21 Tankinis That Your Early 2000s Self Would Love

Fashion is always cyclical, and just like how mom jeans, tie dye, and flannels are back, tankinis have taken the swimsuit world center stage. Forget the teeny, tiny bikinis of the past—this summer, it's all about plunging one pieces, super cool cutouts, and the infamous tankini (which, I'm pretty sure I haven't worn since the sixth grade, but hey, times are changing).

Growing up with three older sisters, I wanted nothing more than to be able to wear their clothes—crop tops, halter tops, spaghetti strap dresses, denim skirts, and most of all, bikinis. I'd sift through my older sister's closet, sneaking around and trying on all her coolest pieces. One of them in particular was a purple tankini with pink trimming. Showing off your midriff was apparently très chic, and you pretty much weren't a cool kid without a bathing suit that showed it off. Oh, how disillusioned we were back then. Little did we know that this little swimsuit trend would come back.

By middle school, I had gotten my very own. It was electric blue with white flowers, complete with a little bow on the top piece. I felt instantly cooler. Gone were the days of my plain black one piece that I wore to the town pool and swam laps in. In this blue baby, I was more confident and ready to take those summer pool parties on.

Looking back, that was one of the swimsuits that pretty much defined my sense of summer style. And now that I look around, I see that this trend is back and better than ever. These are the tankinis our 2000s selves would've absolutely fawned all over.

1. This Amazing Fringe

Luxe by Lisa Vogel Fringe Benefits High-Neck Tankini Swim Top, $76, Nieman Marcus

Imagine the movement in this top?

2. The Ultra Colorful

Gossip Girl Tropical Matrix High Neck Tankini Top, $44, Nordstrom

Obsessed with all the prints in this one.

3. The Crochet

Hula Honey Crochet Cutout Bandeau Tankini Top, 19.99, Macy's

Love the see-through portion.

4. The Half Lace

MICHAEL Michael Kors La Vie Boheme Crochet-Lace Halter Tankini Top, $102, Nieman Marcus

I'm all about summer whites.

5. The Polka Dot

Christina Women's Ocean Pearl Flare Bandeau Tankini With Molded Underwire Cups, $41.23, Amazon

Love how this is paired with a minimal black bottom.

6. Pinks And Reds

Becca Metropolis Colorblock Tankini Top, $38.98, Nordstrom

I'm obsessed with how retro this looks.

7. Pretty Stripes

Vince Camuto Women's Shore Side Underwire Bikini, $61.29, Amazon

So simple, yet so good.

8. The Floral

Women's Plus Size Slender Blouson Tankini Top, $109, Land's End

And it matches with nearly every bottom.

9. The Super Colorful

Profile By Gottex Flyaway Tankini Top, $65.66, Nordstrom

Love the shiny jewels on this one.

10. The Mesh

Luxe By Lisa Vogel Sport High-Neck Tankini Swim Top, $48.75, Last Call

All the detailing in this one is to die for.

11. The Hot Pink

Shore Club Raspberry Flowy Tankini, $47.60, Swimsuits For All

Yes to this pink.

12. The Coral

Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's Suns Out Crochet Buns Flyaway Tankini, $22.99+, Amazon

This fun color is everything.

13. The Halter

Shoshanna Textured Stripe Ring Tankini Top, $165, Shopbop

Tankini, or optical illusion? Both.

14. Purple Power

Magicsuit Tiered Ruffle Tankini Top, $58.99, Macy's

This one's so cute, you could even wear it as a regular top.

15. Pattern Central

Laundry By Shelli Segal Women's Maharaji Border Bandeau Tankini, $68.58+, Amazon

Who knew all these patterns could look so good in one?

16. The Scarf Print

Lucky Brand Scarf-Print High-Neck Tankini Top, $39.99, Macy's

So boho.

17. The Tie Up

Becca Grommet-Lace Crochet Tankini Top, $53.99, Macy's

Such a simple detail, yet makes such a difference.

18. Pretty Florals

Jessica Simpson Women's Sweet Treat Tankini, $40.93, Amazon

Love the little cutout, too.

19. Stripes

Anne Cole Striped Bandeau Tankini Top, $38.99, Macy's

This one might be my fave.

20. Simple

Cole of California Women's Plus Size Super Stripe Draped Halter Tankini, $34.92+ Amazon

Can't get better than classic colors.

21. The Slip Style

MICHAEL Michael Kors Cascading Chain Solids Layered Tankini Top, $60, Lord & Taylor

Love how simple and silky this looks.

This summer, don't underestimate the power of a long two piece. Tankinis are back and better than ever, and you certainly won't regret picking one up for your next pool or beach side adventure.