Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber: this low-cut 80s swimsuit will be everywhere this summer
This summer of 2026, a trend from the past takes to the sand with unexpected force. The scalloped swimsuit is back in the spotlight, worn by influential personalities and figure-transforming cuts. But where does this craze really come from, and why is it so seductive today?
Back to basics: the 80s as a starting point
It all began in the 80s, when swimwear fashion took on a new dimension. Stéphanie de Monaco shook things up by launching her own line of swimwear, with sporty cuts worn high on the hips and a sparkling color palette.
Across the Atlantic, it was Malibu Alert that firmly established the scalloped aesthetic in the collective imagination. The series became the most watched in the world, with a billion viewers a week. Its sun-drenched settings and sculpted actors created emulators far beyond American borders.
At the heart of this phenomenon, Pamela Anderson played one of the leading roles. Her red bikini, with its plunging neckline and infinitely leg-lengthening slits, immediately became iconic. As a result, this brightly-colored, high-cut combo became part of fashion’s collective memory.
Why does the scalloped cut elongate the silhouette?
The answer lies in the geometry of the cut. Rising high above the hips, the notch creates a visual line that stretches the leg downwards. It also draws the eye to the waist, naturally refining the silhouette.
So it’s no coincidence that this cut is back every decade. It flatters most body types without any particular effort. And yet, its success isn’t based on optical effect alone: there’s also an element of nostalgia and boldness.
“Plunging neckline, leg-lengthening indentations and bright red color: the right combo to make this an instantly iconic swimsuit.”
The personalities who will set the trend in 2026
Today, bikinis with pronounced indentations are seducing the likes of Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Their influence on swimwear trends is direct and immediate. And their adoption of this cut clearly heralds its domination of beaches this summer.
These figures of style don’t choose this cut by chance. They see it as a way of asserting a casual elegance, far removed from the overly wise trends. On the other hand, they also play on contrasts: graphic prints, ornaments or unexpected materials.
The trend is not limited to a single style. It can be found in a wide range of universes, from the luxurious to the accessible, which partly explains its widespread success this season.
The top models in selection 2026
Among the most talked-about pieces are proposals for all budgets. Designers like The Attico opt for a striking zebra print, while Jacquemus signs a triangle bikini in a very candy pink. What’s more, Oséree offers an embellished version that plays the glamour card.
On the more affordable side, H&M offers a studded triangle bikini from €14.99 a piece. Mango follows with a studded bikini top starting at €29.99. So the trend really is for everyone.
- The Attico – Quick-drying zebra print bikini, available on Net-a-Porter at €350
- Jacquemus – Pink Triangle Bikini, top €170 and bottoms €150 on The Double F
- Oséree – Lumière embellished bikini €350 on Mytheresa
- Hunza G x Burberry – Tyler Burberry Check Bikini €395 on Mytheresa
- H&M – Studded triangle bikini, top and bottom at €14.99 each
How to choose your cutaway bikini according to your style
For those who love prints, The Attico ‘s zebra model or Faithfull ‘s polka dots add character. Minimalist fans, meanwhile, will turn toArket‘s crumpled bikini, available from €25. But the most important thing is to choose a cut that rises well above the hips to take advantage of the lengthening effect.
For a more luxurious look, pieces adorned with pearls, such as the Oceanus Coral Star bikini at €315 or the Jade Swim Via model at €95, add a precious dimension to beachwear. Also, the Burberry x Hunza G collaboration offers an iconic plaid version that blends British heritage with a modern beachwear cut.
For intermediate budgets, Lido ‘s Undici bikini from €200 and Casa Rosa ‘s Camilla swimsuit from €75 offer a good balance between quality and price. Calzedonia also offers its Golden Glow triangle swimsuit from €25 for a trendy iridescent version.
So, whatever your budget, there’s a version of this cut to suit every taste. The selection includes 22 models covering a wide spectrum, from entry-level to high-end ready-to-wear. From now on, the notch cut is no longer reserved for the elite: it belongs to all those who wish to adopt it this summer 2026.
