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Holiday Swimwear

You only need to flip through the pages of your weekly glossy to see that even the beach is a catwalk; you might not be papped on the sand, but there is no excuse for not looking your best by the seaside? Heat waves means stripping down to your bares, and although a tan can hide a multitude of sins, looking good in swimwear is no mean feat. Here are some tips for choosing the right styles to suit you and your holiday.

Divert attention away from your least favourite body features to other attributes using prints, accessories and eye catching styling features. Regardless of your overall body shape:

Always give a full bust enough support by wearing a style that has a wider underbust band, underwires, an inbuilt support shelf or firmer cups.

A smaller bust also needs support and often needs enhanced shape. Soft padding will give gentle support as well as shaping, and sweetheart necklines will enhance a smaller cleavage.

Wear the correct size. Pieces that are too small will create unsightly bulges, and pieces that are too big will ’bag and sag’.

Make the most of any body shape by having good posture. Stand tall; shoulders back and down; hips tilted slightly forward.

Refine your overall look with neatly kept nails and well moisturised skin all-over.

Swimwear to pack for different holidays

Sightseeing / Safari: a bikini or tankini can be worn as a top or bra, under a light, long sleeve shirt for daytime exploring so you’ll be ready for cooling dips or showers at any lodges you visit as well as a basque in the sunshine if you stop off for al fresco picnics.

Beach: a sarong, kaftan or beach dress (to go with whatever your choice of swimwear) for a thousand different reasons... trips to the bar; walks along the beach and using as a protector for impromptu sitting on the sand; covering your shoulders from midday sun; mopping a glowing brow; a seat cover.

Sailing: one pieces or a well fitted bikini as you’ll be doing lots of jumping overboard when you anchor as well as the possibility that you may be lending a hand winding sails or coiling ropes. Make sure you have something to cover as the wind can get chilly when you pick up speed it’s also when you are most likely to burn as the salty sea spray combined with the reflection of the sun’s rays from the water intensifies the sun.

Spa: a bikini or tankini are the best options here because a two piece is more flexible for wear during treatments.

Activity: a one piece is always best for activity orientated trips. It’s more secure on the body and unlikely to separate itself from you when you jump / dive / wipe-out / spin etc. Wearing a bikini top under a one piece can be handy for in-between activities as you can roll down the one piece for drying off and sun-soaking.