Summer Swimwear Trend for 2024: Retro Resort

The hottest trend hitting the swimwear scene this summer is Retro Resort! This trend draws major inspiration from nostalgic pop culture tv hits like "Daisy Jones and the Six" and "Palm Royale". The costuming in these shows highlights the fashion of 1960s and 70s California. Their influence seeps into this year's swimwear designs. Another driving force behind this trend is the growing enthusiasm for secondhand and vintage shopping. This revival has ignited a passion for authentic, era-specific fashion. As a result, we are seeing a blend of 1970s earthy bohemian vibes and 1960s psychedelic glamour. 

So, how do you incorporate the Retro Resort trend into your swimwear collection? Let’s dive deep into the seven essential micro trends.

Brands pictured: Agua Bendita, Alexandra Miro, Beach Riot, Boden, Devon Windsor, Eres, Inner Relm, Montce, PQ Swim, Solid and Striped, and Vetchy

Belted: Cinched to Perfection

Channel your inner 1960s Barbie with sleek one-pieces and high-waisted bikini bottoms, all cinched at the waist. This season’s belts range from simple ties, like those seen at Montce, to more elaborate metal buckles and rattan rings, as showcased by Agua Bendita and Beach Riot. These belted beauties promise to flatter your waist and elevate your poolside look.

Brands pictured: Acacia, Agua Bendita, Akoia, Anna Kosturova, Anna Sui, Capittana, It's Now Cool, My Beachy Side, Rose Carmine, and Show Me Your Mumu

Crochet: Boho Chic 

A nod to the boho 70s would only be complete with a touch of crochet. This year, be prepared to channel your inner inner Janis Joplin or Stevie Nicks. Expect to see an array of crochet and macramé-inspired bikinis, one-pieces, and swim coverups. From the kitschy orange slice patterns of Agua Bendita to the bright hues of Capittana and the understated elegance of Akoia’s neutral one-pieces, crochet is making a splash. 

Brands pictured: Farm Rio, Free-est, LA Double J, Lucy in the Sky, Pucci, Reina Olga, Salero Swim, Sea NY, Skatie, Stone Fox Swim, and Zimmermann

Halter Necklines: Groovy & Glam

Step into the spotlight with halter necklines that scream 70s glamour. This neckline was a favorite of disco divas like Cher and Diana Ross. This season, they are back with a vengeance. Opt for a gathered neckline like the one-piece from LA Double J, a crisscross front like the bikini top from Salero Swim, or a bandeau with halter straps like the one-piece from Sea NY. These versatile and classic necklines are flattering for all, bringing a touch of vintage glamour to modern swimwear.

Brands pictured: Acacia, Auguste The Label, Billabong, Dippin Daisys, Juillet, Inner Relm, Montce, Peony, Rhythm, Triangl, and Yellow The Label.

High-Waisted Bottoms: Retro & Mod

A retro revival would only be complete with the iconic high-waisted bottoms, a nod to the mod fashion that dominated the Swinging Sixties. This silhouette, embraced by style icons like Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn, offers a timeless appeal that complements the free-spirited flair of the era. Consider a side ruched bottom like the ones from Juillet, or opt for swim shorts from Dippin Daisys to capture that timeless aesthetic.

Brands pictured: Acacia, Anna Sui, Beach Riot, Capittana, For Love & Lemons, Inner Relm, Juillet, Montce, Rhythm, Seea, She Made Me, and Zulu & Zephr

Low Leg Lines: Old-School Cool

Stepping away from the high-leg cuts of recent seasons, this year’s trend includes low-cut leg lines, reminiscent of the 60s and 70s vintage silhouettes. We are going more Marilyn and less Pamela. Choose retro piped shorts by Acacia or a lower legline one-piece by Anna Sui to channel this old-school cool. An added bonus? This trend is capitalizing on a more modest look, so don’t have to worry about being active on the beach—nothing will slip out and you’ll still be totally on-trend.

Brands pictured: Acacia, Atmosea, Billabong, Citrine Swim, Faithfull The Brand, Free-est, Geode Swimwear, Juillet, LSPACE, Oneone Swim, Seafolly, Show Me Your Mumu, and Skatie

Retro Prints: Flower Power & Geometric Buzz

This season’s prints are a burst of nostalgia with florals and geometrics that scream 60s and 70s. If you weren’t feelin’ it before we go to this trend board, I’m sure you are now! From the flower power vibes of Acacia’s wetsuit to the bold, psychedelic swirls of Atmosea and the abstract art influences in Billabong’s pieces, these designs capture the vibrant, bold spirit of the eras. They’re perfect for anyone seeking inner peace and love at the beach. Think of it as a modern twist to your grandma’s wallpaper. 

Brands pictured: Acacia, Anthropologie, Beach Riot, Billabong, Blackbough, Free-est, Koleha, Montce, Oneone Swim, Peony, and Target.

Terry Toweling: Textured & Jacquard

The 70s’ favorite terry cloth gets a modern makeover with textured and jacquard variations perfect for 2024. This year, fashion ranges should embrace toweling jacquards that epitomize the #RetroResort aesthetic. Look out for swirl jacquard terry from Koleha, striped terry from Billabong, and floral jacquard terry from Acacia.

Retro Resort for Summer 2024 is more than just a swimwear trend—it’s a revival of the bold, free-spirited fashion of the 60s and 70s. It invites today’s beachgoers to embrace the past, not just through style, but through the freedom and adventure that these decades celebrated. Whether lounging by the pool or jet-setting across the world, these pieces promise to infuse your summer with a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of style. We can’t wait for summer!!

Want more curated tips, tricks, and advice for starting your fashion brand?! Sign up below for our newsletter. 👇👇👇