A number of significant swimwear trends have emerged as summer has begun, both at Miami Swim Week and among fashion it-girls. This year’s poolside fashion is all about nostalgia, cutting-edge design, and functionality, and swim shorts have made a big comeback by fusing the three. A throwback to the early days of swimming, this item has frequently been a modest choice, but modern styles come in a plethora of striking pieces that demonstrate its daring, cozy adaptability. Here, we examine the swim shorts trend from the past and now, offering styling advice and a selection of contemporary options for purchase.
What Are Swim Shorts?
With a style reminiscent of your favorite pair of sports, micro, or denim shorts, swim shorts are a sort of swimwear bottom that offers more coverage. They are constructed from a sturdy fabric or blend (think nylon) that dries rapidly after a swim in the pool or ocean, just like any other swimsuit. Whether you’re looking for a new statement or want to cover up a bit more for your next beach day, you have plenty of options to test the piece because they come in a variety of designs these days, from cheeky cuts to shorts with belly control technology.
The History of Swim Shorts
Women’s swimwear has an interesting history. During the 1800s, swimwear was referred to as “bathing gowns,” since the long, woolen robes were made to float away from the body, hiding any contours. Swim shorts made their debut in the 1920s and were immediately popular despite stretching the boundaries.
Thanks to “Golden Age” screen sirens like Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall, swim shorts had become a classic style by 1946, when Louis Réard debuted the bikini, another controversial addition to the swimwear industry. In the late 1950s, companies such as Speedo replaced wool and cotton with nylon, providing the means for the body-hugging, quick-drying styles we wear today.
The Swim Shorts Trend in 2025
Swim shorts are a hot topic in the 2025 swimwear trends that span the creative spectrum. For instance, the resurgence of animal prints, from the popular leopard print to muted snakeskin patterns, has reached the pool and beach. This season, new variations on traditional black and white color schemes are also popular, and bright-colored people might embrace jewel tones like cobalt, emerald, and burgundy. It should be easy to locate something that fits your summertime mood with the wide variety of aesthetics available.
The current trend is all about accepting swim shorts as a deliberate choice, even if they originally had a transitional role in history as poolside fashion norms loosened. If you want comfort and versatility, you should think about the extra coverage. Nevertheless, the range of cuts, patterns, and unexpected accents (like belts) available today will provide the drama you desire if you’re most eager to make a statement with your water-friendly ensemble.
Related Trends
Swim skirts were popular in the early 20th century before swim shorts became a classic silhouette in the 1940s and 1950s. Modesty was still the main focus, though, and the best option was a one-piece swimsuit with a skirted bottom rather than a two-piece. This hairstyle gained notoriety as an it-girl mainstay thanks to the admiration of style icons like Audrey Hepburn.
Like everything else in fashion, swim skirts have evolved over time, and they are typically a component of a fun bikini look. They come in a variety of styles, including easy neutrals, tropical designs, and more, so you can choose from an endless number of swimwear alternatives that add flare and a little more security.
How to Style Swim Shorts
You have a wide variety of swimwear alternatives, so you can style your items however you like. Wear a bandeau top with cheeky beach shorts for a warm-weather-ready outfit that avoids tan lines. Do you need more protection? Choose swim capris—yes, the pool has adopted this trendy style of pants. Kim Kardashian has worn the look a few times with a triangle bikini top if you’ve recently seen her on vacation.
Wear a rash guard with boy short bottoms for a more functional style. Think at companies like J. Crew, which have created high-waisted, full-coverage swim shorts and a rash guard with a leopard print, before you picture something dull. The almost infinite alternatives show that security doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. Whatever beach shorts you choose, adding cover-ups, sunglasses, and bold shoes to your ensemble greatly expands your styling possibilities.
The Best Swim Shorts to Shop
There is a swimsuit out there that will add playfulness and functionality to your summer ensemble, regardless of your preferences or priorities. Here are some of our top picks for you to check out.
