Summer’s hottest swimwear trend is straight out of the early 2000s.
Whether posing poolside or soaking up sun by the shore, stars are reaching for skimpy suits made from soft velour — yes, as in the same stuff Juicy Couture uses for its signature tracksuits.
And in the grand tradition of all swim fads — underboob bikini, anyone? — we can thank the Kardashian-Jenner crew from jump-starting the luxurious look.
Way back in November, eldest sister Kourtney heralded the rise of velvety bikinis when she went for a dip in a plunging nude bra ($42) and thong ($26) from sibling Kim’s Skims brand; Kim would later put her own spin on the style in With Jéan’s latte-hued bikini top ($79) and bottom ($69).
The Poosh founder doubled down on the trend in January by posing in a sunny yellow string style from Bikini Lovers ($90.75), while Kendall and Kylie Jenner unveiled a whole range of velvet suits as part of their collection for Pacsun.
Bella Hadid was the next to hop on the buttery-soft bandwagon, hitting the beach in a vintage brown velour tankini adorned with a bedazzled Playboy logo in April.
And most recently, model Winnie Harlow sizzled on Instagram in a “sea breeze blue” two-piece ($99) from celebrity-loved label Triangl, proving these aughts-inspired swim styles are here to stay — for now, at least.
It’s simple to see why stars would gravitate toward the throwback fabric for their summertime activities; in addition to its rich and retro feel, it creates a shimmering, dimensional effect under sunlight, making it ideal for sexy Instagram snaps.
And for those struggling to trade their sweats for swimwear as social distancing measures relax and beach season approaches, perhaps you could consider these snuggly-feeling suits a compromise.
Frankies Bikinis Veronica Velvet Triangle Bikini Top ($85)
Frankies Bikinis Veronica Velvet String Bikini Bottom ($85)
Kendall & Kylie Black Velvet Jaye Channel Bikini Top ($26.95)
Kendall & Kylie Black Velvet Jay High Cut Bikini Bottom ($24.95)
Asos Design Velvet Knot Bandeau Bikini Top ($26)
Asos Design Velvet Knot Hipster Bikini Bottom ($23)
Triangl Vinca Velvet Bikini ($99)
Dippin Daisy Eco Velvet Festival Cropped Bikini Top ($42)
Dippin Daisy Eco Velvet Ultra Bikini Bottom ($42)
