Best bikini: Stylish bikinis and swimsuits to flatter all body shapes
Looking for some swimwear inspiration? You’ll be the belle of the beach in our pick of the best bikinis and swimsuits
Whether you’re checking into a hotel spa, catching some rays abroad (lucky you!) or updating your poolside style before your next aqua aerobics class, a stylish bikini or swimsuit is a wardrobe staple that often gets overlooked. We understand that it’s daunting trying to find the perfect shape and fit but it really needn’t be.
It’s actually quite simple: the secret to feeling body confident is choosing a swimsuit that shows off your best bits and draws attention away from areas of which you’re a little self-conscious. Our advice: pick a bikini that flatters your shape and compliments your style, and avoid cuts that are en vogue as these will only go out of style before your next trip anyway.
Below, we’ve gone through a few bikini styles to help you choose a fit that makes you feel most comfortable. Scroll down a little further and you’ll find our favourite swimsuits and bikinis that are available right now.
How to buy the best bikini and swimsuit for you
What are the different styles?
- Swimsuits are comfortable, stylish and offer more support than their itsy-bikini siblings. Some come with the added benefit of bust or tummy support, or a skirt that conceals your bum and upper thighs. A swimsuit is perfect if you feel most confident when not baring all.
- Halter bikini tops have a clasp back and adjustable tie around the neck. They’re a great fit for large busts and often come with molded cups and underwiring for extra support.
- Triangle bikini tops tie around the back and neck. These are best for small-busted women with an athletic shape since they don’t offer much support.
- Bandeau bikini tops are easy to slip on since there are no straps to deal with; there’s the added bonus of minimal tan lines, too. However, they’re not a great choice for bigger busts since there’s little support.
- Sport bikini tops look identical to your sports bra: they have thick straps, a scoop neck and a full coverage on your chest.
- Hipster bikini bottoms are a simple style that sits on the hips (unsurprisingly).
- High-cut bikini bottoms are a trendy choice for petite girls that want to create the illusion of longer legs. These eighties-inspired bottoms sit just above the hip and tend to have thick straps to keep them firmly in place.
- High-waisted bikini bottoms are a great choice for curvy women. These retro-looking bottoms have a high waistline that sits just above your belly button.
Which type of fabric should I choose?
Most bikinis and swimsuits use a breathable nylon blend that’s lightweight and form fitting, it offers plenty of stretch and feels comfortable on the skin, too. More expensive suits are often made from polyester: this fabric is just as comfortable as its nylon sibling but comes with the added perks of being breathable, chlorine resistant and quicker at drying out.
How do I care for my swimwear?
There are a few steps you can take to keep your bikini looking newer for longer. To stop the colours from fading or stains marking the suit, it’s important to rinse your swimwear with cool water after you’ve worn it, and we’ve found it’s best to hand wash the suits with a mild detergent and then lay them out to dry away from direct sunshine. Don’t soak your swimwear overnight and be careful where you sit to avoid snagging the fabric.
Best bikinis and swimsuits to buy
1. Whistles Black Tort swimsuit: Most stylish swimsuit
Buy now from Whistles | Price for swimsuit: £75
Nothing looks classier than an all black swimsuit, and this slinky number from Whistles takes it one step further with a sophisticated one-shoulder design and tortoiseshell ring accent. Its breathable nylon fabric gives a true-to-size fit that feels comfortable and supportive. What’s more, the swimsuit has fantastic cost per wear since its matte fabric means it can be worn as a bodysuit, too. Our thoughts? This swimsuit from Whistles is an investment piece that’ll look equally at home on the French Riviera and the Corinthia Spa.
2. H&M Tortoiseshell Bikini: Most stylish bikini
Buy now from H&M | Top: £15; Bottoms: £10
H&M’s range of swimwear delivers style and substance at a really affordable price, and this chic tortoiseshell bikini doesn’t buck that trend. Available in white or rust brown, the bikini features a tortoiseshell ring at the bust and hips, plus adjustable shoulder straps and removable inserts over your breasts for support on the halter top. The bikini is made from a thick nylon blend that doesn’t go see through once underwater, although we did find that the metal fastening at the back was difficult to unclasp during wear.
