6 New Bikini Trends I Can Only Really Describe as Shocking

Micro bikinis are dominating this summer. See all the new bikini trends we're seeing more and more of right now, and shop each one.

6 New Bikini Trends I Can Only Really Describe as Shocking

At this point in the season, we've pretty much been sticking to a uniform that involves bikinis, denim shorts, sandals, and little else. Typically, there's only one objective during these summer weekends, and that's to get as much sun as possible, wearing one of the barely there bikinis that are designed to maximize sun exposure and minimize tan lines. But if you thought settling for a plain triangle bikini was good enough, you thought wrong. Instead, we've noticed a new crop of barely there bikini trends on the rise—and these styles are so minimal they're shocking.

Like most controversial swimsuit trends, celebrities and fashion girls are leading the pack here. We've spotted them in bikinis that are redefining what "barely there" even means and some that are straight-up optical illusions. I might be slightly shook at the thought of donning any of these styles, but I can't deny how fire following 'grams are. To see these six new daring bikini trends and how they're worn, simply keep scrolling.

Floss Straps

Exactly as the name suggests, "floss" bikinis feature super-thin straps for a barely-there look that's also great if you're trying to minimize your tan lines, but be warned: These are definitely on the minimal side when it comes to coverage.

Cult Gaia Sloane Embellished Triangle Bikini Top ($149)

Mango Strap Side Bikini Bottom ($30)

H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top ($18)

Loincloth-esque

Next up, we have the loincloth bikini trend. Featuring ruched or scrunched-up material, this skin-baring trend seems to be really taking off this summer. Color me a little shocked to see dozens of trendsetters sporting the look and even more surprised at myself for wanting to try it.

Isa Boulder Joni High-Leg Bikini Briefs ($103)

Danielle Guizio Leopard String Bikini Bottom in Green ~~( $89)~~ $63

Frankies Bikinis Tia Bottom in Fuchsia ($80)

Clear Straps

Pretty sure this one speaks for itself, but I'll spell it out in case anything's not clear. (See what I did there?) Transparent and see-through straps are the ultimate trompe l'oeil, giving off the illusion that nothing is there.

Superdown Porsha Bikini Top in Pink ($50)

Xhonp Transparent Straps Thong Triangle Bikini Set ($23)

Ultra High-Cut

With a healthy dose of nostalgia, we're seeing the return of ultra-high-cut swimsuits that give a nod to retro style. Cool as they may be, I'd be lying if I said that I'm used to baring that much skin above my hips. Maybe it's just me, though!

Myra Elle Swimsuit ~~( $110)~~ $66

Dixperfect Belted One Piece ($18)

Rudi Gernreich The Original Thong Halterneck Swimsuit ~~( $265)~~ $177

Cutout Bandeau

Another inventive way to wear the barely there swim trend right now is via cutout bandeau tops. Whether cut out in the middle or underneath to highlight a little underboob action, this trend is quickly gaining steam.

Mikoh Sunset Bandeau Bikini Top ($112)

L*Space Kelli Bikini Top in Lilac & Mango ($99)

Zaful Strapless Ribbed Cutout Bandeau Bikini ($22)

Micro Thong Bottoms

Thong bikinis have been on the rise since last summer, and now they're a full-blown trend. As in, they're no longer only popular with a select group of fashion girls—they're everywhere.