As I write this edition, it’s 30 degrees in my garden and it’s “hotter than Ibiza” – the media’s favourite expression when the UK has an unusually hot summer’s day.
Although it hasn’t been announced yet, it does look likely that we will get that much deserved overseas holiday this summer. Or, if you are having a ‘staycation’ here in the UK, the chances are that a beach will be involved somewhere.
I bet you haven’t even thought about swimwear yet? Especially with the uncertainty of recent times (and possible lockdown weight gain). Well, here goes, with a solution to any dilemmas regarding the best swimwear. For every shape and size.
Best swimwear for big boobs
Corsica crop wire bikini top, £35, Figleaves
High-waist bikini bottom, £20, Figleaves
Ladies with big boobs will know only too well the struggle of painful red strap mark indentions and sore necks from halter tops digging in. But this matching set from Figleaves is set to change all that. Underwiring offers added support, and the back clasp and adjustable thick straps are perfect for larger chests. The crop style offers more coverage than a low-cut triangle bikini, but without looking like you are wearing a sports bra on the beach. Cute!
Best swimwear for apple shapes
Animal v-wire swimsuit, £20.80, Topshop
If you are apple-shaped (honestly, who the hell came up with these body/ fruit comparisons?), you’re wider in the bust and shoulders, with a rounder tummy and slim legs. Highlight great pins with a high-leg swimsuit that provides a bit of tummy coverage. Skinny straps won’t add bulk to your shoulders, and a v-neck flatters your décolletage.
Best swimwear for small boobs
Crinkle tie dye bandeau bikini top, £27, & Other Stories
Hi-cut tie dye briefs, £23, & Other Stories
If you have smaller boobs that require less support, why not try an on-trend bandeau bikini? & Other Stories’ tie dye versions are super cute for park picnics – just add baggy shorts and 90s sunnies. You can even repurpose bandeaus to wear out, under an oversized blazer or cardigan with high-waisted trousers.
Best swimwear for hourglass shapes
Pink crinkle high-leg bikini bottoms, £11.20, Topshop
Pink crinkle crop bikini top, £12.80, Topshop
If you’ve got curvy hips and a full bust with a small waist, a classic, high-leg bikini could be your best bet. Find a bikini where the waistband hits at or just above your hip bone area for maximum impact (Kylie Jenner is a fan of the shape). Plus, the “v” dip in the front of these briefs will emphasise your figure even more.
Best swimwear for bigger bums
Plus high-waist bikini set, £11.99, Shein
Full-coverage boy shorts might be your go-to, but in reality, boy shorts can sometimes make everything look wider, and even have the effect of flattening out your bum. If you want to branch out, try on some high-leg, high-waisted briefs – these will give your bum a lifted, rounded effect. This Shein suit goes up to a size 24 and has an average 4.7/5 stars in their customer reviews.
Best swimwear for athletic shapes
Striped underwired bikini top, £90, Solid & Striped
Striped high-rise bikini briefs, £90, Solid & Striped
If your figure is more straight up and down, with a smaller chest and slim hips, retro styles will look especially great on you. Underwired tops will create some definition, and high-waisted briefs won’t dig in. Add some oomph with loud patterns, like this amazing Solid & Striped set.
Best swimwear for tummy support
Magisculpt shaping swimsuit, £38, Simply Be
To be crystal clear: no one should ever feel pressured to reduce the space that their body takes up, whether that’s through shaping garments or dieting, etc. All bodies are perfectly valid in their natural, beautiful shapes. But if having a little extra tummy support happens to help you feel more confident, check out this shaping suit from Simply Be. At under £40, it’s a bargain, too.
Best swimwear for pear shapes
Floral frill triangle bikini top, £9, Accessorize Floral string-tie bikini briefs, £8.50, Accessorize.
If your hips are wider than your upper body, ruffles and detailing on your bikini top can help create some visual balance – if that’s what you’re going for.
