During peak summer weeks, fashion expert Maria Volan shared insights with socialbites.ca on what’s hot and what’s not in beach style for the season across the United States and Canada. The takeaway centers on fresh silhouettes, bold textures, and a few anti-trends that are making waves this year.
Volan notes that the anti-trend register has expanded to include knit swimsuits alongside fringed bikinis and one-piece designs. The message is clear: texture and craft matter. Knit fabrics bring a tactile, artisanal edge to beachwear, while fringe details and traditional one-pieces push a playful, retro vibe that still reads modern on sand and boardwalks alike.
For those aiming for a streamlined shore look, she advises steering away from pareos and floral or lace-tinished beach tunics. The guidance isn’t absolute, but the keep-or-skip calculus leans toward simpler, cleaner silhouettes that translate well from sunup to sunset and photograph beautifully for social media without clashing with busy landscapes.
Open swimwear remains a focal point, with ties, unique necklines, and daring asymmetric cuts leading the way. These features add personality to pieces that can transition from a pool party to a seaside dinner, offering adjustable fit and visual interest that stands out in mixed-age, mixed-gender settings common in North American swim fashion.
Retro-inspired swimsuits, metallic sheens, and delicate feminine frills and flounces also get a nod from Volan. The retro elements echo mid-century glamour, while metallic finishes catch light in a way that flatters many skin tones under bright sun, creating a balanced option for those looking to blend vintage charm with contemporary fit.
Even as minimalist, solid-color swimsuits hold steady appeal, animal prints like zebra and leopard continue to appear in runways and resort collections. These patterns offer a bold alternative for those who want a statement piece without sacrificing comfort or practicality on the sand.
Industry voices remind shoppers to consider body type when choosing swimwear, focusing on fit, comfort, and confidence ratios that work in real life on Canadian and American beaches. This practical approach helps readers navigate trends without surrendering personal comfort or mobility, ensuring a flattering silhouette across diverse figures.