Part of the fun of going away is planning your holiday wardrobe, and the best swimwear is absolutely key to this, whether you’re going to Ibiza or staying in the UK for a spa weekend – and don’t forget to pack those SPF moisturisers and sunglasses either.
It might seem early, but now’s the best time to shop for swimsuits and bikinis, since all the designers and high-street stores have now launched their spring/summer collections.
Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best swimwear, including the styles that’ll best suit your body shape.
Best swimwear to hide your tummy
The classic swimsuit is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of coverage, but make no mistake, it is anything but boring. For SS22, swimsuits come in all shapes and print, from 90s-inspired square cuts to 80s-style tropical prints. Look for pieces with a control panel to give you that extra support.
JACQUEMUS Pila cutout recycled swimsuit – £165 at Net-A-Porter
Part of an exclusive edit for NAP, this Jacquemus swimsuit is cut from recycled fabric with a subtle luster, so it’ll shimmer as you lounge poolside.
GRETA BIKINI BOTTOMS IN ECONYL® – BOSSA NOVA / CREME – £140 at Evarae
Made from luxurious matte fabric. Features a bonded frill detail and doubled lined for support. Crafted in the sustainable regenerated material ECONYL® and made by sustainable manufacturing processes.
Samoa Wrap Over Control Swimsuit – £39.90 at Pour Moi
With a controlling mid-section and faux wrap-around style, plus a tie belt strategically placed to fit and flatter, this swimsuit ticks a lot of boxes.
Best swimwear for pear shapes
Pear-shaped bodies, where you are heavier on the bottom and narrow at the shoulders, are typically difficult to buy for. They key is to balance things out, by drawing attention to the top with a bold print or plunging neckline, and keep the bottom plain.
MAYGEL CORONEL Mila ruffled high-rise bikini – £205 at MatchesFashion
The ruffled top in this high rise set will draw attention to the upper half of your body.
‘PEGGY’ ONE SHOULDER SWIMSUIT – £140 at Second Summer
Each resortwear and swimwear piece is designed in the UK, and made in small runs to avoid overproduction.
Best swimwear for apple shapes
Apple shapes are defined by broad shoulders, a full bust and tummy, and slimmer legs. I’d recommend opting for darker colours that will create a slimmer silhouette, and swimsuits with tummy control but a high cut to highlight toned legs.
Orange two-piece – £186 at Jade Swim
If you’re not big on colour, don’t worry, this cute set comes in loads of other shades including black, and you can mix and match with different bottoms, though this high cut bottom is super flattering.
JOULES Striped Plunge Swimsuit – £49.95 at M&S
This suit is cut in a bold plunge shape, with a neat clasp fastening at the back. The crisp striped print is embellished with a bee motif, while a tie at the front adds a flirty detail.
Best swimwear for athletic figures
For boyish or athletic shapes, playing around with prints and textures is the solution. You can create the illusion of curves with certain textures such as ruched tops, as well as shapes like triangle bikinis. Similar style rules apply if you have a small bust.
SWIM TANK MONOKINI – £73 at SKIMS
Kim Kardashian’s new swimwear line is so popular, there’s a waitlist for it, but this is definitely worth waiting for.
HUNZA G Flora crinkle-knit bandeau bikini – £160 at MatchesFashion
I love the crinkle detail on the bandeau top of this bikini, perfect to create the illusion of a bigger bust.
Bikini set – Launching soon at Nike Swim
Nike Swim’s new summer collection is full of fashion-forward colours and patterns, but doesn’t compromise on comfort or performance.
Best plus size swimwear
There are so many great plus size swimwear brands to choose from these days, that you really don’t have to limit yourself to a boring one-piece.
Floral underwire top and high waist bikini – £125 at Tona
Tona champions all bodies and provides contemporary designs that embrace every shape. Sizes range from 8-20 and all underwired tops are available in cup sizes 32DD to 38G. Unlike the industry standard, Tona creates all of her samples based on a size 16 and FF cup to make sure bikini styles are made to support every single curve.
Plus Size Swimsuit – CK Curve – £110 at Calvin Klein
CK CURVE celebrates curves with secure and supportive fashion silhouettes cut from rich fabrics, all finished with iconic Calvin Klein logo trims. This swimsuit is crafted with 79% sustainably sourced fabric.
Best swimwear for big busts
Needless to say, if you’ve got a big chest, support is key. You’ll probably want to shop somewhere you can buy the top and bottom separately, rather than a ready-made set. Don’t be afraid to go for cups as they’ll give you that extra boost, and thick straps and underwires are your friend.
Splash Padded Underwired Control Swimsuit – £40 at Pour Moi
Pour Moi caters to busts from B to G. Designed to fit and flatter your figure, this style features a control front panel and adjustable back straps to shape your curves to perfection.
