Not Tankinis—In 2026, French Women Are Only Interested in These 6 Timeless Swim Trends

      Not to be overly dramatic or state the obvious, but it's important to mention: it is truly scorching outside! With record high temperatures affecting New York, London, and even Paris, residents of major cities have been struggling with relentless heat, prompting many to seek relief by lounging near a body of water. Additionally, amidst the unprecedented weather, there's been an unexpected consequence—or rather, one of the few silver linings of this harsh weather: emerging swim trends. Over recent weeks, there's been no lack of swimwear styling inspiration, but in my opinion, nothing is quite as refreshing as the styles being embraced by the French fashion crowd. Call it a biased viewpoint, but after residing in Paris for the past couple of months, I can confidently say that the locals here have a cool way of dressing for the heat. While some might attribute locals' fashion sense to their French heritage or a striking bikini, I believe there is more to the story. Ultimately, what gives this segment of fashion enthusiasts that je ne sais quoi is that their wardrobes are shaped more by personal taste than by runway trends. This is especially evident in the classic swimsuit trends that have emerged recently, emphasizing beachwear that is stylish for the long term and practical for extreme heat. If you're curious about the specific types of swimsuits the style set is gravitating towards this unusually warm summer, keep reading. From the canals of Saint-Martin to Saint-Tropez, these six classic swimwear trends are what the French are wearing to stay cool (in every sense) this summer.

      1. Low-Back One-Pieces

      Honestly, no other swimwear exemplifies the term "classic" quite like the one-piece swimsuit! It’s no surprise, then, that this timeless beachwear remains a staple among the French style set. However, don’t be deceived; they won't opt for a plain, boring one-piece, as there's always a daring twist. A prime example of this is the low-back one-piece trend, which has gained popularity as swiftly as temperatures have risen (and for good reason). This sultrier update on an otherwise classic swimsuit has made it the go-to choice for those looking for a suit that stands out in a sea of basic swimwear.

      2. Retro Balconette

      I’ll concede that the one-piece swimsuit isn’t revolutionary, but that’s precisely the point! When it’s scorching outside, there comes a time when you can’t deal with figuring out how to style an overly complicated swimsuit—that’s when you turn to what’s dependable, true, and tested. That’s precisely what the French style set has been doing, and I've seen countless retro balconettes making a comeback. This swimsuit trend is ideal for those who prefer a two-piece but still desire something flattering. Whether you choose a version with built-in wire or one with a retro design, you can count on this style to make dressing for a hot day effortless.

      3. Asymmetrical Necklines

      If you want to demonstrate that looking stylish in summer doesn’t require maximum effort, you should look at a particular swim trend that has gained popularity in recent weeks: asymmetrical necklines. While it’s not precisely a “new” trend, swimwear designs featuring single-shoulder straps have gradually become must-have pieces for the French style set this summer. The allure of this swimsuit trend lies in its capacity to make something simple appear sophisticated, effortlessly. A little black one-piece feels infinitely cooler with an asymmetrical strap, or a slinky white bikini transforms into a statement piece with one strap; simply put, swimwear becomes much more avant-garde.

      4. Pastel Hues

      While one might argue that most "classic" swimsuits tend to be minimal, that doesn’t mean the French fashion crowd is sticking to a limited color palette. Spoiler alert: they are not. Whether enjoying a beach in the South of France or just scrolling through Instagram, it's clear that the French are embracing pastel-hued swim pieces at the moment. In ballet pink, baby blue, or butter yellow, we’ve observed subtle pastel shades emerging as trending swimwear colors among locals. These softer shades might not seem timeless, but the French style set has shown that pastel swimwear can be classic, particularly when opting for designs in classic silhouettes (think elegant bikinis or low-back one-pieces).

      5. Animal Prints

      Beyond the color spectrum, there's another bold swimwear trend that has become an unexpected "classic" among the French style crowd: animal prints. It might be surprising that such a "wild" print trend has found popularity within Paris, but that’s part of the appeal. The charm of an animal-print bikini is that it can evoke a sense of being far away, even if you’re not, and it leans into the daring elements that are essential to the French aesthetic. If you’re concerned that this swimwear trend might be too bold, consider mimicking the French style crowd by choosing classic swim shapes in neutral-toned