Come summer, the style set is divided into bikini enthusiasts and swimsuit devotees. While some prefer the flirtatious aesthetic of the ever-cheeky bikini (thong silhouettes remain a highly contested topic here), others opt for something a touch more modest.
Now, a new subsection of swimwear is emerging from the waves - and it’s the perfect middle ground for the as yet undecided. Cut-out swimsuits make for a modish marriage of sensual glam and just enough coverage, and were recently championed by the one and only Kylie Jenner.
The star made a case for the cut-out swimsuit while wrapping up her Coachella antics, taking to social media to share her latest beach-ready look. Hailing from Gucci’s spring/summer 2010 collection, the piece was an archival dream - complete with a sleek khaki hue and striking silver hardware across the chest.
The Khy founder isn’t the only A-lister to give the look a celebrity seal of approval. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley recently joined forces with ViX Paula Hermanny to curate an ethereal swimwear collection defined by sculptural cut-outs - the ultimate confidence-boosting uniform for summer.
Kylie Jenner championed cut-out swimsuit designs in Gucci SS10
Likewise, leading swimwear brands such as Missoni, Oceanus and Hunza G have adopted the barely-there silhouette in time for SS26. Gucci even rehashed its Jenner-approved onepiece, offering up both asymmetrical monogrammed options and horsebit-adorned must-haves.
Take a leaf out of the celebrity style bible and discover the hottest cut-out swimsuits to shop now. Trust us, it's worth the dodgy tan lines.
Best cut-out swimsuits to shop now:
Horsebit-Embellished Halterneck Swimsuit
Gucci
Gucci's undeniably sexy cut-out swimsuit is an ode to 90s style. Featuring a rich blue colourway and the brand's iconic horsebit detailing, this designer gem is a true investment piece.
Matte Leone Kieza One Piece
Vix Paula Hermanny
Featuring a sleek olive green hue, a strapless design and a beautifully tapered front, this onepiece is a lesson in beach-ready romance.
Sole Swimsuit
Maygel Coronel
Charm in chocolate courtesy of Maygel Coronel. The label's dreamy Sole Swimsuit is crafted in Colombia and finished with a slinky stretch fabric, a keyhole cut-out and whimsical rose appliqué.
Jerry Swimsuit
Hunza G
Hunza G is a staple among swimwear enthusiasts. Showcasing the brand's signature crinkled texture, this strapless stunner is primed for chic poolside lounging.
Mare One-Shoulder Swimsuit
Missoni
It isn't summer without Missoni. The Italian house is brimming with cool-girl designer treasures, including this one-shouldered piece crafted from crocheted fabric and flecked with dazzling metallics.
Pierced Orbit Swimsuit
Christopher Esber
Amp up the glam with a helping hand from Christopher Esber. Available in a range of elegant colourways and topped off with glitzy gold hardware, this summer jewel is set to turn heads.
Bindi Swimsuit
Simkhai
Radiate St Tropez glamour in Simkhai's striking Bindi Swimsuit, boasting a crisp white hue, sensual wrap detailing and a gold hardware - perfect for complementing your skin's deepening golden glow.
One Shoulder One Piece
Seafolly
Take it from the Aussies, cut-outs are here to stay. Hailing from Seafolly, this timeless onepiece boasts a streamlined fit and removable cups for ample support. Plus, it's crafted from 80 per cent recycled materials - sustainable and stylish in equal measure.
Padded-Cup High Leg One-Shoulder Swimsuit
H&M
Channel your inner tigress with H&M's affordable one-shouldered swimsuit. We'd pair ours with chunky gold jewels, flatform sandals and a frozen strawberry daiquiri.
Cutout Swimsuit
Johanna Ortiz
Shimmer in the sunshine while sporting Johanna Ortiz' beglittered, rust-toned onepiece. Another standout brand hailing from Colombia, the label is ideal for those who prioritise craftsmanship and endlessly chic design.
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