You've seen the photos. They're everywhere on Pinterest and Instagram—bronzed models lounging on white sand, wearing those intricate, hand-knit pieces that look more like art than beachwear. But here is the thing about see through crochet swimsuits: the gap between the aesthetic and the reality is wider than the stitches themselves.
It’s a vibe. Honestly, it’s one of the few fashion trends that feels truly timeless because it taps into that 1970s bohemian spirit that designers like Missoni and Anna Sui have been chasing for decades. But if you're actually planning to get into the water? That is where things get complicated. Most people buy these thinking they're getting a standard bikini, only to realize too late that "crochet" and "swimsuit" are sometimes contradictory terms.
The tension between style and actual coverage
Let's get real about the "see through" part. Most crochet isn't inherently opaque. By its very nature, crochet is a series of interconnected loops and holes. When you stretch that fabric over a body, those holes get bigger.
I’ve seen people buy beautiful handmade pieces from Etsy sellers or high-end boutiques, only to realize once they're in the sunlight that the "weave" is a lot more "peek-a-boo" than they bargained for. This is especially true with lighter colors like cream, white, or pale yellow. If the suit isn't lined, you are essentially wearing a net.
Now, some people love that. It’s a bold look. But if you’re at a family resort or a crowded public beach, the sheer factor can be a bit much. A lot of the high-end brands—think She Made Me or Cult Gaia—usually include a nude lining in the "critical" areas. But the cheaper fast-fashion versions? They often skip the lining to save on production costs. You end up with a suit that looks great on a mannequin but leaves nothing to the imagination the second you move.
Why "swim" is a loose term for these suits
Can you actually swim in a see through crochet swimsuit? Well, yes. Technically. But you might regret it.
Cotton yarn, which is what most authentic crochet suits are made of, is incredibly thirsty. It’s a natural fiber that loves to soak up water. When a cotton crochet bikini gets wet, it doesn't just get damp; it gets heavy. We’re talking "pulling down your hips" heavy. I’ve seen suits literally grow two sizes the moment the wearer steps out of the pool.
If you're jumping into the ocean, the weight of the water combined with the weight of the sodden yarn can lead to a wardrobe malfunction. Gravity is not your friend here. Plus, cotton takes forever to dry. You’ll be sitting in a wet, heavy, saggy suit for hours while your friends in nylon-spandex blends are bone-dry in twenty minutes.
The synthetic alternative
If you actually want to do laps or hit the waves, look for crochet-style suits made from synthetic blends. These aren't "true" crochet in the traditional sense, but they use a machine-knit pattern that mimics the look while using materials like polyester or elastane.
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- They don't sag as much.
- They dry faster.
- The "see through" effect is usually more controlled.
- They handle chlorine and salt better.
Real cotton yarn will eventually break down if you're a pool regular. The chlorine eats the fibers. It's sad to watch a $200 handmade piece lose its structural integrity because of a little pool water.
Celebrities and the crochet resurgence
We can’t talk about this trend without mentioning the Coachella effect. For years, the desert festival has been the unofficial runway for the most daring see through crochet swimsuits.
Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna have been spotted in micro-crochet sets that lean heavily into the "see through" aesthetic. Dua Lipa famously wore a tiny checkered crochet bikini that went viral, sparking a massive surge in searches for "handmade crochet swimwear." But notice where they are wearing them. They aren't usually doing cannonballs off a diving board. They are lounging by a private pool or posing for a campaign.
The trend has also hit the luxury market hard. Brands like Magda Butrym have elevated the look with 3D crochet flowers and intricate detailing that pushes the price point into the thousands. It’s less about swimming and more about "resort wear"—the kind of clothes you wear to a beach club where the most water you encounter is a misting fan.
Finding the right fit (and avoiding the sag)
If you are determined to rock the look, you have to be tactical about the fit. Because crochet has "give," you should actually buy it a little tighter than you think you need.
