Classic, Timeless and Always Chic—This Bikini Style Is Considered the LBD of Swimwear

This time of year is filled with anticipation for summer-specific events—the first barbecue, the first ice cream, the first Aperol Spritz. Most excitedly, the first sea swim and with it, the first outing in a bikini. There's nothing like emerging from a long and cold winter to have you trawling through your favourite fashion sites to decide the perfect set to make your beachwear debut.

This season, I've been loving Australian swimwear labels like Sommer Swim and Triangl. Both are known for abstract prints and bright colours, but I've noticed that the most prominent swimwear brands around are actually banking on this one timeless style for the summer 2025 season: a black bikini.

Indeed, the sun's appearance might have you begging to slip into a vintage-inspired gingham bikini à la Kendall Jenner—which London-based labels like nounou and Fruity Booty are excelling at— the viral rosette-adorned two-piece from SAME.

But before you get swept up in a new trend or a rainbow of colours, I'm here to tell you that your hunt for a chic bikini is simpler than you think. Like leading swimwear brands have proven, investing in a minimal black bikini is the smartest use of your swimwear budget.

First of all, black looks good on everyone. Not only that, but it also makes everyone look elegant in an effortless, “I just threw this on” kind of way. It's also easy to pair with other colours, so if you plan on tying a sarong around your waist or wearing shorts as you lounge at the pool or on the sand, you won't have any trouble matching them to your swimsuit. (This is where you can have some fun with colours and prints.)

And most importantly, a black bikini will never go out of style. Invest in the right one and you'll be pulling it out of storage for many more summers to come. With this trusty staple in your back pocket, there's no need to start your search from scratch next year.

This is something Claire Metcalf, founder and designer of heritage swimwear brand C.DESIGN, attests to. Founded in Australia's gleaming west coast in the 90s, C.DESIGN is revered for being the gold standard of black bikinis and creating the style that supermodels of the decade flocked to. With Metcalf's creations worn by the likes of Elle Macpherson and Gisele Bündchen, she explains that part of the appeal of the black bikini is that it's "modern yet classic."

"They can be worn, loved and styled in different ways as an extension of your wardrobe, she adds. "We consider the pieces as wardrobe staples and should have the versatility to wear, of course, as a swimsuit, but also as an undergarment and layered with ready-to-wear." So, like how lingerie pieces have transcended the boudoir, black swimwear is no longer mutually exclusive with the seaside.

That being said, the vast volume of black bikinis available is still overwhelming, so some searching is still required to find the one for you. Luckily for you, I've edited down the top options and selected my favourite sets on the market right now. Get ready to take the plunge and uncover the best black bikins, below.

The Best Black Bikinis of 2025

• The Best Overall Black Bikini: C.DESIGN Bikini Top, £72
• The Best High Street Black Bikini: H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top, £13
• The Best Designer Black Bikini: Toteme Smocked Recycled Bikini Top, £90
• The Best Triangle Black Bikini: ERES Les Essentiels Mouna Triangle Bikini Top, £170
• The Best Underwire Black Bikini: COS Ribbed Underwired Halterneck Bikini Top, £35

1. Hunza G

Hunza G's signature crinkle-stretch bikinis and one-pieces come in a variety of cuts and colours, but a black style is a fail-safe introduction to the brand. It's a firm favourite come summer, from the seaside to social media, the brand's wrinkle fabric is unmissable.

2. H&M

If you're on a budget, I can personally recommend H&M for high-quality yet affordable swimwear. I bought a £20 black bikini there two years ago and it's still my most reached-for set.

3. Form and Fold

If your bust is on the larger side and you struggle to find supportive bikinis on the high street, you need to know about Form and Fold. The flattering bikini tops come in cup sizes D to G—and if that wasn't impressive enough, they're also made with recycled fibres.

4. SKIMS

From full cups to triangle tops, high-waisted bottoms to thong silhouettes, all of SKIMS's bikinis come in classic black. So, whether you favour complete coverage or want to show off your sun-kissed skin, look to Kim K's size-inclusive label.

5. & Other Stories

& Other Stories delivers timeless buys every season, and this one is no different. The sizing in the swimwear department can be a little inconsistent, so it's worth trying on a couple of sizes. But once you find your fit, you'll be ready to dive into a summer by the beach.

6. Boux Avenue

Boux Avenue is another brand that's expert in constructing supportive swimwear for a range of body types. There are lots of fun styles to choose for, but there's something so elegant about its black halterneck bikinis.

7. Faithfull the Brand

Given that Faithfull the Brand is based in two of the Southern Hemisphere's most desirable coastal outposts, Bali and Sydney, it's no surprise that designing swimwear comes naturally to the label. Expect trend-led silhouettes in vibrant colourways—but if longevity is your priority, you know which shade to go with—rendered with the earth in mind, given that this B-Corp fashion brand practices sustainable design.

8. COS

Minimalist fashion lovers will already be well-acquainted with COS. For pared-back triangle bikinis and comfortable briefs, this high-street hero has got you covered.

9. ASOS Design

Another affordable option, ASOS's swimwear edit is not to be overlooked. There are hundreds to choose from, but we're particularly impressed by this supportive halter style with a plunge neckline and matching high-waisted briefs. It's chic without even trying.

