Hailey Bieber looks ready to make 2026 the year we stop pretending tan lines are a problem. The 29-year-old model and trendsetter kicked off January by sharing photos from a family tropical getaway, and her swimwear choices felt like a preview of what beaches will look like this summer. After shaping trends in nails, hair, and makeup, she seems to be turning her attention to what we wear in the sun next. According to Glamour, her latest fixation is one of the most debated silhouettes in swimwear.
Instead of her usual ultra-minimal bikini moment, Bieber leaned into the monokini, that in-between style that sits somewhere between a one-piece and a bikini. She captioned an Instagram post on January 3 with a quick “Ready,” letting the cuts do the talking. Two out of the three swimsuits she showed were monokinis, defined by bold cutouts that expose more torso than most people expect from a one-piece. It is a look that demands confidence and a little planning before you step into direct sunlight.
Her first pick was the more classic version of the idea, a black one-piece with ruffled details, a deep V neckline, and a front tie that made it feel both flirty and polished. The overall styling stayed pared back, with minimal makeup and her naturally wavy bob. Then she added a sharp hit of glamour with oversized diamond earrings, proving a swimsuit can still feel dressed up. It was the kind of simple, sleek look that reads expensive without shouting.
The second suit took the trend into full statement territory. Bieber wore a leopard-print monokini that revealed much more of her midsection and instantly made the case for animal prints as beachwear’s easiest way to look bold. The piece was vintage, pulled from Roberto Cavalli’s spring 2003 collection, which only adds to the fashion-insider appeal. She later reposted a beach shot in the same suit on her Instagram Story, making it clear this cut is not just for posing.
Of course, the monokini is the kind of shape that splits opinions, mostly because of the dramatic tan lines it leaves behind. Some style fans will avoid it for that reason, while others will treat the lines as part of the point, like a souvenir from a weekend well spent. It even echoes that 2024 TikTok moment when people used makeup to mimic “sun-kissed” marks, except this time the effect is built into the swimsuit. Love it or hate it, it is hard to ignore.
If you are tempted to try the look, consider it a reminder that sun protection is not optional, especially with all those cutouts. The easiest way to wear this trend well is to be as intentional with your SPF as you are with your styling. Whether you go for a sleek black version or a wild vintage print, the monokini is clearly back in the conversation. Would you wear one this summer, or is this a trend you plan to skip? Share your thoughts in the comments.
