Just like everyone has their own personal style when it comes to their outfits, everyone has their own personal swimwear style. For years, I’ve always gravitated towards more simple and minimal swimsuits. Similar to my everyday style of basic white tees and denim, I find that my swimwear style runs parallel to that. There’s no crazy embellishments on my swimsuits, no bold color or prints, and definitely no trendy cuts. I stick to what I consider the basic style which is the minimalist bikini.
Simple triangle swimwear, or bralette styles and string bikinis, they are all minimal yet also sexy. I love that they never go out of style and seem to stick around year after year. Proving this with the fact that I still have and love several swimsuits from college that you can still shop for today. Sure these could all feel trendy and not so minimalist when you consider crazy prints and bold hues. But I’m here for the basics. The black, the white, a nude; the classics.
Minimal Bikini Swimsuits
Triangle Swimsuits
My go-to style that truly never, ever goes out of style. The triangle bikini swimsuit. They’re classic, sexy and totally minimal. I love these paired with a true string bikini bottom too. They’re no fuss, minimal tan lines, and classic.
A few favorite swimwear brands that always do a great classic triangle bikini are Good American, Aerie, and COS. The sage green one to the left is from Iris & Ink and is under $100. Shop it below.
Balconette or Demi Bikinis
My most worn style and one I feel the sexiest in. I like these because they are literally just a bra. Which means, support! If you have a larger chest you may prefer this over a triangle for support. I also think they’re just super flattering. Plus, they easily can go from beach to wherever you’re headed because it is truly just a bra. The pretty one to the left is from CUUP which I have yet to try but am eyeing it in every single color. It also comes with various styles of bottoms all minimal and flattering.
I love my Aerie underwire balconette bikinis and also my L*Space Camellia underwire swimsuit is my most worn. I have it in several colors it’s that good.
Bandeau Bikinis
One of the things I love about a bandeau bikini is that they sometimes have fun details. While stilling being minimal, they can feel a bit more elevated with the design detail in the center of the bandeau. Some bandeaus are connected by some pretty bow or ring detail like the one to the left from J.Crew, or they’re one simple strip of fabric going across. It’s a very specific silhouette and again, one that never goes out of style.
Scoop Neck Bikinis
A simple scoop neck can be a great way to have a little added coverage and support in a bikini. A minimal cut that works for small or larger busts. This ribbed scoop neck navy bikini from J.Crew is so pretty and simple. Love the deep rich hue and the texture. Everlane also now has a great new swimwear line and offers a scoop neck version.
Minimal One Piece Swimsuits
Okay so this isn’t a bikini, but it’s essential. A must have in my opinion especially if you plan on traveling (my go-to trick here). A minimalist one-piece swimsuit is an absolute essential in my book. I prefer to keep my tan lines not crazy, so a simple one-piece that’s a halter or simple skinny straps is key for a minimal one-piece. Stick to solid hues and you’ll be wearing this for years to come. I love my $30 aerie swimsuit, but also am swooning over this simple one from COS here.
Now that you’ve got all your bikini options covered, don’t forget to browse all my favorite coverups here. Your bikini always needs a good coverup that you can wear to and from the beach or pool. Whether it’s a dress, caftan, sarong or my go-to, denim cut offs and a linen shirt. If bikinis are not your thing, you can check out this post on all my favorite one piece swimsuits.
