As the sun-soaked Australian summer unfolds, a new trend is emerging on the beaches—bikini shorts are making a comeback, offering a refreshing alternative to the ever-shrinking swimwear styles that have dominated recent years. This shift towards more modest swimwear reflects a broader desire among women to embrace comfort and practicality while still looking stylish on the sand.
A Nostalgic Twist on Swimwear
Gone are the days when swimwear had to be minimal to be fashionable. The bikini shorts, often referred to as boyleg bottoms, are gaining traction for their mix of coverage and chicness. With their high-waisted design reminiscent of 1950s swimwear, these shorts are not just functional; they are fashionable too. Rosie Brunt, a 27-year-old from the Blue Mountains, has fully embraced this trend. “Wearing a swimming costume that’s a little bit more practical gives you that kind of childlike fun and freedom again,” she explains. This summer, she has worn her bikini shorts for everything from snorkelling to playing cricket, enjoying the versatility they provide.
Shifting Attitudes Towards Body Image
The recent embrace of bikini shorts marks a significant shift in how women perceive beachwear and body image. Traditionally, Australian swimwear has leaned towards ever-smaller styles, with G-strings and high-cut legs reigning supreme. However, over the past year and a half, a growing number of women have sought more coverage, opting for styles that allow for greater movement and comfort. Harriette Beedle, a 23-year-old from Melbourne, shares her relief at this shift: “It’s nice to move away from that pressure of feeling like you have to be in a thong when you’re at the beach. There’s no problem with a bit of modesty … it can be kind of cool.”
Interestingly, the search data backs this trend. Since 2023, Google searches for “bikini shorts” have surpassed those for “thong bikini,” with the peak occurring in December 2025. Major swimwear brands have taken note, with many now featuring bikini shorts in their collections.
Multifunctional Swimwear for Modern Lifestyles
The appeal of bikini shorts goes beyond mere aesthetics. For many, these shorts represent a practical solution in a world of rising living costs. Lauren Brodie, 35, from Wellington, reflects on her journey towards body positivity and comfort in swimwear. “It’s nice to be able to take one outfit down to the beach and go to the café afterwards looking put together and feeling comfortable,” she says. The multifunctional nature of bikini shorts allows women to transition seamlessly from the beach to social outings, making them a worthy investment.
Brodie, who has a young daughter, appreciates how the trend has enabled her to enjoy quality time in the water without self-consciousness. “She never thinks, ‘OK, what does Mum look like in the water or at the beach?’ She only cares about how well we can dive together,” she explains. The versatility of bikini shorts has also attracted backpackers and adventurers, like Beedle, who purchased her first pair for a trip around South America, valuing their dual function as swimwear and casual shorts.
Stylish Options for Every Taste
While functionality is key, today’s bikini shorts are anything but drab. They come in an array of styles, from classic polka dots to bold Y2K prints like vibrant hibiscus flowers. For those who prefer minimalism, options in muted tones or sleek black are widely available. Julia Utz, head of product and marketing at Seafolly, notes the influence of activewear on this trend, highlighting how the comfort of bike shorts has influenced swimwear design.
With brands like Camp Cove Swim reporting a surge in sales for their high-waisted styles, it’s clear that the bikini short trend is here to stay. According to Utz, “It’s almost like a reaction to the Brazilian style and the thong that everyone’s been overexposed to for the last couple of seasons.”
Why it Matters
The rise of bikini shorts signals more than just a shift in fashion; it represents a broader cultural movement towards embracing body positivity and comfort. As women increasingly seek swimwear that aligns with their lifestyles and preferences, the bikini short trend is a testament to the evolving narrative around body image and self-acceptance. By prioritising practicality without sacrificing style, these shorts are redefining what it means to feel confident at the beach, allowing women to enjoy summer with a sense of freedom and flair.
