Say goodbye to the polka-dot bikini: this trendy swimsuit from the 2000s is making a big comeback and is already flying off the shelves
This summer’s 2026 swimwear trend isn’t what you’d expect. As beaches get ready to welcome vacationers, an unexpected piece is taking over stores and social media—so much so that it’s selling out. This season, nostalgia for the 2000s is setting the tone for beachwear fashion.
The polka-dot bikini is giving way to a new trend
Last summer, polka-dot swimsuits took over the beaches. Inspired by retro icons from the 1950s and 1960s, they had established themselves as summer wardrobe staples, spotted on stars like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber. However, fashion moves fast, and a new style is already starting to steal the spotlight.
This year, the trendy swimsuit everyone’s talking about is the studded bikini, also known as the “studs” bikini. A blend of rock ’n’ roll and Y2K glamour, this two-piece, embellished with small silver metal studs, instantly adds character to any beach look. The studs accentuate the straps, the cups, and even the sides of the bottoms.
The result is a bold look that’s sure to turn heads, whether on the beach or by the pool. This style is as appealing for its daring design as it is for its ability to transform an ordinary beach outfit into a true fashion statement.
“Combining rock-and-roll spirit with the glamour of the 2000s, this style instantly adds character to a beach look.”
Roots dating back to the 1990s
While this trendy swimsuit may seem ultra-modern in 2026, its origins actually date back several decades. As early as the 1990s, metallic details began making their way onto the runways of the biggest luxury fashion houses. In 1994, Karl Lagerfeld made a lasting impression with his Spring/Summer 1995 collection for Chanel, in which ultra-high-cut swimsuits and metallic accents took center stage.
A few years later, in the early 2000s, this aesthetic took the world by storm. It was inspired in particular by the styles of Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera—three iconic figures of that era. Moreover, these styles became a symbol of confident femininity and uninhibited glamour.
Celebrities Who Revived the Trend
More than twenty years after their heyday, these studded bikinis are back in the spotlight. This comeback is fueled by a wave of nostalgia that’s bringing all the iconic trends of the 2000s back into the limelight. As a result, this swimwear piece is resonating immediately with the new generation of fashionistas.
It was, however, celebrities who really spurred this comeback. In recent months, several international stars have been spotted wearing bikinis adorned with metallic details. Among them, Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner top the list, confirming the studded bikini’s status as a must-have item.
The craze has now reached such a fever pitch that certain styles are already sold out at several brands. This trend confirms that the trendy swimsuit of summer 2026 will not just be a runway novelty, but a staple of everyday beachwear.
- The studded bikini, also known as the “studs” bikini, is the top beachwear trend for summer 2026.
- Silver metal studs adorn the straps, cups, or sides of the swimsuits.
- Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner were spotted wearing bikinis with metallic details.
- Karl Lagerfeld had already incorporated metallic accents into his Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 collection.
- Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera helped popularize this aesthetic in the early 2000s.
Models available at several retailers
Good news: this trendy swimsuit is affordable for every budget. At Undiz, a triangle bikini top with studded embellishments is available for €19.99. At Boohoo, a complete studded triangle bikini set is available for €34. Stradivarius, meanwhile, offers an ecru bikini with oversized studs for €22.99.
So, there’s no need to splurge on a luxury piece to embrace this trend. These three brands offer a variety of options—from understated styles to bolder bikinis—to suit every taste. That said, it’s best not to wait too long: several brands are already reporting that items are sold out.
How to Wear a Studded Bikini This Summer
This trendy swimsuit is perfect for both the beach and the pool. Whether subtle or more eye-catching—depending on the style you choose—the metal studs flatter every body type and complement every style. Plus, this type of detail pairs perfectly with a solid-color sarong or denim shorts to carry the look beyond the water.
For a rock-inspired look, go for a style with bold studs and a classic triangle cut. For a more understated version, however, delicate studs on the straps are enough to add that Y2K touch without going overboard. Either way, the result is instantly stylish and perfectly on-trend.
This trendy new summer swimsuit proves, once again, that beachwear knows how to reinvent itself. The nostalgia for the 2000s continues to make its presence felt on the beaches, and the studded bikini is one of the most striking symbols of summer 2026.
