Of the seven swimwear trends that defined summer 2014 (crochet, macramé, nautical stripes, neon, cut-outs, bustiers and fringe), crochet and bold color are the ones still showing up in 2026 previews. Cut-outs are contested, and fringe now lives mostly on cover-ups.
| 2014 trend | Status in 2026 (from fashion and retail previews) |
|---|---|
| Crochet | Back and strong, with a boho-artisan look |
| Macramé | Faded as a headline trend; knotted details survive |
| Nautical stripes | Evergreen, never fully gone |
| Neon | Bold color is a main theme; neon shades appear in fabrics |
| Cut-outs | Previews disagree; some retailers push them, others say color and pattern lead |
| Bustiers | Structured bustlines and square necklines are listed as trends |
| Fringe | Mostly on pareos and cover-ups |
The seven swimwear trends of summer 2014
Summer was closer day by day, and the beach season started with the runway puzzle of staying on trend while finding a suit that fits. These were the seven answers designers gave in 2014, each with a note on where it stands now.
Crochet
Crochet was a fashion come-back in 2014, a hit around 30 years earlier and in again. Designers used it to bring a chic bohemian element to swimsuits. In 2026 it is one of the strongest signals in swim previews, now sold as an artisan, boho-chic look.
Macramé
Few people expected knotted macramé to be fashion, yet the 2014 swim collections built it in as detail. It did not become a lasting category, but knot and tie details are still easy to find.
Nautical swimsuits
For a classy vintage look, nautical was the pick: sailor-chic stripes on the runways, in a one-piece or a two-piece, as long as the shades were red and navy. Stripes remain one of the few swimwear patterns that never leaves.
Neon colors
Citrus yellow, neon green and electric pink were the shades that made a summer tan stand out. Bold color is once more a main theme in 2026 previews, including electric blues and neon hues in crochet and metallic fabrics.
Cut-outs
Cut-outs gave a subtle, mysterious look, and even Victoria’s Secret angels wore them in 2014. For 2026 the sources disagree: some retailers list one-pieces with cut-outs and asymmetrical necklines as a trend, while others say this summer is more about color and pattern than skin-baring shapes.
Bustiers
The bustier offered more support with an accentuated bust line, and worked at the beach or with shorts or a colorful skirt. Its descendants today are structured bustlines and square-neck tops, which previews list among the sleekest 2026 shapes.
Fringes
The last 2014 trend was fringe, in bigger and bolder designs on bra tops and bikinis. Today fringe shows up mainly on cover-ups, such as fringed pareos, rather than on the suit itself.
What else defines swimwear in 2026
Two shapes recur in 2026 previews: high-waisted bikini bottoms, which keep dominating, and triangle tops, which are returning. Plaids, polka dots and a maximalist color palette are also named. These are retail and fashion previews, many of them commercial, so treat them as a direction, not a verdict.
FAQ
What were the top swimwear trends in summer 2014?
Crochet, macramé, nautical stripes, neon colors, cut-outs, bustiers and fringe.
Which 2014 swimwear trends are back in 2026?
Crochet and bold color are the most consistent comebacks in 2026 previews, and structured bustlines also appear.
Are cut-out swimsuits still in style?
Sources disagree for 2026. Some retailers list cut-out one-pieces as a trend while others say color and pattern lead this year.
Is fringe still used in swimwear?
Mostly on cover-ups and pareos rather than on the swimsuit itself.
Which bikini shapes dominate in 2026?
Previews point to high-waisted bottoms, triangle tops and square-neck tops.
Last updated: October 2026.
