The frustrations of seeking the perfect swimming costume or bikini are second only to the search for great jeans.
The High Street is awash with more styles than ever, from uber-trendy crinkled cossies to bandeau bikinis.
But sometimes so much choice makes things worse.
It provides more crushing opportunities to see yourself in something that just doesn’t suit you after panic-buying several styles to try on at home in front of the mirror.
So anything that helps you narrow down your choices to those that suit your figure, your personal style and leave you feeling body confident on the beach is a blessing — we hope to do just that with our quiz. Just answer these eight questions, noting whether you answered A, B, C or D to each.
At the end, see which letter you chose most, then check the corresponding box below for the style to see you through summer . . .
1) If you had to describe your style it would be . . .
A. Timeless and classic.
B. Casual and sporty.
C. Fashion-forward.
D. Sophisticated and feminine.
2) What’s your preferred colour to wear for an evening engagement?
A. Black, classy and elegant.
B. Blue, simple but always stylish.
C. Red, fiery and eye-catching.
D. A unique print of many colours.
3) What’s your favourite part of your body?
A. Bottom.
B. Legs.
C. Stomach.
D. Boobs.
4) What accessories do you take to the beach?
A. A kaftan to cover up when I am walking around.
B. My swimming goggles.
C. No accessories required; my swimwear is the main event!
D. A wide-brimmed hat.
5) How would you describe your figure?
A. Pear-shaped.
B. An hourglass.
C. Straight up and down.
D. Larger on top.
6) When at the beach, do you swim in the sea?
A. I’ll go for a paddle to show willing, but you won’t catch me in past my waist.
B. Yes, I find a proper swim invigorating.
C. No, I wear swimwear to the beach but it’s certainly not for swimming in.
D. Yes, I get bored lying on a sun lounger, so I’ll go for a dip, but won’t get my hair wet.
7) Complete this sentence: ‘My ideal day at the beach is spent . . .’
A. Getting a tan.
B. Doing water sports.
C. Without any children around!
D. Reading a good book on a sun lounger.
8) Your dream holiday destination is:
A. An all-inclusive luxury resort where I don’t have to lift a finger.
B. A walking holiday where I can appreciate the beauty of nature.
C. A private island where I can relax on the beach with a large cocktail.
D. A city break where I can immerse myself in the culture and history.
MOSTLY As – SKIMPY
Bikini, £125 for set, aspiga.com
Bikini top, £14.99, hm.com
Bikini bottoms, £12.99, hm.com
Bikini top and bottoms, £28 each, boden.co.uk
Bikini top and bottoms, £28 each, boden.co.uk
Bikini, £136, celiab.com
High-leg swimsuit, £32.99, zara.com
Hold on to your hat, this summer you should be bold.
Skimpy, high-cut bottoms with adjustable ties can elongate your legs and accentuate your curves. It may seem counter-intuitive but the more fabric you wear on your bottom the larger you will make it look, so don’t automatically reach for maximum coverage.
If you’d prefer to not have your stomach on show, go for an ultra-high leg one-piece. And if you’re worried about feeling exposed poolside, all you need is the right sarong. If you choose one in a similar colour to your swimwear, it will feel like a chic continuation of your costume rather than a cover-up.
MOSTLY Bs – SUPPORTIVE
Swimsuit, £14, bonmarche.co.uk
Swimsuit, £49.95, joules.com
Bikini top, £130, and bottoms, £110, aliciaswim. com
Bikini top, £130, and bottoms, £110, aliciaswim. com
If you’d prefer a swimming costume, go for a U-shaped neckline, which will give you support but with added glamour
If you’d opt for swimming in the sea over sunbathing all day, supported swimwear is for you.
But this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Many bikinis and swimming costumes are designed for active swimming as well as sculpting your figure. An underwired bikini top will mean you don’t have to fret about re-adjusting if you decide to go for a dip in the sea.
Buy your swimwear by your cup size, not your dress size, to get the best fit.
If you’d prefer a swimming costume, go for a U-shaped neckline, which will give you support but with added glamour.
MOSTLY Cs – CUT-OUT
Swimsuit, £236, reiss.com
A cut-out or asymmetric one-piece can also create the appearance of curves for those who have a straighter, less curvy silhouette
Swimsuit, £14.99, hm.com
Swimsuit, £32, boden.co.uk
Cut-out swimwear isn’t just for twenty-something contestants on TV’s Love Island.
This season, the High Street has different styles that can flatter any figure.
Depending which part of your body you’re most keen to expose (perhaps you’ve been working hard on your waist but are less keen on your stomach), you can find a swimsuit with just the right amount of cutaway in tactical places.
A cut-out or asymmetric one-piece can also create the appearance of curves for those who have a straighter, less curvy silhouette.
MOSTLY Ds – PLUNGING
Bikini top, £54, and bottoms, £45, wyselondon.com
Swimsuit, £35, marksandspencer.com
Swimsuit, £99, wyselondon.com
A halterneck-style top is flattering and also gives you the option of an extra hoick if necessary
A deep-v shaped swimsuit means that everything is held in place, without the need for wiring or padding, and your natural figure can be on show.
A halterneck-style top is flattering and also gives you the option of an extra hoick if necessary.
Ruffled shoulders add a touch of femininity and will soften a plunging neckline.
And a plunge bikini top isn’t just for those with smaller busts.
Full coverage cups and supportive underwiring mean that they’re suitable for everyone.
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