On French beaches, one detail quickly jumps out: the most elegant women rarely go out in bikinis. Under a white shirt or a linen dress, they often wear a clean, well-cut swimsuit, which outlines the silhouette without revealing anything too much. Discreet, but immediately noticed.
This model, long seen as “wise”, has changed status. With its clean lines, sculpting materials and discreet cutouts, the chic one-piece swimsuit appeals to designers and French women of all ages. So much so that every summer he nibbles a little more ground in the bikini.
The return of the chic one-piece swimsuit among elegant French women
On the recent cover of , Faustine Bollaert, 47, perfectly embodies this trend. She poses in a coral Calarena one-piece swimsuit, tucked under an open white shirt. Clean neckline, straight straps, couture cut: the whole piece recalls the icons of the Riviera while remaining very contemporary.
Calarena, a Corsican premium swimwear brand, favors pure cuts, impeccable support and soft materials that hug the curves. This type of one-piece, both minimalist and polished, has become the uniform for women who want to embrace effortless chic rather than a flashy look.
Why this chic one-piece swimsuit has become essential
Many Parisians and vacationers say they abandoned the bikini for comfort. Just one item of clothing, just one size to find, no ties to undo, no risk of seeing your pants slip away with the wave: the one-piece really allows you to swim, run, dive, without thinking about it.
Labels like Eres, Matteau, Lido, Banana Moon, Talia Collins or Calarena rely on technical fabrics, often shaping, lined, which smooth the stomach and support the chest. In most French campsites, tight-fitting swimsuits are required for hygiene reasons. As Mariska Hol, water safety expert, recalls, she explains in comments reported by Marie France.
How to adopt the chic French one-piece swimsuit
To copy elegant French women, we prefer clean lines and few details: moderate square or V neckline, rather wide straps, nicely scooped back, tone-on-tone belt. A chic black one-piece swimsuit remains the base, joined by navy, ecru or a bright coral.
Another very French tip: wear your one-piece like a bodysuit. With white jeans, linen pants, a midi skirt or high-waisted shorts, just add leather sandals and gold jewelry. Rinsed well and dried flat, this summer companion lasts several seasons.
How to choose a chic one-piece swimsuit suited to your body shape?
We first look at the support of the chest, then the height of the cutout. A slightly shaping model refines without compressing.
What colors should you choose for a timeless one-piece swimsuit?
Black and navy blue remain the easiest to wear. Ecru, coral or burgundy bring a more sunny elegance.
Which brands of one-piece swimsuits do elegant French women like?
Among the most cited are Eres, Calarena, Banana Moon, Matteau, Lido and Talia Collins, for their careful cuts and durable materials.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye bikini: even Faustine Bollaert (47 years old) adopts this ultra-chic one-piece swimsuit from a French brand”
- Marie France
“They don’t want this kind of dirt in the swimming pool: French campsites are banning this type of swimsuit in 2026”
