

5. Chained

Ann Summers Chain Halter Neck Bikini Top, $49, ASOS; Ann Summers Chain Bikini Bottoms, $26, ASOS

Equipped with chain detailing and a choker-like detail, this two-piece is certainly not for the faint of heart. That said, it's a sexy, alluring choice that will knock all your other bikinis out of the water.

6. Lace-Up

Lace Up Front One Piece Swimsuit, $88.50, Torrid

The lace-up trend is undeniably a popular one at the moment. So what better way is there to update your swimwear than with a lace-up detail? The one on this feminine one-piece makes it original and trendy.

7. Multiway

ASOS Multiway Swimsuit, $57, ASOS

If you're having difficulty deciding which swimsuit silhouette is right for you, a multi-way option might just be the answer. With multiple ways to style it, why buy one swimsuit when you can buy three for the same price?

8. High Neck

In Tune with the Tides Swimsuit Top in Burgers, $49.99, ModCloth; In Tune with the Tides Swimsuit Bottom in Burgers, $39.99, ModCloth

Not only does the graphic burger print on this bikini make it beyond adorable, but its fun, playful nature suits the retro-turned-modern, high-waisted and high-neck design. Those burgers just wouldn't be as fun if they were on a string bikini now, would they?

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9. Crochet

Swim Sexy The Globetrotter Bikini, $50.40, swimsuitsforall

Crochet, with peek-a-boo detailing, was basically asking to be put on a bikini. It finally happened, and it's pretty epic. Count on crochet to update a basic, patterned bikini like this one with an alluring edge.

10. Bardot Top

Flounce Crop Top, $42.50, Victoria's Secret

If you're a fan of off-the-shoulder blouse styles, this swimsuit top is for you. The Bardot style is both demure and stylish, whether you pair it with an itsy bikini bottom or a ruched, high-waisted design.

11. Crop Top

Plus Size Metallic Bikini Top, $17.90, Forever21; Plus Size Sheeny Bikini Bottoms, $17.90, Forever21

Your favorite crop top style isn't just reserved for some go-to blouses anymore. This shiny, metallic version takes everything we love about crop tops, from their support and comfort to their coverage and fit, and makes them beach and pool appropriate.

12. Long Sleeve

Women's Colorblock Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit Ebony - MAR by Vix, $49.99, Target

This one's for all you rash guard fans. This one-piece takes after a rash guard silhouette, but is cool and stylish with the black and white color-block and the zippered collar. Not to mention the long sleeves. Pretty and protective.

13. Bandage

Havana Bandage Plus Size Swimsuit - Orange Crush, $118, Monif C

A bandage swimsuit? This bright, patterned version incorporates bandaged cut-outs to create a seductive form with stylish details.

14. Wide Arm

High Leg Drop Side Swimsuit Black, $30.60, Missguided

The wide-arm swimsuit may look a little alarming on the hanger (those huge holes are for my... arms?), but the shape is hot and stylish, and a perfect update to your basic one-piece swimsuit.

15. Belted

ASOS Metallic Belted Plunge Halter Swimsuit, $57, ASOS

Normally I wouldn't condone combining major statement-making accessories with swimwear, but this belted one-piece is gorgeous. From the metallic gold to the plunging neckline, it's an overall chic and stylish look that's unique for swimwear. Guys, I'll make an exception.

16. Criss Cross

Criss Cross Bra Bikini Top, $29.70, Ashley Stewart; Criss Cross High Waist Bikini Bottom, $21.90, Ashley Stewart

The last thing you'll be worrying about with this swimsuit is the potentially weird tan lines that might come from the criss cross detailing, because it's that pretty. From the halter neck to the sides on these bottoms, the criss cross on this set is done perfectly for a cute swimwear look.

17. Tank Top

Smocked Tankini Top, $44, Venus; High Waist Moderate Bikini, $22, Venus

Finally, a tankini that actually looks like a tank top turned bikini. This casual yet super pretty tankini is a easy, effortless choice for unexpected beach or pool visits. It'll even transition to dinner and drinks immediately after. No wardrobe change necessary.

Whether you're more of a bandaged type swimmer, or that chained silhouette is calling your name, these are the latest swimsuit styles you'll definitely want to look out for.

Images: Courtesy Brands