This is what you should know before buying your next bikini
Let’s admit it: buying swimwear is one of the least fun things you can do (along with getting a Brazilian wax and filing your taxes). But alas, it’s almost June and your old bikinis are starting to look dingy, so it might be time to pull the bandaid off.
To make the shopping experience less, well, traumatic, we’ve compiled a list of basic info to keep in mind before buying your next bikini. Godspeed, and happy shopping!
First of all, it might be useful to regroup and remember why you’re looking for new swimwear and when you will be using it. Whether your summer plans include tanning as much as possible or attending fitness classes at the pool, that will impact what kind of bikini or swimsuit you go for. Also, think about how much skin you’re comfortable showing, and maybe even try on the aforementioned old, dingy bikinis: what works? What doesn’t? Assess and come back.
We all love a good trending piece, but as Jess Cartner-Morley from The Guardian reminds us, “You need a swimsuit that works with the body you have now”, and there is no need to turn bikini shopping into a “self-flagellation exercise about your body”.
This year’s trends include slinky, high-leg, 90s-inspired bikinis that are great at accentuating the length of your legs; or cool and modern one-pieces that won’t look like your grandma’s; and everything from fun, bold prints to earthy neutrals. Does any of this sound like you? Take a look at our product picks below!
-75%
Dsquared2
ICON Swimsuit with Open Back size 40
£52.22
£208.89
GLAMOOD
Lounge
Monaco High-Leg Swimsuit - Chocolate - XL Brown
£60.00
Lounge
-60%
Toteme
Cutout swimsuit Black
£72.00
£180.00
Mytheresa
-75%
Diesel
One-Piece Swimsuit BFSW-KATRIEN with High-Leg Silhouette and size Xxs
£30.46
£121.85
GLAMOOD
-50%
Off-white
Logo one-shoulder swimsuit Black
£120.00
£240.00
Mytheresa
-75%
Dsquared2
Glitter One-Piece Swimsuit with Embossed Logo size 40
£52.22
£208.89
GLAMOOD
-30%
Versace
Greca printed swimsuit Black
£213.00
£305.00
Mytheresa
-74%
Versace
One-Piece Cut-Out Swimsuit with Medusa Logo size Xl
£169.12
£660.63
GLAMOOD
-65%
AllSaints
Womens Polyamide Dara Snake Print Asymmetric Bikini Top, Size: XS Brown
£17.10
£49.00
AllSaints
-63%
Reiss
Navy & white Twist-strap Tie-side Bikini Bottoms, 12
£18.00
£48.00
Reiss
-75%
Elisabetta Sammarco
Solid-Color Triangle Bikini with High Cut size Xs
£33.73
£134.91
GLAMOOD
-44%
Reiss
Brown & burgundy Chequered-tie Bikini Bottoms, 10
£28.00
£50.00
Reiss
-41%
Ory
Womens underwired bikini bra W240146 - Multicolour - Size 32B
£51.04
£86.54
Secret Sales
-64%
Reiss
Black & brown Chevron Stripe Bikini Bottoms, 14
£18.00
£50.00
Reiss
Hunza G
Ruby Crinkle Bikini - Womens - Nylon/Lycra Red
£185.00
Browns
-44%
Reiss
Cornflower Blue High Cut Bikini Bottoms, 14
£28.00
£50.00
Reiss
If you’re part of the plus or mid-size crowd, or you’re D+ cup, you’re probably well acquainted with the extra struggles that come with bikini shopping: from the low availability of larger sizes to the utter lack of support. Your best bet to find bikini tops that actually hold the girls is to steer clear of brands that use clothing sizing, and instead go for ones that offer bra sizes, then simply buy your usual bra size. Going for styles that are similar to your favourite bras—say, racer-back or halter neck styles; wired cups, or adjustable straps—is another sure-fire way to purchase a bikini that fits like a glove.
When it comes to the composition of your bikini, polyamide, polyester, lycra, and nylon are all materials to look out for, as they provide stretch, durability, and are resistant to salt water and chlorine. Specifically, bikinis that are at least 80% polyamide are guaranteed to last longer. You should always wash your bikinis ASAP—like when you come home from the beach in the evening—using warm water and a mild detergent.
-65%
AllSaints
Womens Polyamide Dara Snake Print Asymmetric Bikini Top, Size: XS Brown
£17.10
£49.00
AllSaints
-10%
Lounge
Midnight Tropics Triangle Bikini Top - Midnight Blue - XS
£31.50
£35.00
Lounge
-75%
Karl Lagerfeld
Printed High-Waisted Bikini Briefs with Side Ties size L
£11.97
£47.87
GLAMOOD
-70%
Lounge
Reversible Underwire Bikini Top - Brown/Floral - XS
£13.50
£45.00
Lounge
-75%
Dsquared2
Solid-Color Swim Briefs size 40
£19.58
£78.34
GLAMOOD
-70%
Lounge
Reversible Bralette Bikini Top - Brown/Floral - XS
£13.50
£45.00
Lounge
AllSaints
Polyester Saph Triangle Bikini Top, Size: XS Brown
£49.00
AllSaints
-63%
Reiss
Navy & white Twist-strap Tie-side Bikini Bottoms, 12
£18.00
£48.00
Reiss
Original text and content: Zeinab Saidoun
