Brat Summer is Going Viral - 10 Bikinis to Get the Iconic Look
News and Trends
July 24, 2024
By Julia Bratu
Image Credit:@charli_xcx
Everyone is Obsessed with Brat Summer - Here are the Swimsuits You Need to Embrace Your Inner Brat
If you’ve been anywhere on the internet over the past month, you may have seen a deluge of memes about the newly declared theme for Summer 2024: Brat Girl Summer. We’re saying goodbye to the era of clean living (thank god) as we embrace the inherent messiness of staying out late, sleeping late, and showing up late wearing no bra and holding a large cold brew.
But how did we get to this point?
Before Brat Summer, there was Clean Girl Summer and before even that, there was Hot Girl Summer. Both of those trends embodied a put-together aesthetic. They were all about the “glow up” and keeping it cool. Green smoothies and waking up for 6 am sunrise yoga classes was fun for a time, but after a while it got overwhelming. Pushing through a never ending narrative of self-improvement in a world that lately feels like it is falling apart started to feel fake. We’ve all been victims of the chaos. Now we just want to have fun.
The Brat Rebellion
Enter Charlie XCX.
“Brat” posted over radioactive green text– the album cover of Charli’s latest album by the same name is everywhere lately. It’s so in-your-face that even if you were under a rock, it’d be hard to miss the increasingly popular trend’s signature color popping up everywhere.
This was by design.
Image Credit:@charli_xcx
Image Credit:@charli_xcx
Charli XCX has long been known as a goddess of pop, but dropping this track was the tipping point for her career, bringing her further into the mainstream. It’s countercultural on purpose, a deliberate throwback to the 90’s grunge and early 2000’s aesthetics, and a reverent nod to messy pop icons of the past like Britney Spears and Kesha.
In an interview with Billboard , Charli XCX talked about how she wanted to make something more potent than what she is used to. She wanted to impact the modern psyche and build a counterculture of her own that celebrates the self.
And thus, the term “Brat Summer” was coined by Charli’s enthusiastic fans who celebrate the tenants of hedonism and messiness, taking the lyrics to the popular tracks of her BRAT album as their summer gospel.
It’s about more than just partying. There is something deeper here that cuts into all the noise of past summer themes. Instead, this era calls into question the need to seek out hyper visibility. It says screw picture perfect, Insta-ready, high-effort looks. This year, we do what we want, when we want, and we do it for ourselves. We are hot with or without the filters.
Brat Summer asks you to be unapologetically messy, to roll out of bed without washing off the previous night’s mascara (even though you probably should) and do it all over again. It is going out with your friends on a Monday night, taking that extra shot at the club, and saying ‘no’ to the things that do not serve you. It is smeared lipstick, midnight makeouts, and being brutally honest with your friends.
It comes at a volatile time in our society, but it is not pessimistic in its messiness. Brat Summer fits in the face of hardship and celebrates living in the moment, recognizing that we are all only human in the end. The greatest power we have is the power to be ourselves.
(Beach) Brat Summer
If there’s one thing every Brat Girl needs this summer, it’s a beach day (or week). But after years of dressing clean, you might want a little guide on how it’s done.
Try these swim looks for a perfectly curated Brat Summer experience.
Heavy Manners - 'Tina Carlyle' Triangle Front Tie Top and Side Tie Bottoms
Image Credit:Heavy Manners
Image Credit:Heavy Manners
Since BRAT released, there has been an undeniable uptick in Google searches for “Brat Green” everything. Give into the craze and sport the iconic hue of the summer with this chartreuse Heavy Manners bikini.
Heavy Manners - 'Not Your Barbie'
View Original PostImage Credit:@isabeltimerman
Image Credit:Heavy Manners
This look just screams “Life of the Party.” Even the name of the bikini, ‘Not Your Barbie’ is rebellious in its femininity. The pastel hues of spring and early summer are already starting to turn much brighter, favoring high saturation (bordering neon), but the retro floral pattern is really what makes this bikini fashion forward and just loud enough to fit the summer’s theme.
Andy Bagus - 'Kupu Kupu' Bikini in Baby Pink
Image Credit:Andi Bagus
Image Credit:Andi Bagus
Brat Summer is all about going big on the details on your terms. This baby pink bikini features large brass butterfly embellishments and a high side tie waist, adding a playfully feminine touch to your look.
With Jéan - 'Juni Bikini' in Crease
View Original PostImage Credit:@withjean
Image Credit:@withjean
With Jean's micro bikinis are an undisputedly iconic aesthetic. Bella Hadid famously wore the Juni Bikini in Baby Pink. In the spirit of Brat Summer, we have a suggestion of this same bikini for you in their newest colorway.
Image Credit:With Jéan
Image Credit:With Jéan
The Crease design is a little industrial, and that’s why we love it. If your ideal style for the summer is leaning more toward 90’s grunge, this might just be the look for you.
Monday Swimwear - 'Barbados Top and Bottom' in Cypress Geo
This bikini is a simple, classic cut in a bold cypress green pattern. It is best paired with an it-girl attitude and set of funky acrylics.
House of Harlow 1960 - 'Zaria Top and Bottom' in Black
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
This halter bikini has a more modern silhouette, offering a trendier take on the popular y2k throwback style. Its sleek lines and contemporary design make it perfect for the ladies looking to stay ahead of the fashion curve.
Lovewave - 'The Verge One Piece' in Black Reptile
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
A swimsuit doesn’t need to be in-your-face to demand the attention you deserve. This bold, black, asymmetrical shoulder, croc embossed one piece is effortlessly sexy and just excessive enough to make this list.
Versace - 'One Shoulder' One Piece Swimsuit in Nero
Logos are in again and Versace is a classic choice for anyone who wants to lean into Y2K designer brand fever. This one piece has an asymmetrical shoulder with the iconic logo wrapped around the strap to let the world know that you’re not afraid to rep what you love (and you look fabulous doing it).
Miaou - 'Rio Bikini'
The Rio halter micro bikini is designed for a skimpy fit. It is not shy, demanding attention with all-around lace detailing, metal embellishments, and a fit that just barely covers the important bits. It pairs well with chunky jewelry, your favorite jean shorts, and a set of sambas.
Jaded London - 'Aphrodite Micro bikini'
View Original PostImage Credit:@erinmichellexo
Image Credit:Jaded London
This bikini from Jaded London’s best features are the abstract earthy swirl print and gold coin trim. Its unique fit has a sea-goddess appeal that fits in nicely with the spunky brat aesthetic.
The Final Touches
Now that you know what it takes to be a brat this summer, consider adding a few accessories to your swimsuit of choice.
The first item on the checklist is easy: anything slime green. Once you’ve got that covered, try these essentials:
Waterproof drugstore mascara
Flip phone (all the rage)
Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers
Leather city bag with lots of charms
Chunky sunnies
Mineral SPF
And the most important item on the list? Your messiest, most authentic self.