What do you get when you cross Julia Roberts’ 1990s hit movie Pretty Woman, with popcorn?
The perfect girls night in combo? Maybe. But it's also the formula that spearheaded one of the most flattering swimwear trends of the moment: the popcorn swimsuit.
What is a popcorn swimsuit?
Every fashionista, from A-listers to influencers, has added a crinkle-effect (often referred to as 'popcorn' material) one-piece or bikini into their holiday wardrobe, and the pioneering label behind the trend's popularity surge is Hunza G.
© Getty'Hunza', as the brand was then known, gained notoriety among the fashion set in the 1990s for its signature crinkle-effect pieces, including the iconic white and blue cut-out dress that Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman.
But it rose to Instagram It-girl fame when Georgiana Huddart became creative director in 2015, added the 'G' and successfully rebranded the label into a 21st century influencer favourite.
How we chose:
- Style: Popcorn swimsuits have a distinctive look, and all of the pieces chosen have the uneven, crinkled texture.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a popcorn swimsuit in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high street brands to luxe designer labels.
- Flattering fit: Everybody has different body types and swimwear preferences, be it thick straps, cup padding or tummy control. We've chosen pieces with features that will appeal to a range of different tastes.
Hello! Fashion shares the best pieces of popcorn, crinkled and textured swimsuits to shop now:
Best Popcorn Swimsuits
Textured Bow Tie Swimsuit
Wear with...
A raffia wide-brimmed and knotted leather slides.
Cut from a flattering, stretch-infused polyester, this piece by & Other Stories is an excellent high street option. The silhouette is decidedly simple, and yet the bow straps are simultaneously pretty, and bang on trend for SS24.
Yasmeen One-Shoulder Seersucker Swimsuit
Hunza G x Rose Inc
Wear with...
Cream leather flip flops and a dainty shell necklace.
Every It-girl covets a chic Hunza G one-piece, and this season we're eyeing up its one-shoulder 'Yasmeen' design. The muted coral shade feels soft and summery, and would look gorgeous against a radiant tan.
Crinkle Scoop Back Swimsuit
Topshop
Wear with...
Black platform mules and dark, round shades.
If you're into your brights, this cobalt blue one-piece by Topshop is punchy and vibrant in equal parts. The low-scoop back is also super handy if you want to eliminate those pesky tan lines.
The Backless One Piece Swimsuit
Wear with...
Clear platform mules and a multi-coloured, beaded necklace for major Barbie vibes.
Looking to make a poolside statement? Pink is your ideal colour companion, and this swimsuit by boho-centric Free People is a great choice. It is even fitted with a built-in bra for extra comfort.
Fuller Bust Scallop Scoop Back Swimsuit in Denim Blue Crinkle
Peek and Beau
Wear with...
Cream heeled espadrilles and a floaty, semi-sheer kaftan.
Affordable swimwear label Peek and Beau has fit and comfort at its core. Designed with the fuller bust in mind, the neckline features pretty scalloped edging and I love the dusty lilac hue.
Davina Swimsuit
Wear with...
A black wide-brimmed hat and statement gold earrings.
Immeasurably chic, this one-shoulder swimsuit by Alexandra Miro has a slightly retro air. The colour-coordinated belt cinches in the waist but in a subtle manner, working to create a sense of shape without detracting from the overall effect.
Red Crinkle Bandeau Bikini Top and Bottoms
Wear with...
A slouchy crochet tote and platform slides.
Cut from a flattering stretch-infused polyester blend, this two-piece by River Island won't break the bank, and it has an air of Mediterranean romance. Style with beachy waves and an out-of-office attitude.
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