10. Toteme

We're obsessed with everything Toteme does, and that includes its selection of new-season swimwear. At this time of year, anything smocked is a winner—especially when it's as sleek as this understated bikini, made from recycled fibres.

11. M&S

Regular readers will know just how much we love M&S at Who What Wear. From groceries to sensational dresses and handbags, the brand literally has everything covered. The new summer 2024 collection is stronger than ever, and the same can be said for the brand's swimwear range too.

12. Eres

Eres is well known and loved by celebs and editors a like. Offering classic swimwear that is worth investing in, the brand is a go-to for bikini that are going to go the distance. The Les Essentials top and matching bottoms comes in 16 different colours if, like me, you love it so much you buy it in two hues.

13. C.DESIGN

From training as a ballerina to her first foray into the fashion industry as a model, C.DESIGN began after Metcalf discovered her passion for crafting and creating beautiful pieces imbued with memory. Inspired by sewing pieces like her dance leotards with her grandmother in her family home as a child, C.DESIGN emerged as a vessel for technical and well-crafted swimwear that was truly timeless. "In the early 90’s [when the brand began], swimwear was very mainstream, and I wanted to push the boundaries of what [it] could be," Metcalf told me. "I was conscious of designing the most flattering form-fitting silhouette while being functional to the wearer. I also loved bold choices and in creating pieces that were fashion forward."

14. nounou Swimwear

Crafted from premium Italian jersey, UK-founded swimwear styles offer sculpting designs with vintage flair. The lingerie-like fits are finished with delicate seashell clasps that were created in collaboration with renowned jeweller Jessica McCormack.

15. Reformation

From floral day dresses to the perfect work pants and everything in-between—quite literally, we're talking about suede boat shoes, polka dot halternecks and gorgeous linen minis—Reformation is the It girl's mecca for wardrobe staples. The brand's swimwear is no exception. The pieces nod to best-selling apparel styles, like the Balia dress, but also follow the methodology that's earned them a reputation—putting elevated spins on classics.

16. Sommer Swim

A little bit sexy, a little bit noughtie—as in reference to the decade, not the behaviour—but always enviable, Sommer Swim is an Australian swimwear brand that fuses European decadence with desirable silhouettes. The pieces are made for you to stand out in. It's no surprise the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner are fans...

Why are Black Bikinis So Timeless?

Like a little black dress, ballet flats or a perfectly crafted woven leather bag, a well-made black bikini will last you a lifetime. They're truly a classic, meaning they're inconspicuous and won't bend to the whims of the trend cycle. Metcalf agrees: "I’ve handed down C.DESIGN garments that are now 30 years old to my daughters and co-directors Tia and Sienna. The garments have retained both their quality in construction and aesthetic."

What Should You Look For When Purchasing a Bikini?

There are many factors that determine a proper bikini from a poorly made one. Metcalf tells me that you should do your due diligence and always do a thorough inspection before you buy. (You can skip this step if you've shopped the brand before, however.)

"Turn the garment inside out, the construction should be as perfect on the inside as on the outside," she tells me. "We double line our garments in self-fabrication as it adds strength, durability and longevity to the garment as well as adds incredible contouring to the silhouette," Metcalf says before adding, "elastication and support should be concealed wherever possible."

Another element to consider is the material. "To ensure longevity of the garment the fabrication is key," she explains. "There’s many properties to look for in a fabric. Strong shape retention, bi-elastic, UV ray protection, chlorine resistance are all key considerations as well as comfort, of course."

"We are buying fabric from the same Italian mill that I originally sourced from in the 90’s, so we know the quality is exceptional as the garments have stood the test of time."

What Bikini Styles are Trending for Summer 2025?

This season, Metcalf notes that "classic styling with refined details" and a "fresh new palette of steel blue, ivory and navy" will be the biggest bikini trends for summer 2025. Metallics like platinum and bronze will make a comeback—who doesn't love a Y2K silver bikini top?

Mostly, there's a bigger shift in the industry towards swimwear that is more holistic. Styles that can suit and serve you every day, rather than just on a holiday. "We are also introducing a capsule that’s inspired by an active lifestyle and offers fuller support and greater versatility," Metcalf says. "We can imagine our customers wearing the pieces layered to their pilates class, before they swim laps in the pool, throwing on a cover-up to pick up the kids from school then heading out to drinks with friends." Okay, you might not be doing this all in one day, but you get the idea.

How Should You Properly Wash a Bikini?

Swimwear is a specialised garment and needs to be treated like so. "Never throw your black bikinis in the machine, tumble dryer, or use any chemicals on elastane products," Metcalf warns. "It will damage the fibres," she explains. So, what to do instead? "Swimwear needs to be hand-washed only in fresh, cold water and hung in the shade to dry," she adds.

"We also suggest trying to avoid rough surfaces that may snag fabrics as well as heavily chlorinated pools and spas, which may weaken the elasticity and discolour garments," Metcalf also notes. "If sand becomes lodged in the swimwear, wash the garment, wait until dry and gently stretch or flick the fabric to release sand."

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