The Victoria's Secret Show Made It Obvious Which Swimsuit Trend Will Rule 2027

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made an iconic return in October 2026 and each and every minute was perfect. While the show was full of nostalgic returns, including Barbara Palvin whose 2012 vs. 2026 photos will take you down memory lane, along with plenty of jaw-dropping moments, the runway delivered a definitive forecast for what swimsuit trend will rule 2027. If you were expecting to see the usual sheer sarongs, crochet dresses, or breezy linen button downs when it came to cover-ups, you were probably left feeling a little surprised. Instead of soft, predictable layers, the runway ushered in the era of hardware resort wear.

Supermodels strutted down the runway in gorgeous bikinis layered under tactile, structural micro-skirts, two- and one-piece hardware sets crafted from oversized resin links, crystal-encrusted chainmail, and heavy metallic fringe. While Candace Swanepoel showed off her toned physique in an architectural, resin-link set over a seafoam bikini, Yasmin Wijnaldum took to the stage in an intricate, silver chainmail lattice crop top adorned with hanging letter charms that spelled out ANGEL over an asymmetrical fringed skirt.

The 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show proved that the hottest swimsuit trend of 2027 is going to be about treating swimwear cover-ups as full body jewelry. And the vision isn't hard to see. The way the sun will catch the high-shine metallic links, crystal fringes, and polished resin rings turns a simple swimsuit moment into a glimmering statement beach look. 

If you've already got beach vacations planned for next year and consider yourself a trend-conscious person, you might want to skip the standard mesh sarongs and basic linen button-downs. The runway has laid out a clear blueprint for taking your poolside wardrobe into dazzling territory. Of course, that doesn't mean you have to drape yourself in cold, heavy metal from head-to-toe just to hop on the trend.

If you're feeling bold and ready to go all in on the jewelry cover-up vibe, you can opt for something like the Sequin Metallic Bikini Crop Top, but for most resort vacations, starting small is the easiest way to make the look feel effortless. After all, translating a runway look into real life is all about balance. Wearing hardware as a full outfit or even a micro-skirt will feel a bit much for lounging by the pool. 

So, instead of wearing an entire architectural piece, focus on wearable hardware accents and lightweight, light-reflecting layers that can give you the same shiny glamour. Opt for a waist chain with a star shape like the O-Ring Adjustable Waist Chain or a delicate gold body chain accented with faux pearls like the Pearl-Embellished Gold Harness Chain draped over a simple triangle top. Just like the Victoria's Secret Angels showed us, it's all about catching the light.