Now that Spring has finally sprung, we’ve got our sights set on the summer holidays – sun, sea, sand and sangria, what more could you ask for? Of course, no good summer holiday is complete without a bit of sunbathing, so a flattering bikini is our first port of call when packing up our suitcases. Finding the right bikini for your body shape can be tricky, but arming yourself with a little bit of knowledge can make trying on swimsuits a pleasure rather than a chore.
Colours and patterns are not only a fun way to express your style and personality, they can also be used to create a flattering shape and make you look your best on the beach! Spend some time learning which colours suit you; a general rule of thumb is that people with a cooler skin tone look best in blue-based colours, where people with warm skin tones look best in yellow-based colours.
Not only that, but the use of patterns and block colours can highlight or hide your best and worst features. Solid colour will gloss over any of your least favourite bits, where pattern or bright colours will draw attention to your assets. Combined with a swimsuit cut properly for your shape, you’ll be looking beach-ready and fabulous in no time at all!
If you’re conscious of your waist or stomach, why not go for a sexy one piece? Choose a swimsuit with ruching like the Veronica swimsuit to disguise any problem areas. For a retro look, a bikini with high-waisted briefs like the Tallulah bikini is the perfect choice for those who want to look glamorous by the pool.
Creating a classic hourglass shape is surprisingly easy when you know how – for those with larger hips, try a bandeau top to make the bust seem wider, and if you have slimmer hips, choose boyshorts to balance your proportions. Alternatively, to draw attention to a slim waist, why not think about a tankini? Providing more coverage than a bikini, a tankini like the Cleo Betty creates a smooth silhouette and hides any problem areas.
Briefs which are cut high on the leg like the Stella bikini, or even better, those with tie sides, will elongate your legs so are ideal if you want to disguise larger thighs. Pair with a plunge or halter-top to draw attention to your enviable upper half and you’ll be ready to strut your stuff!