Summer’s Studded Bikini Trend Is Both Pretty and Punk

When you hear the words “studded bikinis,” do you instantly think Avril Lavigne, Hot Topic, Tumblr, and Warped Tour? Same, but stay with me here—the studded bikini is having a moment, and it has nothing to do with pop-punk!

Instead, the studded bikini has become a vacation go-to for noted trendsetters and jetsetters Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa, who have both been spotted in the style. But why studs, and why now? Let’s dive in… literally.

Behind the Trend

Though studded styles ebb and flow in popularity, studs themselves are timeless; adding a touch of metallic texture to your jeans, leather jacket, handbag, or heels gives them an edge without going over the top. Why wouldn’t you want to do the same on your summer swimwear, especially if you’re heading out on a weekslong Eurotrip? It’s an easy way to turn up the heat on a simple black bikini; you can add just a few studs to the top or go all-out with a fully studded cup or bottom—or both.

Studded bikinis do have a certain Y2K- or Tumbler-era esque charm; you could easily see them styled with translucent pink Dior sunglasses or worn with black denim cutoffs and Converse. (In fact, I’m pretty sure I owned one from Target’s now-defunct Xhilaration juniors line back in the day.) But they’re also super versatile and can be adapted to any personal style, including the “I summer in Saint Tropez” set and those of us who spend summer Fridays at the local pool or lake. For example, Jenner’s bikini, which she wore on a beach vacation in early 2025, was a simple triangle top and boyshort bottom in a charcoal gray shade, covered in silver studs. Lipa’s bikini, on the other hand, had more concentrated studs all over the cup, making it look almost like mermaid scales, while model Paloma Elsesser opted for just a sprinkle of studs in a cute star pattern. Studded bikinis can be ultra-glam, carefree and boho, rock ‘n roll edgy, or western chic, so why wouldn’t you want to add one to your swim rotation?

Getting the thumbs-up from Jenner and Lipa is a pretty big deal, but they’re not the only ones loving the bedazzled bikini! Tons of swimwear retailers like Diani Swim and Gimaguas are in on the trend so you, too, can slip into something studded before you hit the beach.

How to Get the Look

Tiptoe your way into the studded trend with a simple studded black bikini bottom and mix it with your favorite tops for a custom vibe. If you’re in the mood for a Dua-worthy splurge, try Hunza G’s Monica Lava Bikini, which was inspired by the brand’s 1992 campaign and feels both modern and classic, a forever bikini you can wear now and in 20 years.

Are you forever Team Teeny Bikini? Jaded London’s Silvra set is right up your alley, especially in a bright, summery white.

J. Crew’s blue studded set feels much more Cowboy Carter tour than Warped Tour. And of course, if you’re creative, you could easily DIY this with your fave bathing suit and a Bedazzler. Then style your suit with some flashy big sunglasses, lip gloss, and some SPF (duh!) and soak in the summer sun with extra sparkle.