Swimwear. The thought of it is thrilling – at some point soon you will be basking in the sun in close proximity to a body of water – yet, for many, anxiety-inducing, because there’s always that hurdle of finding your confidence when it comes to stripping down to your swimsuit.
Having swimwear you’re excited to slip into can help you get past it, but the choice on the high street is vast, and the idea of navigating complicated cut-outs and straps in a fitting room the size of a tea towel is about as appealing as the inevitable wait for your bags to turn up on the luggage carousel.
That’s why the first rule is to dismiss anything too fussy. ‘I am never going to wear a bikini with things hanging off it that you can’t swim in,’ says Georgiana Huddart, co-founder of swimwear brand Hunza G. ‘It needs to be functional, flattering, cool and timeless.’
A sleek, unfussy design will always look modern, even if the pattern is a patchwork of florals. Quality fabric will feel more comfortable and dry faster, while thoughtful details, such as hidden pockets, will make your chosen piece a go-to year after year.
Honeycomb stretch swimsuit, £150, Cossie + Co; Econyl bikini top, £85 and bottoms, £50, Tona the Label; Seersucker stripe, £25, Marks & Spencer
Don’t feel obligated to play it too safe, though. ‘I think people are returning to colour and pattern after the quiet-luxury boom,’ says Huddart.
‘I love bubblegum pink and sky blue. It feels less about the earthy neutrals that have been around for the past two years.’
Consider interesting textures too; seersucker is a great option for men’s trunks, while the debut swim offering from lingerie brand Dora Larsen comes in a soft, matt, almost towelling-like fabric that looks great on the skin.
The most important thing – aside from the fit – is to choose something that feels you. One of the most common shopping mistakes when shopping for a summer getaway is imagining a totally different identity for your holiday self. If you love joyful colour and dopamine prints in day-to-day life, go for it.
If not, think about the pieces you wear to death every holiday, and build your swimwear collection around them. Take it from someone who owns a watermelon-print bikini that has been packed several times, but never worn. We all get carried away on a holiday-wardrobe shopping spree sometimes…
Try these...
Piped nylon, £68, Reiss; Econyl bikini top, £85 and bottoms, £50, Tona the Label
Pyratex swimsuit, £225, Away That Day; Underwire bikini top, £85 and bottoms, £65, Dora Larsen; Square neck swimsuit, £80, Boden
Seersucker, £158, The Resort Co; Herringbone, £165, Frescobol Carioca
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