The 8 Biggest Bikini Must-Haves of 2021. Where Beach Fashion Meets Function.
15/01/2021

The 8 Biggest Bikini Must-Haves of 2021. Where Beach Fashion Meets Function.

Hello Summer. With the year that was 2020 gladly in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to pick the perfect bikini and welcome in warm salty days spent under the sun in 2021.

The sun is shining, the ocean is calling… but wait! Before you pack your beach bag and strap the boards on the roof, check you’ve got to have your bikini sorted and cruise seaside in style.

This is the ultimate 2021 breakdown of bikini trends, silhouettes, colours and patterns destined to be the fashion and function hybrid you need in your swimwear collection.

So, hit the beach, the pool or paddle out in style.

1. Sunshine Blooms

The sunshine won’t be the only bright thing this season, intricate blooms in brilliant yellows and oranges, vivid colours and femme florals are set to fill the Australian coastline this summer. Then, into the mix comes vibrant pinks together with vintage blues… each Tri, Bralette, One-Piece, Rash Vest and Surf Suit marking its territory under the sun.

So, take the plunge and shine from the inside out in the latest summer bikini styles from North Shore to Desert Dawn, Marigold, In The Tropics, Leilani and more. These effervescent pieces will have you feeling alive and confident when surrounded by salt water this summer.

2. Solids

Universally flattering and irresistibly timeless, solid colour Surf Essentials will be you go-to in 2021 and beyond. If you’re looking to make a statement whist keeping it subtle; or add a little flair by mixing and matching with something a little louder – then the Surf Essentials range is for you. Think, the ‘Little Black Dress’ of bikinis... Flattering, understated and easy to wear.

Whether you’re working on your tan (with sunscreen on, of course) or working on your cross-step, this timeless collection is an absolute no brainer.

3. Retro Throwbacks

Bold stripes, standout logos, rich colours and retro florals built into flattering silhouettes fit for the surf and the sand. Make a statement with bikini styles pulled from the original Rip Curl archives, moulded with influence from California's seminal beach fashion to create the perfect compilation of swimwear for you New Year.

From the Golden Days Cheeky Coverage One Piece that combines vintage florals with a shirred bust detail, providing good support and that high leg, low back detail you were looking for.

To the Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit in warm ruby red with a screen printed stripe detailed onto a mini rib fabric and removeable padding. Don’t even try to convince us that that’s not a winner!

Go on, look back to lean forward as you dive into a sun-soaked summer with these quintessential Surf Revival throwbacks.

4. Sporty Spice – We’re talking Mirage, The Surfer’s Bikini

Sport-forward swim is on trend for 2021. Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, triathlete or just want that little bit more support in your bikinis, grab a piece from the Mirage Collection and you’ll be ticking both the fashion & function boxes this summer.

Whilst athletic inspired pieces were a trend straight off the runaway for 2021, Rip Curl has been running these surf-ready designs for years. With consistent collaboration season to season between our female design crew and our diverse team of riders we have been able to ensure your bikini will stay put in the biggest wipe-outs, without skimping on the style factor. It’s a win-win!

Whether you plan to dive into the lap pool or paddle out at Snapper, we have your back with Mirage, The Surfer’s Bikini. Designed to provide just the right level of support, coverage and fashion elements for your summer surf and swim adventures.

5. One–Pieces & Surf Suits

Flirty, flattering and in a kaleidoscope of colours and cuts. One-Piece swim styles are back, in a big way. Ten years ago, you might have been hard-pressed to find the perfect One-Piece that wasn’t designed for your Nan (sorry Nan, you still looked great!) Nowadays, the options for fashionable and flattering one-piece swimsuits are plenty… it’s near impossible to stop at just one.

With your choice between long sleeve or short sleeve, key-hole cut-outs and waist-defining belts, built in or removeable padding, stripes or spots, bold block colours or florals, retro ribbing, low backs, side ties, high-cut-leggy options or full coverage. The range of silhouettes, colours and patterns could go on and on.

So, if you're looking for a bikini that's anything but boring and easy to throw on each and every day pack one (or ten) of the options below for your next seaside escape.

How do you style this aprés-beach attire? Add a wide brim hat and flowing kimono or a classic pair of denim shorts and you’re sorted. Check out the latest Women’s Surf Threads here to create your ultimate beachside style.

6. High Waisted Bikinis

Naturally, the high-waist bikini bottom has to get a mention. Scan your eyes across the sea of bodies in the Noosa Heads line-up or perch yourself on the hill at Burleigh Heads and we guarantee there’ll be a high waisted bikini strutting her stuff everywhere you look.

From ultra-high-legs and ‘90s Miami knickers to Brazilian cuts and belted numbers. when it comes to bikinis, less is not always more. Case in point: the vast array of high-waisted options, from slightly retro briefs to high-cut, high-waisted '90s styles taking over Aussie beaches. The high waist is here, and here to stay. We love it. Our athletes love it. You will love it too…. Take your pick.

7. Keyhole cut-outs

It’s the subtle design details that will instantly elevate your beach look, a cut-out strategically placed to flatter your figure and create just the right amount of allure whilst making sure all the right bits are supported on the beach and in the surf.

Whether it’s a little cut-out at the front, at the ribs or at the back… this little design feature will take you bikinis from fab, to FAB.

These pieces are also perfect to team with a pair of denim shorts or a high waisted skirt. They’ll take you beyond the beach and to the bar, from day to night, from poolside to party.

8. Sustainable fabrics

We live and breathe the salty air, the sea breeze, feel the sand between our toes and more or less owe our everyday sanity to the sets that roll in, day-after-day. So, it makes sense that we are on a journey towards a more sustainable future. That’s where these bikini’s and boardshorts come in. Using some of Rip Curl’s best-selling styles we have started on a journey to design with sustainability in mind.

Bikini’s made from ECONYL®, 100% regenerated nylon fibre from fishing nets and other nylon waste, while still maintaining good support and the flattering silhouettes we love. Plus, boardshorts made with recycled polyester 4-way stretch fabric, turning plastic bottles from ocean foe to friend.

Look and feel great in any of these are environmentally conscious, high quality products. They’re staples in our swimwear collection and will staples in yours too.