But, don’t worry, we have your back, and have scoured the High Street to pick the most flattering styles for six different body shapes. And to be sure you don’t look like a beach bum, our stylist HAYLEY FORESTER also tells you which looks to avoid.
Boyish
- Blue floral bikini £27, H&M – Buy now
TIP: Frills, ruching and patterns will accentuate curves. The ruching detail on this brief will enhance the curve of your bum, and the high-cut sides will create shapely hips.
Off-shoulder styles also widen shoulders and create the illusion of a bigger bust.
AVOID: Bold, flat colours with no padding on curves on top, and plain simple bikinis.
- Blue bikini, £12, boohoo.com – Buy now
Apple
- Blue pattern bikini, £22, boohoo.com – Buy now
TIP: Those with a tummy should try high-waisted briefs that smooth curves and cinch in the waist.
A higher-cut style will also lengthen legs, and thick straps for support are essential.
AVOID: Smaller briefs in block colours as they will only draw attention to your lower half. Also avoid Brazilian styles, which don’t offer full coverage.
- Turquoise bikini, £4, Primark
Pear
- Striped top, £16, M&S – Buy now
- Blue briefs, £8 – Buy now
TIP: If your bottom half is bigger, balance out your figure with a mix-and-match bikini.
A patterned top draws the eye up – this striped style evens out the proportions of your shape. And a brief in a smaller cut slims the hips.
AVOID: High-waisted full styles in bright, block colours which will make you look bigger.
- Red bikini, £26, River Island – Buy now
Hourglass
GO FOR: High-cut bottoms with thick tie-up detail.
- Yellow bikini, £14, Sainsbury’s – Buy now
TIP: Hourglass figures have a small waist with hips and a bust that are in proportion.
Try a classic bikini shape that’s high-cut to lengthen the legs. A halter neck top will draw attention away from broader shoulders.
AVOID: Skimpily cut briefs with string tops. You need more coverage to accentuate your figure.
- Pink bikini, £18, New Look – Buy now
Mature
GO FOR: Full coverage, supportive briefs.
- Purple floral bikini, £24, Sainsbury’s – Buy now
TIP: As we get older our skin can lose its firmness. If you are concerned about this you could opt for full briefs that are higher at the waist and will provide support for your bum and tummy.
A fun pattern will distract the eye, and a matching supportive top will make you feel comfortable on the beach.
AVOID: Skimpy bikinis with no support.
- Coral bikini, £20, asos.com – Buy now
Petite
GO FOR: A smaller frame needs a small bikini.
- Red bikini, £18, nastygal.com – Buy now
TIP: Swimwear styles that provide less coverage will create the look of longer limbs by extending the legs and torso.
AVOID: Any bikinis that cover your body up too much, such as crop top and high-waisted shapes.
These will make your legs and body look shorter.
- Striped bikini, £24, New Look – Buy now
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