The cooler weather is here, and that means a season ahead of sunshine, beaches and pool days. Injecting a dose of much-needed playfulness into the season, here are 14 colourful swimsuits and bikinis that are perfect for 2023.

Second Summer, Peggy high-waisted bikini in tomato red

Buy now: High-waisted bottoms, AED570; bikini top, AED735; secondsummerlabel.me

Founded by some of the UAE’s most stylish women, homegrown Second Summer Label has become the go-to for laid-back, timeless, year-round summer pieces, bringing wearers straight to summers in Ibiza with floating linens, neutrals and bold colours and prints. This high-waisted bikini in tomato red both head-turning and flattering, with a gathered one-shoulder details, removable pads for comfort and support and UV protection.

Zara, Strapless swimsuit with ruffles

Buy now: AED189, zara.com

This purple off-the-shoulder swimsuit is as eye-catching as it is affordable. A bandeau top and matching ruffles on the chest make it a statement piece for the season.

Giambattista Valli, frilled one-shoulder swimsuit

Buy now: AED1,830 (now AED1,046); matchesfashion.com

This fuchsia pink swimsuit forms part of Matches’ exclusive seven-piece capsule collection with Giambattista Valli, designed to represent the brand’s eclectic and colourful universe. Ruffles add a playful touch to the structured and flattering cut, with the wearer guaranteed to stand out on the beach or around the water. Pair with a sarong, skirt or trousers and you’ve got a stylish lunch or dinner look, too.

Zara, Bandeau swimsuit with bead

Buy now: AED189; ounass.ae

Featuring a bead appliqué detail, this striking hue is bold yet flattering, while the straight cut-out neckline, exposed shoulders, and ruched, high-waisted bottoms create a cinched silhouette.

Bomo Swim, Allure bikini

Buy now: Allure top, AED475; Allure bottom, AED435; bomoswim.com

Born in the UK, proudly Nigerian Bomo Swim offers chic and sustainable pieces that celebrate the vibrance of founder Buky Ogunlaja’s cultural heritage. The collections feature rich hues, bold designs and striking silhouettes – a nod to the African continent – and are the perfect addition to add some panache to your swimsuit collection this summer. Coming in seductive red, the Allure bikini has a high-cut leg bottom and structured zip-front top that moulds and sculpts.

Lisa Marie Fernandez, Maria stretch-crepe swimsuit

Buy now: AED2,335; net-a-porter.com

Masters in timeless and ultra-flattering active and swimwear, Lisa Marie Fernandez’s ‘Maria’ swimsuit is a fantastic colourful swimsuit for summer 2023. The neckline, colour and cut evoke a Seventies feel, even more so when paired with jeans or floaty trousers, oversized sunglasses and a floppy hat.

Zara, cut-out swimsuit

Buy now: AED189, zara.com

This flattering maroon V-neck swimsuit has straps and adjustable slit and tie detail on the front, making it flattering and versatile.

Marysia, Mott scalloped seersucker bikini briefs

Buy now: Top, AED650; bottoms, AED790, net-a-porter.com

Quite literally wear the sunshine this summer with Marysia’s Mott bikini – coming in a lovely soft shade of ‘limoncello’ yellow set to complement bronzed summery skin. The brand’s signature hand-cut scalloped edges and seersucker fabric make this one of the most attractive colourful swimsuits this season.

Hunza G, Solitaire belted seersucker swimsuit

Buy now: AED660, net-a-porter.com

Created using Hunza G’s ‘Seamless Crinkle Technology,’ the ‘Solitaire’ swimsuit is supportive and flattering for a wide range of body shapes. Coming in a bold Baywatch red, the swimsuit is made and dyed in London and comes complete with a waist-cinching belt.

Pucci, Marmo knotted printed bandeau bikini

Buy now: Top, AED1,240; bottoms, AED780; net-a-porter.com

Italian fashion house Pucci is synonymous with colourful designs, and these signature swirls are perfect for the poolside. Printed in the brand’s iconic ‘Marmo’ pattern, this colourful swimsuit has a stretchy bikini top with pretty centre bow and matching high-waisted top. Both are made from soft, stretchy and supportive fabric.

Bomo Swim, Body one-piece in desert sand

Buy now: AED849; bomoswim.com

Bomo Swim’s collection of vivacious, ultra-flattering swimwear are true head-turners, and this one-piece swimsuit is designed to do just that. With a high-cut leg opening, removal pad inserts, muscle control fabric, Brazilian-inspired thong back, cut-out design and V-shaped plunging neckline, this is the ultimate statement summer swimsuit.

AGUA by Agua Bendita, Recycled Swimsuit in Floral Print

Buy now: AED1,065; sanddollardubai.com

Sand Dollar Dubai brings some of the best colourful swimsuits from global brands to the UAE, and this pretty floral-print piece from Agua by Agua Bendita is both stylish and sustainable. Made from polyester and elastane, it features a square neck, intricate floral design and strappy back – the perfect eco-friendly suitcase addition this summer.

Lipsi printed one-piece swimsuit

Buy now: AED1,000; toryburch.ae

Tory Burch’s Lipsi Printed One-Piece Swimsuit is designed to lift, slim, shape and flatter, made from high-quality Sensitive Fabrics by Eurojersey. The balconette design and adjustable straps add much-desired support and lift, and the material boasts SPF 50 sun protection.

Alemais, Irving Twist Front One Piece

Buy now: AED1,020 (now AED510); thatconceptstore.com

This striking kaleidoscopic printed colourful swimsuit is the dose of sunshine and colour you need this summer. It’s flattering, fun, stylish and glamorous – with a rear clasp closure and just enough brief coverage. Pair with a maxi skirt or tailored shorts for a chic daytime look.