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If the thought of pulling on a body-skimming swimsuit fills you with dread, you’re not the only one. With the weather only just turning, many of us haven’t worn anything flesh-flashing since last year. And I can’t recall the last time my skin felt proper sunshine.
But you needn’t shroud yourself in a sarong this summer. Today’s one-piece offerings are highly sophisticated. Forget elasticated leg holes which dig in everywhere they shouldn’t and fabric that’s at risk of turning transparent after a dip.
Much of what’s on the high street now has been specially engineered to flatter the shape of your body, rather than cling to it. Think clever colour blocking, hidden midriff smoothing panels, optical illusion cut outs, slimming ruching and even waist-cinching ’wrapsuits’.
Aside from a healthy dose of fake tan – yes, I’m being deadly serious – these are the swimsuits to buy now that will have you feeling beach-ready in no time.
Thoughtful colour blocking
Steer away from busy patterns and veer towards colour block styles instead. The two-tone effect gives the optical illusion of a smaller waist, plus it imitates an ultra-flattering high-leg cut without any less fabric. Monochrome black and white, or brown and ecru are popular this season. Away That Day is the fashion editor’s favourite for all things swim-related. The Cannes black and ivory swimsuit is a knockout. Bravissimo’s chocolate Lake Garda iteration is another winner. But if you’re after something brighter, look no further than Monsoon’s tangerine dream.
Hidden control panels
If you’re a fan of tummy control pants, you’ll love these. Think of it as shapewear you can swim in! There’s a wide selection of clever designs with subtly hidden built-in mesh control panels, which will offer you extra support across your midriff, cinching you in in all the right places. I rate Speedo’s butterfly back version made from sculpture fabric which gently contours the body for a flattering fit, while its powermesh liner shapes and smooths. I also have my eye on Simply Beach’s coral v-neck design. But if you’re after a bargain, Matalan is brilliant and affordable.
Wrapsuits
Wrap dresses are excellent for scooping you in at the waist and accentuating hourglass figures. Now you can get this silhouette in the pool too: cue the Wrapsuit. These natty one-pieces offer the same shaping effect, with an asymmetric tie and a crossover bust. If you’re long in the body then head straight to Long Tall Sally for its rust floral style. Seaspray’s Crete mock wrap swimsuit is practical yet pretty. For an investment style, head to Baiia – these designs are actually reversible so you’re technically getting two for one. Or if you’re after plain and classic, try this navy number from Lands’ End – it will never go out of style.
Clever cut-outs
Visually, more material can sometimes make you appear bigger than you actually are. A cut-out will break up the block look and open up the shape of the swimsuit to make you appear smaller, as the eye will be drawn to the rest of the fabric instead. Next’s gingham underboob cut-out style is great for accentuating a bust. Ditto New Look’s red showstopper. To minimise your midriff, try a notch cut out at the waist. See Oysho’s green version, or put Free People’s timeless white Celine style in your basket.
Tactical ruching
Ruching along the sides of your swimsuit will ruffle the fabric over your middle, skimming over any lumps or bumps, and will pull you in at the smallest point of your body. Asymmetric gathers are particularly effective for this reason! H&M’s tie strap wonder has this excellent detailing at its side seams. Similarly, Reiss’s cobalt one shoulder button side design is excellent. Or the teal green super sculpt swimsuit by Yours comes with lovely crossovers at the bust for maximum support up top. Mango’s halterneck polka dots come with a central gather that will disguise any unwanted tummy bulges.
Tankinis are back!
There’s no doubt you tried this trend the first time around. You may even have one lingering at the back of a drawer. Fuelled by nostalgia for the late nineties and early noughties, Tankinis have made a return for SS26. They’re the almost-a-one-piece two-piece and they’re great if you want a little bit more coverage but you prefer separates. Plus, the top and bottoms combination makes it easier to slip them on under a towel!
Boden’s ruched red style is top of my wishlist. At M&S they come in muted tones of brown and khaki with bead embellished spaghetti straps – I would wear one of these tops with jeans in the city (as, rather handily, they’re sweat-proof). You also can’t go wrong with the supermarkets’ take: Simply Be at Tu’s peplum waisted design is ultra-flattering and feminine.
SHOP: The most stylish swimwear available now that will definitely sell out by summer
READ MORE: No more costume dramas! Our fashion director’s super-useful guide to finding the right swimwear for your shape
