Australian Women Embrace Bikini Shorts: The Rise of Modest Swimwear
In a notable shift away from the once-dominant trend of skimpy swimwear, Australian women are increasingly opting for bikini shorts, a style that offers more coverage and practicality while still maintaining a fashionable edge. This movement reflects a broader change in beach culture, where comfort and confidence are taking precedence over minimal coverage.
From G-Strings to Practicality
For years, Australian swimwear trends leaned heavily towards smaller, more revealing designs, with G-string bikinis and high-cut legs dominating the market. However, over the past 18 months, there has been a significant pivot. Women are now exploring fuller-coverage options like bikini shorts, also known as boyleg bottoms, which provide more coverage around the upper legs, buttocks, and sometimes the midriff. This shift allows for greater freedom of movement and appeals to those seeking swimwear that boosts confidence rather than exposes skin.
Rosie Brunt, a 27-year-old from the Blue Mountains, exemplifies this change. She notes that wearing bikini shorts has rekindled a sense of childlike fun and freedom at the beach, enabling activities like snorkelling, rock jumping, and even cricket. It's a departure from the pressure to conform to revealing styles, as highlighted by Harriette Beedle, 23, from Melbourne, who appreciates the modesty and cool factor of these shorts.
Growing Popularity and Market Impact
The trend is not just anecdotal; data supports its rise. Since 2023, Google searches for bikini shorts in Australia have steadily overtaken those for thong bikini, peaking in December 2025. This surge in interest has prompted most major Australian swimwear brands to incorporate bikini shorts into their collections. For instance, Camp Cove Swim reports that high-waisted bikini shorts have been their top sellers for the past two years, while Snorkelbear Swimwear saw these shorts make up 29% of total sales in a recent four-month period.
Julia Utz, head of product and marketing at Seafolly, attributes part of this popularity to the influence of activewear, particularly the rise of bike shorts as a wardrobe staple. She believes the trend is a reaction to the overexposure of Brazilian-style thongs and predicts it will continue strongly into 2026 and 2027.
Versatility and Style
Beyond practicality, bikini shorts offer versatility that resonates with modern consumers. Lauren Brodie, 35, from Wellington, New Zealand, shares how these shorts have helped her feel more comfortable at the beach with her daughter, allowing her to focus on fun rather than appearance. The ability to wear bikini shorts both in and out of the water adds to their appeal, making them a cost-effective choice in times of high living costs, as Brodie notes.
Stylistically, today's bikini shorts often feature high waists reminiscent of 1950s swimwear designs, with popular patterns including classic polka dots, gingham, and Y2K-inspired prints like bright hibiscus flowers or cheetah spots. For minimalists, options range from various shades of brown and beige to plain black, ensuring there's a style for every taste.
A Broader Shift in Swimwear
This trend towards coverage extends beyond bikini shorts. Tankinis, which cover the stomach, and other fuller-coverage swimwear options are also gaining traction. Beedle enjoys mixing and matching these pieces, noting that buying an extra pair can create multiple outfit combinations. Brunt adds that bikini shorts are far from frumpy; they are flattering and stylish, challenging outdated perceptions of modest swimwear.
In summary, the embrace of bikini shorts by Australian women marks a significant evolution in beach fashion, driven by a desire for practicality, comfort, and style. As brands continue to innovate and consumers seek versatile options, this trend is set to shape swimwear choices for years to come, offering a refreshing alternative to the once-ubiquitous revealing styles.
