The not-so-subtle bikini you’ll be seeing a lot of this summer

When it comes to bikinis, simple bandeau or triangle tops will no longer do. 

In recent years our swimwear has been subjected to many a modern modification and most have been on the risqué side – take 2018’s V-bar bikini, for example. 

For summer 2019, a new peek-a-boo design has made its way onto the scene and our Instagram feeds. Following the rise of underboob silhouettes over the past few summers, the latest swimwear style takes the trend one step further, adding an underbust strap for an elevated statement. 

Some swimwear brands have taken to the new style, starting with US label Frankies Bikinis, which launched its ribbed Cole Top (£71) in 11 different hues for spring/summer 2019. 

“The design is engineered to provide a supportive and flattering fit with uplifting underband and pull on design with thicker straps,” reads the product description. 

It’s not quite summer in the UK yet, but international fashion influencers have already taken a liking to the latest silhouette. Brittney Bowles, Director of Marketing and Ecommerce at Frankies Bikinis, says: “We can’t keep this bikini in stock”.  

Indeed, it’s not the only brand to feature the underboob strap this season. 

Kardashian favourite Fashion Nova has already released five different styles of its Euphoria Bikini (£26.70), which comes in multiple shades and silhouettes, from tube tops to strappy cropped designs. 

Some brands have added extra adornments in the form of a buckle detail, which is set to be one of the most popular swimwear embellishments of the summer.

And Boohoo, Missguided, ASOS and Motel Rocks have all included the grungy detail in their cut-out underboob bikini styles. 

The question is are you brave enough to let it all hang out poolside this summer?