Showing some skin in the summer can be daunting at the best of times, not to mention after you’ve had a baby, so to take the fear out of swimwear shopping I’ve created your essential guide to find the styles that best suit your body shape.
Whether you’re jetting off to (even) sunnier climes, enjoying a staycation or just heading to your local pool, now is the time to hit the shops or get clicking online to find your perfect piece. Even if you’re not off on holiday it’s worth refreshing your swimwear wardrobe now while the shops are filled with options – and sales!
Big tummy
Disguise your tum with a one-piece in a busy print and avoid tankinis which ride up and enhance your stomach. You can also try a block colour swimsuit with tummy control panels or side panels which elongate your torso.
L-R: Floral print control swimsuit, Pour Moi? at Figleaves; Purple printed swimsuit, Littlewoods; Purple ruched control swimsuit, Marks and Spencer
Hourglass
Retro styles will really enhance your shape so look for wide halternecks or bandeau styles (with support and a seam under the bust) that will emphasise your assets and show off your shoulders. Highlight your slim waist with belt detailing.
L-R: Black belted swimsuit, Littlewoods; Navy and white spot bikini, M&Co; Red and white polka dot high waist bikini, Marks and Spencer
Small on top
You’re one of the few shapes that can wear triangle bikinis without looking like you’ll fall out but if you want to enhance your bust look for detail to emphasise this area. A light, moulded cup will add shape and lift, while ruffles or frills will add volume.
L-R: Navy printed bikini, Next; Pink waffle swimsuit, Littlewoods; Red ruffle bikini, Littlewoods
Big on top
Support your ample chest with underwiring or structured panels and if you have broad shoulders avoid halternecks which will widen your top half, instead look for wide shoulder straps. If you prefer bikinis to a one-piece look try a long line bikini top which will offer more support and hold.
L-R: Aqua spot bikini (D-F cup), Asos; Stripe underwired swimsuit (D-G cup), Midnight Grace at Figleaves; Black underwired swimsuit with belt (D-H cup), Freya at Figleaves
Athletic
Add curves with structure around the bust and higher cut legs. Halterneck styles will form a V shape to create the illusion of curves and tie sides on bikini bottoms add interest to your slender hip area.
L-R: Green triangle bikini, Topshop; Floral ruffle trim bikini, Marks and Spencer; Navy and white ring detail swimsuit, Marks and Spencer
Wide hips
Slim your hips with high-waisted or low cut (on the thigh) bikini bottoms in a block colour that will draw the eye to the smallest point at your waist. Draw attention further upwards with detail on the bust or try a plunge front swimsuit. A balcony style top will also enhance your bust to balance out your hips.
L-R: Printed twist strap swimsuit, Lands’ End; Navy and white high waisted bikini, Topshop; Navy polka dot swimsuit, Seafolly at House of Fraser
Petite
Elongate your legs with high cut bikini bottoms and tie sides to enhance curves. Choose a small print so as not to overpower your frame and if you want to hide your tum look for a tankini with adjustable straps to get the perfect length for your small frame.
L-R: Daisy print bikini, Debenhams; Feather print bikini, Marks and Spencer; Polka dot tankini, Wallis
Tall
Balance out your height with horizontal stripes or a bold motif to catch the eye. If you find regular swimsuits aren’t long enough for your body look for mix and match tankini tops and bottoms.
L-R: Stripe tankini, Littlewoods; Stripe halterneck tankini, Long Tall Sally; Geometric print swimsuit (available in long and standard length), Marks and Spencer
