5 Swimwear Trends You'll Be Seeing Across South Africa in 2026
As spring pushes back the last of the cold and summer starts creeping onto the calendar, South African wardrobes are turning back toward swimwear. 2026's trends lean into texture, statement prints, retro-inspired shapes and designs built to actually support you - a shift that favours women who want their swimwear to look good and function well at the same time.
Here are five of the biggest swimwear trends to watch in South Africa this year.
1. Textured Swimwear
Crinkle fabrics, crocheted and crocheted-inspired finishes, ruching, puckered textures, and ribbing are popping up all over the place in bikinis, one-pieces and everything in between. It's a rather understated way to really make a fashion statement. Instead of making a big splash with a loud print, the interest comes from a simple silhouette that catches the eye with how the fabric moves and shines.
Ruching and gathering do more than add visual texture, too. Gathered fabric shapes itself around the body, which makes this trend a practical option for anyone who wants something fashion-forward without giving up coverage or support. Liza Clifford's textured and crochet-style swimwear brings this trend into pieces built with proper construction underneath, so the texture reads as intentional, not just decorative.
2. Bold Prints and Colour
After a few quieter seasons, colour and print are back in force. Zebra and other animal-inspired prints, tropical and botanical patterns, ocean-inspired designs, sunset gradients and strong greens and blues are all appearing across current collections.
You don't need a head-to-toe statement to wear this trend. A printed top with a plain bottom, or the reverse, brings in the colour without overwhelming the whole look - a good entry point if bold isn't usually your starting place. For shoppers exploring bikinis in South Africa, mix-and-match styles also make it easier to experiment with bold colours and prints while choosing the right fit for your top and bottom. Liza Clifford's printed and tropical swimwear carries several of these options, from full tropical prints to single accent pieces.
3. Retro-Inspired Swimsuit Styles Are Back
Retro silhouettes keep working their way back into swimwear, and 2026 is no exception. Bandeau tops, high-waisted bottoms, polka dots, gingham, classic one-pieces and softly gathered, feminine details are all part of the current wave.
Retro doesn't mean dated. These shapes are being rebuilt with modern fabrics, better fit and real support: a bandeau today isn't the flimsy version from decades past. Bandeau and strapless styles suit anyone wanting fewer tan lines, but if you have a fuller bust, look for versions specifically constructed for support rather than a straight strapless cut. Liza Clifford's bandeau, high-waisted and retro-inspired swimwear is built with that distinction in mind.
4. Playful Details and Swim Accessories
Minimalist swimwear has had its run. 2026 is bringing decorative details back: beading, metal hardware, rings and fastenings, ruffles, crochet trims, cut-outs and decorative straps or ties are turning up on pieces that would otherwise be fairly plain.
These details can lift a simple swimsuit into something with real personality. But practicality still matters: embellishments, straps and cut-outs shouldn't come at the expense of bust support, freedom of movement or comfort. In supportive swimwear specifically, these design details work best when they sit on top of solid construction - correct cup coverage and a secure band come first, decoration second.
5. Supportive Swimwear Gets a Fashion-Forward Update
The underwired bikini top, bra-sized swimwear, supportive one-pieces, adjustable straps, structured cups, fuller-coverage options, and mix-and-match separates are all starting to share the same fashionable prints, textures, bandeau shapes and decorative details that are making waves elsewhere in the swimwear world right now. For women with fuller busts who've often felt left out of the swimwear fashion party, that's a pretty big deal. Because suddenly, support and style aren't mutually exclusive any more. Liza Clifford's cup-sized and supportive swimwear range is built around exactly that idea.
How to Choose a Swimwear Trend That Works for You
There's no one-size-fits-all rule on which trend works best with which body type. The best swimming costumes for ladies are the ones that balance fit, coverage and support with how you actually plan to wear them. Instead, try thinking about what you actually need from a swimsuit - how much support for your bust, how much coverage you want, and do you prefer a bikini, tankini or one-piece - all depend on what you've got planned for your swimwear. Think about what you'll actually be doing in it too - trying to swim laps, lounging at the beach or just hanging out by the pool. That will give you a pretty good idea of how much structure & security you'll really need.
Bikini separates make this easier to figure out. Buying the top and bottom as different styles means you can test a trend without committing to a single fixed silhouette, and adjust as your fit or preferences change.
From Beach to Poolside: How to Style 2026 Swimwear Trends
The best swimwear looks don't stop at the swimsuit. A textured bikini or a retro one-piece carries through the rest of the day once you build the outfit around it - from what you throw over it walking to the water to the accessories that finish the look poolside.
Cover-Ups and Resort Wear
A cover-up does double duty: sun protection between swims and a way to extend a swimwear print or colour into a full outfit. Sheer kaftans and lightweight sarongs work well over textured or printed pieces without hiding them, while a simple linen shirt or wrap skirt suits a more retro-leaning swimsuit. Matching a cover-up's colour palette to your swimsuit keeps the whole look feeling considered rather than accidental.
Swim Accessories to Complete the Look
Accessories are where the finer details come into play once you're out of the swimsuit itself. Raffia bags, sun hats with a bit of structure to them, statement sunglasses, and beaded jewellery all go pretty well with this years textured and printed swimwear. If you've already got a swimsuit that's doing a lot visually - think bold prints and a lot of embellishment - then you're best off keeping your accessories pretty low-key so the suit can be the star of the show. But if you've got a more understated swimsuit, then you can probably get away with a bit more from a statement bag or a few beaded bracelets.
Find Your 2026 Swimwear Style With Liza Clifford
What trend you end up going for, whether it's bold bikinis, one-pieces or separates, it's the fit that really matters. Liza Clifford's swimwear collection brings many of these trends together through supportive bikinis, tankinis and one-pieces in seasonal colours, prints and silhouettes.
If you're on the hunt for cup-sized swimwear, then knowing your bra size is a total game-changer. It makes all the difference in the world as to whether a swim top feels actually comfortable once you're out in the water.
Have a look at Liza Clifford's swimwear range online or book a proper fitting with some expert advice and you'll be rocking supportive swimwear that suits your shape and personal style in no time.
FAQs
What swimwear is trending in 2026?
2026's key trends include textured fabrics like crinkle, crochet and ruching; bold prints and colour, from animal patterns to tropical designs; retro-inspired silhouettes such as bandeau tops and high-waisted bottoms; playful details like beading and cut-outs; and fashionable supportive swimwear that no longer treats style and support as separate categories.
Are one-piece swimsuits still in style in 2026?
Yes. One-piece swimsuits are still very much in style in 2026, with everything from simple, classic designs to textured fabrics, bold prints, cut-outs and retro-inspired shapes. They’re also a practical choice if you want a little more coverage or support without giving up on style.
Are high-waisted bikinis still in style in 2026?
What colours are trending for swimwear in 2026?
Bold summer colours, ocean-inspired blues and greens, tropical shades and expressive prints are all prominent this year. Classic neutrals haven't gone anywhere, though - there's no single colour you need to wear to be on-trend.
How do I choose fashionable swimwear for a fuller bust?
The same trends apply regardless of bust size - the difference is in what to prioritise underneath. Look for accurate bra sizing, underwiring, structured cups, adjustable straps and a secure band. A professional fitting can help pin down the right size and the styles most likely to support you properly.
Can supportive swimwear still be fashionable?
Yes, modern supportive swimwear increasingly pairs bra-sized construction and structured support with the same prints, textures, colours and silhouettes seen across mainstream swimwear. Liza Clifford's supportive range is built around that combination.