By Niamh ODonoghue
09th Jul 2018
09th Jul 2018
We’re officially in beach mode. The holiday season is here and it’s time to ditch the decade-old bathing suit for a new and updated look. I searched the internet to give you a breakdown of the trends you can expect to see this summer and how to find a suit that’s perfect for your body type. Whether there’s an upcoming getaway on your calendar or you’re simply looking for some quality lounge-chair time, the warm weather months are reason enough to give your suit a refresh. So what are you waiting for? Dive in.
If you’re curvaceous
Angelique bikini bottom in fresh lime, €41.62, Angelique bikini top in fresh lime, €41.62, both at rue107.com
Rue1o7 is a lifestyle boutique based in Brooklyn, New York that creates fun, statement-making swimwear for curvy women. The creative spirit behind Rue107 is designer Marie Jean-Baptiste, who was born in the culturally rich and beautiful island of Haiti and her designs really express that. This sporty-inspired lime two-piece features high-waist bottoms and a gorgeous and comfortable scoop-neck top. This is a great option if you’re big-busted and require something with a bit more scaffolding so you can enjoy yourself all day long.
Karrissa plus, €16.24 at adoreme.com
This slick black one-piece from adoreme.com is elegant, offers full coverage and gives the appearance of a gorgeous silhouette. The seam on the bodice has strategically placed mesh panels that help emphasise your natural and beautiful curves, while the deep V neckline elongates the top half of the body. The fact that it’s black makes this one piece even more appealing, especially when we feel more confident and sexy when wearing it.
Plus size ruffle leaf print one-piece swimsuit, €15.25 at zaful.com
Online Hong Kong-based retail brand Zaful has a huge selection of of-the-minute swimwear for petite and curvy women. Ruffles are a great way to disguise any bits you’re bothered by, and this blue-green colourway is a very flattering combination for fair-coloured complexions.
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If you’re petite
Jaya scallop bandeau top, €175, Jaya scallop high pant, €280, both at zimmermannwear.ue
While wearing ruffles can help to give definition around the waist and the appearance of a smaller bust, wearing a top with rounded applique or scalloping can help to enlarge your shape if you’re small-breasted. This bikini from Zimmermann is a prime example of giving the appearance of more, not to mention it’s absolutely darling.
Embroidered floral swimsuit, €44 at topshop.com
Similarly, deep V-necklines can be very flattering for smaller busted ladies while also elongating the body giving the appearance of a longer, leaner torso too. Winning.
Aerie tie strap one-piece swimsuit, €24.21 at ae.com
You might associate American heritage brand American Eagle with low-cut skinny jeans and varsity jackets, so it’s the underdog when it comes to swimwear. This flattering black one-piece features an exaggerated V-neck to the front and back and is perfect for petite ladies on the itty bitty titty committee. The bow ties on the shoulders are an added bonus so don’t forget to shake and shimmy on the way to the pool bar.
If you’ve got confidence
Swami’s swimsuit in leopard print, €129.13 at inamorataswim.com
This daring one-piece from model, activist and actor Emily Ratajkowski is daring and bold. Featuring a super high-cut leg and belt that cinches in at the smallest part of the waist, this swimsuit is ultra sexy and feminine without looking cheap. This one-piece is particularly appealing if you’ve been blessed in the leg genome department because the high-leg will make your pins appear even longer and shapely.
*Trigger warning: you may feel the urge to uncontrollably strut like a model shortly after putting this on.
‘What rings you here’ strappy swimsuit, €27 at nastygal.com
The addition of a simple strap can drastically change the silhouette and appearance of a basic bikini. It’s a subtle but exciting change and is sure to turn heads and affords you the perfect opportunity to flaunt those abs you’ve been shredding all year. Get it, girl.
If you’re busty
Wolf & Whistle fuller bust contrast one-piece, €22.81 at asos.com
Founded in 2012, London-based label Wolf & Whistle specialises in sleep sets, lingerie and cup-sized swimwear. This bright pink and orange plunging one-piece is perfect for keeping the summer vibes going right through to September. The horizontal stripes below the bust create a gorgeous hourglass silhouette, and the bright pop of orange will really help highlight your new tan. Wear with jeans and open-toed sandals in the evening for the perfect summer cocktail look.
Samantha Pleet
Cello swimsuit, €144.38 at samanthapleet.com
Strike the right note in this beautiful rust-coloured, bustier-style one-piece from Brooklynn designer Samantha Pleet. Whether you’ve planned a day by the pool or plan on taking part in activities, a supported and comfortable bust is important. What I love about this one-piece is the simple cello indents on the lower back that creates the illusion of perfect symmetry.
Boohoo.com
Plus crop frill bikini, €21 at boohoo.com
In a beautiful light peachy pink, this frill top bikini is a really flattering addition for sallow skin tones and olive/dark skin tones. From the Boohoo plus range, this bikini comes with high-waisted pants for maximum comfort and confidence. For big-chested women, the pretty pleated top will elegantly fall over the bust, creating an elegant shape. Similarly, this bikini works well for petite women too; giving thin, lean bodies the illusion of additional curves.
If you like it plain and simple
Isa floral one-piece swimsuit, €262.04 at intermixonline.com
Going back to basics is fundamental to finding the right swimwear that suits you (minus the frills, straps, mesh and any other add-ons). This simple one-piece from Intermix – an online boutique based in America – is elegant and refined yet the small arm cuff gives this suit enough ‘wow’ without being too in your face. While high-leg bathing suits are trending right now, they’re not to everyone’s taste: this one-piece has regular-cut legs that sits comfortably over your bum so you’ll be comfortable all day long.
Cody Jane full piece in clay, €146.95 at skyeandstaghorn.com
Skye And Staghorn is an Australian swimwear label dedicated to bold design and unique detailing. Known for its fusion of sleek designs, mix of fabrics and use of embellishments (have you seen their beaded bikinis?), the brand has cemented itself as a leader in the swimwear industry both locally and abroad. Founder Dakota Gilbert’s designs will make you chase the sun eternally. I love the simplicity yet versatility of this design: throw on jeans or a skirt and it’s perfect for by-the-sea dining. Broad shoulders? The thin straps and soft-scooping neckline will help give the appearance of a slender top-half if you’re feeling self-conscious.
Farrah stretch-jersey swimsuit by Lisa Marie Fernandez, €144 at theoutnet.com
This magenta one-piece from Lisa Marie Fernandez is perfect for women who like to stay modest. The stretch-jersey fabric will sit comfortably on your body all day long whether you’re strolling through an afternoon market or hiking through the mountains. What’s great about this piece is that it gives you the option to cover-up completely, or show off some cleavage as you wish.
*This article was updated on 09.07.2018
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