Tankinis are making a comeback as a 90s swimwear trend with a modern update, according to a report from Daily Mail. The two-piece sets now feature cropped tops that cut above the midriff, minimalist block colours and stripes,and are designed to be worn from bar to beach by pairing the top with floaty trousers. Brands such as M&S, TBCo, Burberry x Hunza G, and Reformation are already offering styles that range from £26 to £225.

Why the cropped cut is the key difference from the 90s original

Daily Mail reports that unlike the original tankinis that fell loosely below the hips, today’s iterations are cut with a subtle crop that highlights the waist . this tweak, along with the shift from fussy prints to sleek solids, aims to shed the “frumpy” reputation the style once carried. The result is a silhouette that borrows from 90s nostalgia but feels distinctly contemporary, as seen on creator Rebecca Ferraz-Wyatt,who paired her TBCo set with bloomer trousers.

The £98 TBCo set and the bar-to-beach versatility claim

According to the report, the tankini top is now “100% socially acceptable” to wear almost anywhere, making it a space-saving packing hack for travellers. The combination of a tankini top with floaty trousers means one piece can serve as both swimwear and a casual summer top, reducing the need for separate outfits. The TBCo set at £98 is highlighted as a mid-range example, while luxury options like the Burberry x Hunza G set at £225 cater to higher budgets.

Who benefits from the tankini 2.0 — and who is left out?

The article claims that the style is “flattering on all body shapes,” but the evidence is limited to a single influencer pairing and product descriptions. The report, which includes affiliate links, does not feature any independent body-positive or size-inclusive testing. Open questions remain: Is the crop genuinely comfortable for all torso lengths? Do the minimalist designs hold up after repeated wear and chlorine exposure? The Daily Mail piece does not address durability or reviews beyond its own curation.

A familiar pattern from the 90s revival cycle

The tankini’s return is part of a broader wave of 90s nostalgia that has already revived cargo trousers, thong sandals, and slip dresses. Retailers and media outlets often drive these cycles to boost summer sales, and the inclusion of affiliate links suggests a commercial incentive behind the reporting. For consumers, the trend offers a practical alternative to bikinis and one-pieces, but its staying power beyond one season remains unproven — a question the Daily Mail report does not explore.

The report names no specific target audience beyond “anyone after a little more coverage,” leaving unclear whether the style addresses practical needs like sun protection or swimming performance. as summer approaches, the real test will be whether shoppers embrace the tankini as a wardrobe staple or a fleeting throwback.