THE BEST SWIMWEAR FOR SUMMER 2020 AND BEYOND

Before we dive into this swimwear edit, I think it bears acknowledging that this year it might not be a priority for many - at least not in the same way. Lots of holiday plans and ‘regular summer programming’ have been cancelled, but summer is still here and there’s a way to make the most of it, even if that means prancing around in your back garden, heading to the local park or even the beach depending on your location and lockdowns permitting…

I know I’m incredibly lucky to be based in Paris and have the south of France on my doorstep - if you’ve been following me on my Instagram, you’ll see that I’ve already spent some time in the Dordogne and Provence this past month and I will be heading back down next week. On days where the heat is a little too much and there’s no escaping the city, I love pairing a bikini top with shorts and a shirt, making a beeline for the nearest park, and spending an evening taking a break from my normal days with a book. What I’m saying is don’t despair if technically you’re not going on holiday and therefore don’t really need a new bikini or swimsuit - garden parties and hangouts and afternoons at the park can all serve as the excuse you need if you have your eye on the perfect piece.

I’m a firm believer in shopping smartly when it comes to swimwear and never chasing trends. I do venture outside my ‘neutrals and classics’ category somewhat, gravitating towards a pop of colour or a chic pattern here and there, but you probably won’t find me in neon or an excessively strappy or too revealing number (not in public anyway). If you’ve struggled to find a great bikini in the past, I have a few pieces of advice. First, consider spending a little bit more. I love the high street and I think it is possible to find great swimwear options there (I’ve linked many examples below), but if your budget stretches a little further you might find that there’s a significant difference in quality and fit. I personally think that it’s better to have one swimsuit or bikini that you truly love than a couple you feel lukewarm about and you get what you pay for - better quality suits will last more than one summer! Finally, order a few different sizes to try and get the best fit, forgetting the number on the label, since they mean different things for different brands anyway. Instead, try on a size up and a size down from your regular to find the one that fits like a glove.

One Piece Swimsuits

I can’t believe that the fashion industry ever allowed the one piece swimsuit to go ‘out of style’. A well-fitting one piece is endlessly flattering, versatile, and chic, and they an double up as bodies worn under shorts and skirts on holiday! Getting the fit right can be a little tricky, so do get a few different styles from different brands to try; you’re looking for the swimsuit to fit snugly but not too tightly, without bunching or pulling in delicate places, and no one wants that all too-unflattering double butt cheek that a small swimsuit often creates. Belted styles are great for all body types, they add a gentle curve and emphasize existing ones too. Most of the styles I’ve chosen below are high cut on the leg to create long lines, something I personally look for when shopping for a swimsuit. Both the COS and H&M pieces look miles more expensive than they are thanks to the fabric and cut; if, however, you’re after something truly special, then this Bottega Veneta number is the stuff of dreams.

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Two Piece Bikinis

When it comes to bikinis, the shopping options feel practically endless and I love that so many brands are now doing mix and match styles, giving you the opportunity to create the perfect set. The only ones I tend to avoid are the overly padded bras, and instead look for unlined tops or structured and underwired styles that don’t add extra volume (like these Mango and H&M ones). It’s also impossible to talk about swimwear without mentioning the brand Hunza G and their ever-so-popular crinkle styles. The brand has actually been around since the ‘80s and if you recall Julia Roberts wearing that cut-out body in Pretty Woman, then you’ll start to get an idea of just how iconic the brand is. Today, the styles are handmade to order in London, which hopefully gives you an idea of why the price point is higher and, in my opinion, worth it. I’ve linked the bikini style I reckon will flatter most body shapes, in a coral-y pink and lovely muted green too.

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Something for pattern lovers

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Something for pattern lovers

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Words by Zhenya Tsenzharyk.