Words by Marianna Hunt
From bikinis to bathing suits, cross-backs to cutouts, brazilian bottoms to “the big knicker”…the world of swimwear is now more varied (and confusing) than ever.
Follow our guide to the luxury options out there that will help you make a splash in this summer.
The Baywatch number
It’s no coincidence the Baywatch crew (responsible for some of the most iconic swimwear shots in history) chose red for their costumes. Sure it’s the coastguards’ colour – but it’s also a great shade for accentuating a tan.
Go for a modern, more feminine take on it with this delicate bikini in pepper-red from ViX Paula Hermanny. The geometric cutouts of the macramé trim draw the attention to the neckline. The bottoms come in “cheeky” or “full” i.e. thong or brief (£330 for the set).
The big-knickered bikini
Fighting back against the uber-skimpy thong trend of recent years is the 2023 rise of the big-knickered bikini (or, BKB).
The largeness of the pant means it’s unbelievably comfortable (no ungraceful sorting out of the thong-wedgie as you exit the pool) and hides anything you don’t want showing.
While the idea may conjure up images of frilly items worn by Bridget Jones – or your grandmother – today’s styles are actually incredibly sexy and flattering.
The BKB cuts off at the waist – therefore drawing the eye here, which accentuates the idea of an hourglass. Go for a statement sexy, monocolour – such as the Claude bottoms and Isla top by Cossie + Co in black (£150). The material – textured like honeycomb – feels sturdier and classier than the usual stretch material of cheaper options.
The belted number
A retro favourite, the belted swimsuit is flattering for a huge range of body types. Hence why it’s become a swimsuit of choice for stylish celebs from Olivia Palermo to Olivia Wilde.
A former bikini model herself, designer Melissa Odabash knows a thing or two about swimwear and her clothing is a favourite among the jet set.
This belted number in pretty pastel blue (£270) – the pale lavender is also lovely – has good texture and creates a natural hourglass shape. It comes in a premium Italian fabric.
The Liz Taylor
Nothing says glamour like Elizabeth Taylor. The all-white number she sported in beach scenes in Suddenly Last Summer is the stuff of swimwear legend.
Take a leaf out of Liz’s book and opt for a snow white number – like this one (£134) from Varley – that is simultaneously demure and yet oh so sexy.
This suit’s square neck and plunge back creates a graceful swan-like silhouette. The Diamond Jacquard print adds to the luxury feel.
The cut out
If you’re stuck on how much skin you want to be showing by the water, the cut-out swimsuit is the perfect answer. Less revealing than a bikini, it’s nonetheless got an edge over the traditional swimsuit. The only problem is the awkward tan lines.
This black suit from Aggi, the Polish luxury brand, has high-waisted bottoms and straps that slash diagonally across the midriff. It’s got drama in spades.
Even better, it can easily be styled into a statement outfit. Try putting on a floaty wrap skirt or some wide-leg trousers and voila…you’ve got a sexy criss-cross top that’s perfect for evening cocktails on the beach. The suit can be bought through Lone Design Club (£210).
The mismatch
If your look is more surfer casual than catwalk drama, ditch the monotone perfection for something more playful.
An unmatching top and bottoms combo says: “I’m so at home at the beach, I just throw on whatever.” And yet by combining different styles, you can actually create a refreshing, trendy look.
Cossie + Co does cute, youthful combinations such as the Gemma bandeau top in Ditsy Green Meadow – a floral pattern that wouldn’t look out of place on the cushions of a cottage in the Cotswolds – paired with the Claude high-waisted knicker in cool blue (£150 in total).
