The Swimsuit Style You Never Expected to Want but Now Need

By Sarah Wasilak

Updated on 8/17/2017 at 8:00 AM

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When the Summer 2017 Triangl lookbook landed in my inbox, I did a double take as I scrolled through the images. Was that — could that be — a velvet swimsuit? But just a few days later, the look was popping up on my Instagram feed from the likes of bloggers and style influencers everywhere. It's like the crocheted two-piece from last season, an exciting new material we never expected to flaunt poolside.

It's almost unbelievable that we can wear these designs to the beach and get them all sandy and wet and still have them maintain their quality after a wash. But you better believe swim brands are churning out functional velvet in a wide range of silhouettes, and they're quickly becoming fashion-girl must haves. Scroll to shop our favorites.

Triangl Grace Bikini

Triangl Grace Bikini

The Triangl Grace Top and Bottom set ($89) comes in a variety of bold, can't-miss colors with a classic string finish.

Triangl Astrid Bikini

Triangl Astrid Bikini

If a sports-bra-like top and high-leg cut is for you, shop the Triangl Astrid Top and Bottom ($89), also in a wide range of shades.

Frankies Bikinis Elsa Top and Bottom

Frankies Bikinis Elsa Top and Bottom

You'll love the gleaming shade of the Frankies Bikinis Elsa Top ($100) and Elsa Bottom ($85).

Asos Velvet Strappy Back Plunge Swimsuit

Asos Velvet Strappy Back Plunge Swimsuit

The sugary-pink shade of the Asos Velvet Strappy Back Plunge Swimsuit ($51) can be paired with your cutoffs after you take a dip.

H&M Crushed-Velvet Bikini

H&M Crushed-Velvet Bikini

You'll love the tangerine shade and crisscross straps of the H&M Crushed-Velvet Bikini Top ($20) and H&M Crushed-Velvet Bikini Bottoms ($15).

Roxana Salehoun Triangle Bikini

Roxana Salehoun Triangle Bikini

If you'd like to keep the velvet to a minimum, shop the Roxana Salehoun Triangle Bikini Top ($112) and Roxana Salehoun Tie-Side Bikini Briefs ($98), which limit the fabric to the strings.

Albertine Santiago Lycra & Velvet Swimsuit

Albertine Santiago Lycra & Velvet Swimsuit

The Albertine Santiago Lycra and Velvet Swimsuit ($195) is a next-level colorblock suit.

Kovey Bikini

Kovey Bikini

The midnight blue shade of the Kovey — Gili Strapless Top ($68) and Kovey — Offshore Bottom ($49) brings the look a sultry appeal.

Cassis Velvet Lace-Up Swimsuit

Cassis Velvet Lace-Up Swimsuit

Who needs a Baywatch suit when your red one-piece can come with extra texture? Shop the Cassis Velvet Lace-Up Swimsuit ($179) for the perfect option.

Adriana Degreas Velvet Halter Swimsuit

Adriana Degreas Velvet Halter Swimsuit

The silhouette of the Adriana Degreas Velvet Halter Swimsuit ($417) is eye-catching on its own. Add velvet to the mix, and you're the beach babe everybody's chatting up.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve Velvet Bikini

Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve Velvet Bikini

Lisa Marie Fernandez has upgraded its Genevieve bikini ($315) to velvet in classic black.

Albertine Georgia Velvet & Laminated Lycra Bikini

Albertine Georgia Velvet & Laminated Lycra Bikini

The Albertine Georgia Velvet and Laminated Lycra Bikini ($201) is a mixed-media dream.

Boohoo Velvet Bikini

Boohoo Velvet Bikini

The bow straps on the Boohoo Velvet Bikini Top ($18) give it a feminine touch. Complete the look with the Boohoo Velvet Bikini Bottoms ($14) and hit the beach.

Emiliano Rinaldi Net & Velvet One-Piece Halter Swimsuit

Emiliano Rinaldi Net & Velvet One-Piece Halter Swimsuit

Shop the Emiliano Rinaldi Net and Velvet One-Piece Halter Swimsuit ($311) if you want to take this trend as bold as it can go.

Karla Colletto Victoria Velvet Surplice One-Piece Swimsuit

Karla Colletto Victoria Velvet Surplice One-Piece Swimsuit

For a ballet-inspired look, pick up the Karla Colletto Victoria Velvet Surplice One-Piece Swimsuit ($393), which comes with an added wrap belt.

Trina Turk Women's Velveteen One-Piece Swimsuit

Trina Turk Women's Velveteen One-Piece Swimsuit

If sexy little details are what you're all about, then Trina Turk Women's Velveteen One-Piece Swimsuit ($160) has got your name all over it.

Sauvage Side-Lace One-Piece

Sauvage Side-Lace One-Piece

The Sauvage Side-Lace One-Piece ($202) comes in a no-brainer mermaid shade.