Before I get into this new swimsuit trend that has me more excited than I probably should be, I must admit that the trend name is not something I can take credit for. One day, while I was drooling over Isa Boulder swimwear (one of the leaders of the pack in this trend space), I texted one of them to my friend, who replied in all caps, “This looks like a mermaid top!” My jaw dropped and quickly my research began. I knew there was something bubbling in the swimsuit world as it related to underwire bikini tops, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what exactly it was. It felt familiar yet somehow so foreign—that’s probably because those mermaids were familiar to my imagination but foreign to my closet. It all made sense.
This mermaid bikini trend is speaking mainly to the tops and cups of swimsuits. As previously mentioned, underwire swimsuits are nothing new, but the shape that we are now classifying as mermaid bikinis is. Mimicking a large shell, the underwire in this trend is overdramatized, fully cupping the breast rather than just serving as a support system.
You’ll notice as you scroll that beyond the bold underwire, mermaid bikinis can also place emphasis on the ruching within the cup. Brands like Isa Boulder and Fisch do great ruched bikini tops, but after doing some more digging, I was able to discover brands beyond the select few leaders of the pack who are offering mermaid bikinis of their own. Ahead, see some of my favorite images featuring the trend and shop some of the prettiest mermaid bikinis on the market.
I don’t know about you, but I will be re-creating this picture the second my mermaid bikini arrives in the mail.
Shop the matching Chanzy Bikini Briefs ($110).
This swimsuit trend looks just as good outside of the water, accessories included.
Shop the matching Joni High-Leg Bikini Briefs ($109).
There’s no denying the wow factor that this swimsuit trend delivers. I promise you wearing this will grant you hundreds of compliments.
Shop the matching Joni High-Cut Bikini Briefs ($97).
I know the title says mermaid “bikinis,” but the one-pieces following the trend are just as good.
Shop the matching Ellerie Bottom ($88).
Not into glitter and frills? Then fear not, because all-black mermaid bikinis do exist, and they are just as cute.
Shop the matching Chanzy Side Tie Bikini Briefs ($87).
The color on this one is something I will never get over. It’s what our industry is calling celery green, and it feels so fresh.
Shop the matching Ander Bottom ($80).
In case you haven’t noticed, there is one brand that I keep including in this story because, in my opinion, it is leading the pack in this particular trend category—Isa Boulder.
Shop the matching Joni Ruched High-Cut Bikini Briefs ($103).
A shell-inspired bikini top couldn’t be more mermaid if it tried.
Shop the matching High Waist Textured Bikini Bottoms ($136).
Shop the matching Madonna Bottom ($88).
In case you missed it, Isa Boulder bikini bottoms are just as breathtaking as the tops.
A more toned-down version of this trend that is still just as majestic. The cups on that bikini top are making me question wearing a triangle top ever again.
Shop the matching Chiara Bikini Bottom ($53).
Isa Boulder suits mixed and matched.
Shop the matching Emily Bikini Bottom ($95).
Here’s a close-up of that shell top because it’s just too perfect to not show again.
Shop the matching High Waist Shimmery Bikini Bottoms ($145).
Next up: Discover the seven bikini brands this editor will always be loyal to.
