Enough with the Barely-There Bikinis: Australian Women Embrace a New Beach Trend
Remember those carefree days of childhood, splashing in the waves without a care about tan lines? For many women, the beach experience shifted during adolescence, becoming more about perfecting the perfect tan than enjoying the water. But a surprising trend is emerging, one that’s challenging the reign of the skimpy bikini: the rise of the bikini short.
Take Rosie Brunt, a 27-year-old from the Blue Mountains. She vividly recalls her teenage years spent lounging on the sand, meticulously adjusting her bikini top for an even tan. But lately, she’s rediscovered the joy of diving into the ocean, and with that, she’s embraced the practicality and freedom of bikini shorts. “It’s like reclaiming that childhood sense of fun,” she says. This summer, her bikini shorts have been her go-to for everything from snorkeling and rock jumping to bike rides and cricket matches.
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about modesty. While the shift towards more coverage is undeniable, it’s also about functionality and versatility.
For years, Australian swimwear trends have favored the minuscule – high-cut legs and G-string bottoms reigned supreme. But over the past 18 months, a quiet revolution has been brewing. Women are increasingly opting for styles like bikini shorts (also known as boyleg bottoms), which offer more coverage around the upper leg, buttocks, and sometimes even the midriff. This shift isn’t about hiding; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable while being active.
“It’s liberating to not feel pressured to wear a thong at the beach,” says Harriette Beedle, a 23-year-old from Melbourne. “There’s nothing wrong with a bit of modesty, and it can actually be pretty cool.”
The numbers don’t lie. Since 2023, Google searches in Australia for “bikini shorts” have steadily surpassed those for “thong bikini,” with searches peaking in December 2025. This surge in popularity has prompted major Australian swimwear brands to jump on the bandwagon, offering their own stylish takes on the trend.
Across the Tasman Sea, this shift feels particularly significant. For Lauren Brodie, a 35-year-old from Wellington, the only cover-up options available during her youth were baggy board shorts. Brodie, who has had a complex relationship with her body and the beach, finds the growing availability of bikini shorts and fuller-coverage options empowering. “Now I can actually enjoy swimming with my daughter without worrying about how I look,” she says. “She just cares about how well we can dive together.”
But here's where it gets controversial: Are bikini shorts a step backwards, a return to a more conservative era, or a progressive move towards body positivity and individual choice?
The versatility of bikini shorts is another major draw. Unlike their skimpier counterparts, they can seamlessly transition from beach to cafe, eliminating the need for multiple outfit changes. “It’s a great way to save money and time,” Brodie points out, a sentiment that resonates in today’s high cost of living climate.
And let’s not forget style. Today’s bikini shorts are far from frumpy. High-waisted styles, reminiscent of 1950s glamour, are all the rage, often featuring classic prints like polka dots and gingham. For those who prefer a bolder look, Y2K-inspired prints like vibrant hibiscus flowers and cheetah spots are making a splash. Minimalists can opt for earthy tones like brown and beige, or classic black.
The influence of activewear cannot be overstated. Bike shorts, a staple in many wardrobes, have paved the way for the acceptance of this trend, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritizing comfort and the “big shirt little pants” silhouette popularized on TikTok.
Brands are taking notice. Katherine Hampton, founder of Camp Cove Swim, reports that high-waisted bikini shorts have been their top sellers for the past two years. Snorkelbear Swimwear echoes this success, with bikini shorts accounting for 29% of their total sales in the past four months. Even Raq Apparel, initially planning a limited release of their “boyshort” style, has been forced to make it a core part of their collection due to overwhelming demand.
Julia Utz, head of product and marketing at Seafolly, predicts this trend is here to stay. “It’s almost like a reaction to the overexposure of the Brazilian style and thong bikinis we’ve seen in recent seasons,” she observes.
The desire for more coverage extends beyond bikini bottoms. Tankinis, which cover the stomach, and other fuller-coverage options are also gaining traction. Beedle loves the mix-and-match potential: “You buy an extra pair of bikini shorts and suddenly you have six different outfit combinations – it’s awesome!”
Brunt agrees. “It’s not about looking frumpy,” she emphasizes. “It’s about feeling confident and looking good while having fun.”
So, what do you think? Is the rise of the bikini short a welcome change or a step backwards? Let us know in the comments below!