3. Zulu and Zephyr ruched bikini: Best striped bikini
Buy now from ASOS | Top: £52; Bottoms: £43
Trust our Aussie friends to deliver a top-notch bikini brand. This cream coloured bikini with understated stripe design is an updated nod to nautical swimwear. We’re also big fans of the bikini top’s nineties-inspired balconette bra design, underwiring for added support and thin, adjustable straps. While the high-cut, v-shaped bikini bottoms are perfect for petite ladies that want to lengthen their pins, the bottoms also sit nicely on the hips thanks to its stretchy polyester fabric. All you need is a lightweight linen coverup to complete the look.
4. Marks & Spencer Secret Slimming Belted swimsuit: Best swimsuit with tummy control
Buy now from Marks & Spencer | Price for swimsuit: £29.50
With an on-trend belt design, timeless shape and colour, and built-in tummy control, there’s nothing to dislike about Marks & Spencer’s Bond girl inspired swimsuit. Made from a nylon-blend, the ribbed textured one piece has a chlorine resistant coating that ensures the colour won’t fade over time. The slimming technology across the tummy helps to conceal any wobbly bits while the belt detail accentuates your waist and the low back adds extra drama. It’s available in sizes 8 to 18 and has a padded bust and full lining for added comfort.
5. Missoni Mare Zig Zag bikini: Best designer bikini
Buy now from Harrods | Price for set: £420
Missoni Mare’s stunning bikinis will never go out of fashion. Now we know that’s a big statement to make considering this one costs over £400, but Missoni has been making the same design for years and it’s still a holiday staple in many celebs’ wardrobes. Made in Italy, this classic triangle bikini features adjustable self-tie straps for maximum tanning and is made from a soft and durable crochet fabric that needs to be hand washed. This style features a white base with a beautiful rainbow and sparkly gold zig zag embroidery that’s sure to look the part around the pool or sitting at a beach bar.
6. ASOS Design V Crinkle Mix & Match bikini: Best statement bikini
Buy now from ASOS | Price for set: £30
If you’re looking for a statement bikini to wear to a beach bar or club, this crinkle set from ASOS’ own brand is a comfortable and affordable choice that’s sure to stand out from the crowd. Featuring a gold metallic thread, sporty scoop neck and high-waisted brief design, the stylish two-piece ticks all our boxes. It’s a “one-size fits all” two piece thanks to its polyester blend (which means there’s no need to try on lots of different sizes) and also comes in white, black and neon pink.
7. Nike Swim Sport Bikini: Best sportswear bikini
Buy now from ASOS | Price for set: £45
Sport streetwear is still on trend, and that’s true for swimwear, too. Therefore, we think this red two-piece from Nike will look great if you’re going for a swim at the gym or lounging on the beach – it all depends on your personal style. With a racerback feature, scoop neck and cropped length, the Swim Sport bikini top looks and feels just as supportive and comfortable as our sports bra. The hipster bottoms fit true to size and since they’re made from a quick-drying polyester fabric (like most competitive swimwear), you won’t get a soggy bottom.
8. JoJo MaMan Bebe Navy Spot maternity swimsuit: Best maternity swimsuit
Buy now from JoJo MaMan Bebé | Price for swimsuit: £29
Hunting for a bump-friendly swimsuit to wear on your babymoon? JoJo MaMan Bebe has all bases covered with its dotty maternity one-piece. The nylon swimsuit is designed to snugly fit your bump throughout your pregnancy and thanks to its internal shelf bra, you’ll feel comfortably supported as you grow. Plus, we found its navy colour and ruching effect across the bust and sides to be flattering design details for expectant women.
9. Hunza G Posey bikini set: Best high waisted bikini
Buy now from Selfridges | Price for set: £135
This one-size-fits-all bikini from Hunza G (the same brand that made Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman dress) takes all the hard work out of trying on swimsuits. With a striking animal print and rich copper colour, this stylish set features a no-fuss bandeau top and high-waisted bikini bottoms that will suit all shapes and sizes. The Posey bikini set is made from a nylon blend with a unique seersucker texture that hugs your figure and feigns the illusion of curves.