Last summer, beaded bags and jewelry reigned supreme, defining the season with a wave of playful, kidcore-inspired accessories. That maximalist energy is holding strong for a second summer in a row, but the ongoing love of all things beaded — from statement necklaces to anklets and shoulder bags — is making its way into swimwear.

Beach and poolside accessories have been having all the fun lately, with the return of oversize sunglasses, colorful jelly flip-flop collaborations and larger-than-life beach totes. Now, beaded swimsuits are joining the mix, bringing a dose of expressive, colorful energy to vacation wardrobes after seasons dominated by minimalist swimwear.

From charm-detailed string bikinis to embellished one-pieces, swimwear is tapping into the beaded trend to inject more personality into resortwear. Rachel Guerrero, founder of Aja Swim, said a new era of swimwear is emerging — one that gives way to “a desire for expression, texture, and artisanal craftsmanship.” As a result, she said, designers are “embracing tactile details like handcrafted beadwork, shells, and metallic accents to give collections a sense of unique intentionality. Beading, in particular, infuses swimwear with a romantic, high-end feel, introducing texture and fluid movement to classic silhouettes.”

“Today’s consumer is looking for an emotional connection to their wardrobe — craving the romance of travel, coastal glamour, and pieces that feel thoughtfully curated rather than mass-produced,” Guerrero said. “Beaded swimwear meets this demand perfectly, effortlessly elevating a classic bikini into a sophisticated fashion statement.”

That sentiment is increasingly showing up on the runways and in resort collections. Staud, which helped catapult the beaded bag trend to cult status with its colorful, tongue-in-cheek shoulder bags — think tropical motifs, sardines, and even hot dogs — is extending its signature whimsy into swimwear. The brand’s beaded bikinis and one-pieces stay relatively streamlined in silhouette, but are adorned with playful rainbow beads strung along straps and ties, translating its accessory language into a new category.

Designers across the market are following suit, leaning into embellishment as a way to differentiate and add personality in a crowded swimwear space. Whether through hand-applied beadwork or colorful beaded ties, the emphasis is increasingly on individuality — details that bring a sense of play back to summer dressing.

As the beaded trend continues its evolution from accessories to apparel, summer 2026 is shaping up to be the season of the beaded swimsuit.

Shop Summer’s Beaded Swimsuit Trend