Gran Canaria Swim Week: The 5 swimwear brands set to make a splash in 2026

If Copenhagen has secured its status as the honorary fifth fashion week, then Gran Canaria Swim Week is emerging as a hot contender for the sixth. Under the warm embrace of the October sun, the island – set just off the coast of Western Africa – plays host to a week-long of the world's top swimwear. The highly anticipated event gathers a dazzling lineup of designers from across the Canary Islands, joined by a curated selection of international guests.

For nearly three decades, this showcase has been a cornerstone of the European fashion calendar, quietly building its reputation since its inception in 1996. However, in recent years, it has transcended its regional roots, now garnering significant international recognition and establishing itself as a prominent platform for cruise collections. The event serves as a vibrant melting pot of creativity, where designers unveil their latest resort wear, swimwear, and accessories, offering a tantalising preview of the trends that will define the upcoming cruise season.

As Gran Canaria Swim Week( GCSW) unfurled beneath the island sun, Scandinavians hunkered down further into winter – a cruel contrast if ever there was one. With days growing shorter and colder, it’s only natural that our minds wander to the warmth of the months ahead: to the glimmer of the archipelago’s waters, to beaches where the light lingers. Perhaps you’re already dreaming of a February escape to the Southern Hemisphere, where summer still reigns.

Whatever your plans– whether you’re chasing the sun or simply dreaming of what to pack for summer 2026 – take inspiration from the recent GCSW, where an exciting array of new collections and innovative designs took centre stage. From the vibrant energy of the runway to the meticulous craftsmanship of each piece, GCSW highlighted the evolving trends and sustainable practices shaping the industry. Having closely followed the shows, we’ve identified five standout brands to keep on your radar for your 2026 swim wardrobe, labels distinguished by their aesthetic vision, quality, and novelty, each poised to make quite a splash in the seasons ahead.

The week commenced at the picturesque Pasito Blanco, where shimmering sunset-lit waves provided a beautifully apt setting to kick off the shows. GCSW began with a debut from Joana Michaela, a recent graduate who presented her inaugural cruise collection on the island. Her offering was a groundbreaking exploration of avant-garde swimwear, where the intricate dance between artisanal craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology unfolded in a remarkably intimate dialogue.

Each piece in the collection was meticulously constructed from innovative 3D-printed, lace-esque fabrics, a testament to Michaela’s vision of pushing the boundaries of traditional swimwear design. The fusion of the handcrafted and the digitally fabricated resulted in a collection that was both visually stunning and conceptually profound, inviting observers to reconsider the very nature of swimwear as an art form.

Michaela's construction philosophy is a testament to individuality, with each project blossoming from its own unique essence. Each pastel-hued piece, a marvel of bespoke design, is meticulously printed and stitched to the precise specifications of its wearer, ensuring an impeccable fit and a garment that truly mirrors their distinct form. This unwavering commitment to customisation champions craftsmanship and boldly rejects the uniformity of mass-produced fashion, elevating the intrinsic value of tailored design.

Dolores Cortés, a brand synonymous with extensive design and manufacturing expertise spanning decades, having begun in the 1980s, once again captivated audiences at GCSW 2025. The label's latest collection was a testament to its enduring commitment to quality and its profound connection to the natural world. Far from a mere display of garments, this new collection was an immersive journey into nature's most exquisite and varied forms.

The collection drew deep inspiration from nature's diverse and organic substrates, with each piece reflecting the inherent beauty of irregular, curved, and fluid forms found in landscapes, from the gentle undulations of sand dunes to the flowing lines of rivers.

Complementing the fluidity of form was a masterclass in colour and texture as the collection's palette featured a range of muted hues that evoked the earth's rich textures. Terracotta, olive and various pink shades dominated, reminiscent of sun-baked clays and desert blooms. These were harmonised with ancestral floral motifs, reimagined with a contemporary sensibility and intertwined with abstract spots, creating a distinctly sensory and tactile approach.

Mare Fare Niente epitomises a philosophy of dolce far niente, the delightful art of relishing life without haste or obligation. This ethos permeates every aspect of the brand, which designs and creates its collections in Gran Canaria.

The label proudly champions authenticity, celebrating the beauty of real bodies and embracing the genuine experiences and simple pleasures that define everyday life. Each piece is crafted to reflect a sense of unhurried elegance and comfort, inviting wearers to savour moments and appreciate the inherent joy in slowing down.

Journey to Calm, the label's 2026 offering, emerges as a profound ode to tranquillity, the serene beauty of patience and the art of mindful living. Drawing deep inspiration from the captivating stillness and sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean, designs are characterised by soft, enveloping lines that gently caress the body, mimicking the natural flow of the sea and gentle curves of the landscape.

Hailing from Gran Canaria, designer Pedro Palmas launched his eponymous brand in 1989. From its inception, the label carved a niche in women's fashion, offering exquisite ready-to-wear collections, bridal gowns and intricate haute couture pieces. However, in 2004, the brand went on hiatus, taking this period to reflect and reevaluate the brand's future. After an 11-year absence, Palmas reemerged, presenting a revitalised vision.

With an evolved aesthetic that is beautifully feminine, sophisticated, and distinctly architectural, the brand has made a significant impact, particularly at GCFW, and its 2026 collection solidified its position as a leader in innovative design.

For this collection, the brand turned its gaze skyward, focusing its intent on the Zodiac. Drawing profound inspiration from the intricate astrological drawings of the renowned Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius, each garment - from its innovative silhouettes to its carefully considered volumes - is meticulously crafted. The collection. The collection lends itself to the rich symbolism and inherent narratives of the celestial bodies, creating a line that is both deeply conceptual and exquisitely wearable.

Carlos San Juan, a native of Gran Canaria, has established himself as a prominent and instantly recognisable designer within the fashion landscape of GCSW. His distinct approach is characterised by a relentless experimentation with textures and silhouettes, which have become the hallmark of his brand. Consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional swimwear, San Juan offers innovative forms that challenge the traditional notions of beachwear.

For his 2026 collection, the acclaimed designer plunged into the iconic, yet often underexplored, depths of the Bond girl universe. Eschewing convention, San Juan gravitated towards the more enigmatic and darker characters, weaving their complex essence into his latest offering.

This discerning focus is exquisitely evident in his homage to figures such as Eva Green’s captivating Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale, celebrated for her razor-sharp intellect and tragic allure, and Grace Jones’ formidable Mayday from A View to a Kill, revered for her striking strength and unforgettable presence. The collection masterfully distils the very soul of these powerful women, forging a sensual aesthetic that is seamlessly interwoven with an undeniable sophistication, resulting in a look that is both alluringly provocative and exquisitely refined.