A "perfect fit" in the dressing room often becomes a "loose fit" after an hour of wear. Look for suits that have elasticated edges or hidden drawstrings. This helps the suit keep its shape even when the yarn starts to relax. If the straps are just pure yarn without any reinforcement, they will stretch. You'll find yourself tying the neck straps tighter and tighter until you have a headache.
Lining is your best friend
If you aren't trying to go full "nude look," check the lining. A good see through crochet swimsuit will have a high-quality, color-matched lining.
Some designers use a contrasting lining to make the crochet pattern pop. This is actually a great way to get the visual texture of the knit without the anxiety of accidental exposure. If you find a suit you love that isn't lined, you can always wear a thin, flesh-toned bikini underneath. It’s a common hack that saves a lot of stress.
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Care and longevity: Don't just toss it in the wash
This is the biggest mistake people make. You cannot treat crochet like a standard swimsuit.
If you put a real crochet bikini in the washing machine, it will come out looking like a tangled ball of yarn. The agitator is the enemy. The fibers will pill, the shape will distort, and the delicate stitches will snag on anything and everything.
Hand wash only. Use a gentle detergent, soak it in cold water, and—this is the most important part—never wring it out. Wringing the water out of a crochet suit will ruin the shape forever. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up to soak up the excess moisture, and then lay it flat to dry in the shade. Never hang it up to dry. If you hang a wet crochet suit, the weight of the water will stretch it out until it’s unrecognizable.
The environmental impact of handmade vs. machine-made
One of the cool things about actual crochet is that it can't be replicated by a machine. True crochet is always handmade. Unlike knitting, which has industrial machines that can churn out thousands of pieces, crochet requires a human with a hook.
This means that when you buy a real crochet swimsuit, you are likely supporting an artisan. However, this also means you should be wary of extremely low prices. If a "handmade" crochet bikini costs $15, someone, somewhere, is being exploited. Ethical crochet takes time—often 10 to 20 hours for a full set.
If you want the look but want to be conscious of your footprint, look for:
- Small-scale artisans on platforms like Etsy.
- Brands that use recycled cotton yarn.
- Vintage pieces (crochet lasts forever if cared for).
How to style it beyond the sand
The best way to get your money's worth out of a see through crochet swimsuit is to treat it like a top.
Because the texture is so rich, it looks incredible under a pair of high-waisted linen trousers or a denim skirt. Throw an oversized button-down shirt over the top, and you’ve gone from beach to lunch without a full wardrobe change. The "see through" element actually works in your favor here, as it adds a layer of visual interest without being "too much" when paired with more conservative bottoms.
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Actionable steps for your next purchase
Before you hit "buy" on that stunning piece, do a quick mental checklist. It will save you from a very expensive mistake.
First, check the fiber content. If it's 100% cotton, prepare for it to be a "dry" swimsuit meant for lounging and photos. If it's a blend, you have more flexibility for actual swimming.
Second, look at the stitch density. Hold the photo up (or the suit, if you're in person) and see how much light passes through. If you can clearly see the background through the crotch area, and there’s no lining, you are going to need a base layer.
Third, examine the straps. Are they thin strings or wide bands? Thicker bands handle the weight of wet yarn much better.
Finally, plan your care routine. If you aren't the type of person who is willing to hand-wash and flat-dry your clothes, steer clear of authentic crochet. Stick to the "crochet-look" synthetic prints that can handle a bit more abuse.
The see through crochet swimsuit is a masterclass in fashion over function. It is beautiful, tactile, and carries a sense of craftsmanship that modern swimwear usually lacks. Just know what you are getting into before you dive in—literally.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the lining: Inspect your current crochet pieces for a nude inner layer; if missing, purchase a seamless "skin-tone" bikini to wear underneath.
- Test the stretch: Before wearing a new suit out, wet the bottom edge in a sink to see how much the yarn "drops" when heavy.
- Source ethically: Use tools like "Good On You" to verify if the brand producing your handmade swimwear follows fair labor practices.