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!
Ganni
Swimsuit with Cherry - Size XXS Red
£220.00
GANNI
-60%
Toteme
Cutout swimsuit Black
£72.00
£180.00
Mytheresa
Fat Face
FatFace Braye Black Mono Halter Swimsuit
£49.50
FatFace
Hunza G
Square Neck swimsuit Green
£180.00
Mytheresa
Sara Cristina
Womens Bahia Halterneck Bikini Size: XS
£220.00
ABASK
-40%
Ulla Johnson
Swimsuits, female, Black, M, One-piece swimsuit Ophelia
£224.46
£374.10
Miinto
Ganni
Blue Swimsuit with Banana
£220.00
GANNI
-30%
Versace
Greca printed swimsuit Black
£213.00
£305.00
Mytheresa
-63%
Reiss
Navy & white Twist-strap Tie-side Bikini Bottoms, 12
£18.00
£48.00
Reiss
-41%
Ory
Womens underwired bikini bra W240146 - Multicolour - Size 32B
£51.04
£86.54
Secret Sales
-44%
Reiss
Coral Red Fixed-side Bikini Bottoms, 16
£28.00
£50.00
Reiss
Hunza G
Nadine Bikini Set - Womens - Polyamide/Elastane Red
£195.00
Browns
-44%
Reiss
Brown & burgundy Chequered-tie Bikini Bottoms, 10
£28.00
£50.00
Reiss
Tommy Hilfiger
Essential Contrast Side Tie Bikini Bottoms Blue
£35.00
Tommy Hilfiger
-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
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.
Lounge
Monaco Bandeau Bikini Top - Chocolate - XXL Brown
£40.00
Lounge
Calvin Klein
Bralette Bikini Top - Intense Power Black
£43.00
Calvin Klein
-25%
Lounge
Midnight Tropics Triangle Bikini Top - Midnight Blue - XS
£26.25
£35.00
Lounge
Calvin Klein
Halter Triangle Bikini Top - CK Monogram Multi
£43.00
Calvin Klein
-25%
Miss Bikini
Bikinis, female, Multicolor, XL, Cashmere Chain Triangle Gold
£117.45
£156.60
Miinto
Hunza G
Julia ring-detail bikini Brown
£195.00
Mytheresa
Hunza G
Xandra Bikini Pink
£90.00
HEWI
Original text and content: Zeinab Saidoun