Flatter your figure: swimwear guide

Bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis, monokinis; the options are endless when it comes to swimwear styles, yet finding the right shape, print and cut for your body is somewhat harder now that you’ve grown a human being or two (or more!) in there. To help you find the right style for your shape I’ve put together a guide to figure-fixing and flattering swimwear.

Even if you’re not off on holiday but planning on starting swimming lessons with your little one later in the year, get updating your cossie-wardrobe now while the shops are filled with options (and sales!) because trying to find a flattering and stylish one-piece suitable for wearing while dunking your babe and singing the hokey-cokey at the local pool is verging on impossible come autumn when the high street has long forgotten summer – trust me, I’ve been there, and the resulting swimsuit purchased was not good.

I’ve broken down the style tips into body shapes and body areas that you may want to embrace or disguise and given examples of styles that will work for each, remember this is just a guide and whether ordering online or trying on in-store (where do you find the time you lucky thing?!) you’ll need something you feel comfortable in and won’t need to fidget with that falls down or ride up whether you’re swimming, sunbathing or toddler-wrangling.

Tummy conscious

Disguise your tum with a one-piece in a busy print and avoid tankinis which ride up and flash your stomach, especially when bending and lifting babies and tots. You can also try a block-colour swimsuit with tummy control panels or dark side panels which elongate your torso.

L-R: Ditsy print swimsuit, Fat Face; Leopard print swimsuit with side panels, River Island; Blue ruched swimsuit, Marks & Spencer; Watermelon print swimsuit, BHS; Black ruched swimsuit, John Lewis.

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.

Small on top

You’re the lucky one that can wear triangle bikinis without looking like you’ll fall out but if you want to enhance your bust look to add volume with details like ruffles, frills or fringing, while a light, moulded cup will add shape and lift.

Big on top

Support your ample chest with underwiring or structured panels and if you have broad shoulders avoid halternecks which will highlight this, instead look for wide shoulder straps for comfort, support and to break up the area. If you prefer bikinis to a one-piece look you could try a long line bikini top which will offer more support and hold.

Straight up and down

If you’ve an athletic figure but would like to appear curvier, add shape 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. Why not make the most of your sporty shape and go for a cut-out swimsuit or one-piece with panels to create shape.

L-R: Blue printed structured bikini, MinkPink @ ASOS; Laser cut layered bikini, Miss Selfridge; Cut out side bikini, Vero Moda; Paisley cut out swimsuit, River Island; Sporty black and aqua swimsuit, H&M

Wide hips

Look for high-waisted or low cut (on the thigh) bikini bottoms in a block colour that will draw the eye up to the smallest point at your waist. Draw attention further upwards with detail on the bust or try a plunge front swimsuit. Opting for a balcony style top will boost your bust to balance out your hips.

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 but find swimsuits too long for your torso look for a tankini with adjustable straps to get the perfect length for your small frame.

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 and if you’re conscious of flashing your tummy choose a high waisted brief with a regular tankini top to conceal the gap.

Maternity

Not forgetting those with baby bumps, here are some of the best maternity styles this season and there’s even one you can wear three different ways…

TOP ROW: Purple Multi-way swimsuit (also available in black), Seraphine
BOTTOM ROW L-R: Striped tankini with yellow detail, ASOS; Peony print tankini, Topshop; Navy printed swimsuit, Next; Ruched two-tone swimsuit, Cache Coeur @ ASOS; Multi-print tankini, ASOS

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