Protest Womens Swimwear S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Womens Swimwear S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Protest
Interviewee: Cassandra - marketing

What are the current industry trends in women’s swimwear?
The leopard print is always in style and a big part of our summer 2026 collection. You’ll find the popular print in our outdoor collection, but also in all popular summer styles. It shos up accros swimwear, cover-ups and accessories. The piecers are easy to mix an match, with leopard also featured in our mix & match swimwear range. Perfect for summer looks that stand out, a must have for any collection.

What style/shape of swimwear is most popular in your current range?
At Protest Sportswear, our Mix & Match collection remains a firm favorite, allowing customers to create their own unique looks by combining different tops and bottoms. This flexibility offers endless possibilities to perfectly suit individual styles and body types.
Our range also includes stylish and comfortable one-piece swimsuits that are increasingly popular for their flattering fits and versatility. Additionally, our swim shorts designed for water activities continue to be highly sought after, alongside our specialized SUP and surf line, which offers durable, performance-driven swimwear tailored for active water sports enthusiasts.

Which 2025 styles do you expect to grow the most?
Our Mix & Match range remains the best-selling collection, also in 2025. It offers versatility and personalized style options for every body type, appealing to a wide variety of customers.
That’s why Protest anticipates continued growth in the Mix & Match range, as we now provide an even larger selection of prints within the collection. Our bikini tops offer comfort, support and style. The range includes a variety of tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched in countless combinations. Customers can choose from different styles such as halter tops, bandeaus, triangle tops, high-waisted bottoms, cheeky cuts, and more. And the one-shoulder top brings a stylisch twist! There is a fit for evertymidsummer mood.
In our 2026 playfull mix & match collection, you’ll find sun-washed solids in beautifully textured features, bold beopard prints, soft florals and a variety of stripes. From colorfull to classic and fom classic to black and white. Each piece is ready to be combined in your own unique summer story.

What have been the major inspirations behind the designs in the 2026 range?
Our midsummer tales collection is made for the magic of high summer. Inspired by coastal towns, bonfire nights ad sea-soaked rituals, there styles are designed to move with you from shore to celebration.

What colour palettes and prints will we find in your 2026 range? Any crossovers from other brand product categories?
Our SS26 is designed to move with you effortlessly from sun-drenched shores to vibrant celebrations, these styles embody the spirit of endless midsummer nights. This theme is reflected in the prints: soft, flowing waves echoing the sea, warm tones inspired by glowing fires, and subtle natural motifs that evoke coastal landscapes. The collection seamlessly blends swimwear and streetwear, offering versatile combinations that work perfectly from beach to boulevard. Our different tyes of swim tops layer easily under playfull shirts, while colorful shorts and skirts transition effortlessly into casual summer outfits. With these mix & match options, you can celebrate your personal style while carrying the midsummer vibe wherever you go.

What silhouettes are you featuring in your 2026 collection? Any construction techniques you’d like to highlight?
Our 2026 Mix & Match bikinis are designed to suit every body type and activity. Whether you prioritize comfort, elegant details, or supportive halter styles, we have options for everyone. The regular bikini bottoms maintain a classic look, while our hipsters are crafted for maximum movement and flexibility. We’ve also introduced a new cheeky fit that offers a flattering waistline with a slightly longer cut, and our high-waisted styles bring a touch of vintage charm to the collection. And one-pieces are making a strong comeback. From timeless basics to playful, eye-catching designs, we offer a variety of models and prints to cater to all tastes. We carefully select quality fabrics and incorporate strategic reinforcement where needed, ensuring the swimwear performs perfectly for its intended use.

What materials are you using in your 2026 collection?
Just like last year we will mostly use recycled polyester as the main material for our SS26 designs.

What efforts are you making towards sustainability?
A significant portion of our SS26 swimwear collection is crafted from recycled polyester. This sustainable material not only offers durability but also features quick-drying properties and 4-way stretch for optimal comfort and performance. By recycling polyester, we give new life to a non-biodegradable material that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste or pollute our oceans. The production process involves melting down used plastic bottles and other PET plastics, which are then re-spun into high-quality polyester fibers. While recycled polyester matches the quality of virgin polyester, its manufacturing consumes 59% less energy, making it a much more eco-friendly choice.

How will you support retailers to sell this category?
We offer complete retail marketing support, one way we do this is every season we offer a wide range of POS materials. In addition, retailers can also request customized marketing activities.

Key Products:

PRT Munroe swimsuit:
A stunning one-piece swimsuit that perfectly blends style, comfort, and sustainability. Featuring a bold leopard print, this swimsuit adds a fierce, trendy touch to your summer wardrobe. Designed with a regular fit and a flattering high-leg cut, it offers medium coverage that feels both confident and comfortable. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a refreshing dip, the removable padding provides customizable support to suit your needs. Sustainability is at the heart of this piece: made from 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane, it’s part of our PVRE Green Series, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly fashion. The lining combines 92% polyester with 8% elastane for a smooth, durable finish that moves with you. From its bold print to its responsible materials, the PRT Munroe is a perfect choice for those who want to look good, feel great, and make a positive impact this summer.

PRT Munroe swimsuit

PRT Brookebralette bikini:
Turn heads this summer in the eye-catching PRTBrookebralette bikini by Protest, now in the fresh and playful Jelly Purple print. This regular fit bikini is as comfortable as it is stylish, featuring a flattering bralette top with medium coverage and adjustable cord closure at the back. The bottoms offer a regular waist and side ties for a secure and customizable fit. Made from a high-quality stretch fabric, this bikini includes removable padding for added versatility. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or diving into the waves, the PRTBrookebralette delivers the perfect blend of support and summer flair. And it’s super fun to mix and match with the matching PRTMarisol top and PRTKelsey shorts.

PRT Brookebralette bikini

Leopard styles – the trend of the summer:
Get ready for a stylish summer with Protest’s SS26 leopard collection. This bold print is back – and stronger than ever – appearing across a wide range of must-have items. From bikinis and breezy dresses to shorts, stylish tops, and fun accessories like slippers, bags, and hats: leopard is everywhere. Mix and match endlessly with pieces in the same print for a confident, standout summer look. Whether you’re heading to the beach or strolling through the city, the leopard styles from Protest let you shine with effortless fashion flair.
Go wild. Explore the full collection.

Leopard styles – the trend of the summer