As a nation, it's time to manifest some serious warmth, and when that time comes we need to be prepped and ready to hit the Lidos, parks, garden sun loungers and British beaches in a swimsuit or bikini that leaves us feeling 10/10.
The buzz of an airport and stomach flipping motion as your plane jets off towards warmer climates might still be an unfamiliar feeling for many of us this summer, but it doesn’t stop us getting our hopes up every time we feebly check BBC weather in the hopes of some well-needed sunshine. Football’s coming home, Love Island is back on our screens and all we need now is a heatwave to complete a proper, British summertime celebration.
As a nation, it’s time to manifest some serious warmth, and when that time comes we need to be prepped and ready to hit the Lidos, parks, garden sun loungers and British beaches with our best-pedicured foot forward and in a swimsuit or bikini that leaves us feeling 10/10. Whatever your swimwear concerns (because God knows it can be a nightmare to shop for) the team have compiled their current add-to-basket worthy picks to see you through the rest of the summer season, and ensure we all get a fire Instagram photo as soon as the temperature hits anything above 22 degrees. Hey, we’re in the Euros final, anything can happen in 2021!
Zoe
Being pregnant, I’ve found the offering of maternity swimwear a bit dire, but have found that the “crinkle” style is my favourite to wear! They mostly come in one size which means the stretch they have to offer is SO good and still comfortable. I also like that you can different styles of crinkle costume too, so you still feel somewhat stylish with your beach ball tum and enlarged boobies out the front!
I do a lot of sea swimming in the summer months so swimwear leaks will not be wasted on me in 2021. I’ve had my fair share of camel toe slips and see-through disasters, so at this point I’d rather invest in a few trusty pieces that will make this water baby’s ocean dips a plain sailing, blush-free experience. Sezane have got some beautiful cozzies in at the moment (I’ve full on coupled up with this floral number) and Monki have got some great separates you can mix ‘n’ match with different bikinis. Always a win when you’re in rush to get to the beach. Just grab whatever’s at the surface of your underwear drawer and go!
When it comes to swimwear I’m usually much more adventurous with colour than I am with the rest of my wardrobe. I’ve gone for a couple of options, this lilac bikini in that material I can’t quite describe as well as a costume in a similar palette with a cool straight neck line. I’ll alway pair swimwear with an oversized lightweight shirt, it’s such a good holiday vibe and great when I want to get my skin out the sofa. Love these lilac sunnies and some sandals that go with everything to finish the look!
We might not be jet setting anywhere exotic this year but Brighton beach is where it’s AT in my opinion no matter the travel restrictions. The weather has been somewhat lacklustre this summer so far I have to say but I love a little dip in the sea even when it’s not scorching outside so having a few good swimwear options I can rely on is essential. Swimwear is definitely something I’ve scrimped on in the past but the older I’ve got the more I’ve realised the importance of investing in certain items and I really do think swimwear is one of those things- no one wants a saggy bottom or see through boob! I see Frankies Bikinis a lot on Instagram and I think they’ve absolutely nailed Gen Z/trend driven but classic bikinis- if I was going on Love Island this is where I’d shop.
I love getting new swimwear as it feels like I’ve come so far in body confidence when wearing it! I used to hate buying swimwear when I was in my teens and I always felt so insecure wearing bikinis, but now I love parading around in little bikinis because who actually cares! Everyone is too busy having fun to even focus on what you are wearing on the beach/round the pool. I found this really cute pink bikini from AsYou, who isn’t loving pink at the moment?! I also love a crinkle style, so this blue set from Weekday and this swimsuit from 4th & Reckless were perfect finds.
I’ve struggled to find any swimwear pieces I really like this year. I like bright colours and bold patterns but most plus size swimwear is really boring and bland. My go to style is a bikini with high waisted bottoms and a very supportive top otherwise my boobs scrape the floor and they get in the way when I diving to the bottom of the pool doing handstands. I’ve got a few here that I would wear but to be honest, if there was more of a selection I’d still go for bolder, brighter.