The best bikinis are a bit like lingerie: tricky to find, but once you have found the ones that fit you perfectly, you’re guaranteed many confidence-boosting holidays.
Choose the right cut and shape, and and two-pieces can easily be your most flattering piece of swimwear, no matter your body shape. Where some swimsuit trends come and go, you can always count on a classic bikini to stand the test of time. The key is to not scrimp on the quality.
Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best bikinis for each body type.
Best bikinis for small busts
You can create the illusion of bigger busts by adding detail to your top half. For example, look for double lined tops which feature ruching in the middle or halter tops that lift and draw inwards. It’s best to avoid tube tops since they flatten the chest and often slip off when diving into a pool or riding a wave.
Ruffle bikini – £44 at & Other Stories
This bikini is made from recycled polyamide and features a ruffle finish that will add volume to smaller busts.
DOLCE & GABBANA Halterneck wraparound bikini – £625 at MatchesFashion
I love the wraparound style of this bikini, perfect to draw attention to your upper half.
Red bikini – £24.98 at H&M
When all else fails, a bikini top with a slight padding goes a long way.
Best bikinis for large busts
At the risk of sounding obvious, support here is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to go for a granny-style bra. Look out for thicker shoulder straps and under-bust banding instead of underwire, as well as adjustable straps.
Teal And White Striped High Waisted Bikini – £28 at Cupshe
This bikini features a sporty striped top with crisscross straps, with matching high waisted bottom for flattering tummy coverage and comfort.
Striped bikini – £44 at ARKET
Crafted from a stretchy seersucker fabric, this bikini top is unpadded and wired, it comes with matching low rise briefs.
MAGISCULPT Twist Front Bikini – £46 at SimplyBe
Made from a premium power mesh fabric which smooths and contours your curves.
Best bikinis for short women
You can easily elongate your legs by opting for a high-cut bottom, such as the 90s styles that are so popular right now. If that feels too bold, choose a pair of bottoms that can be styled above your hip, like a classic tie-side.
Jacquemus triangle bikini – £150 at Net-A-Porter
Jacquemus adds an extra set of straps to the classic triangle bikini, giving this ‘Peirado’ style the same cool cutout effect as its ready-to-wear. It’s made from light-green stretch fabric and has adjustable ties. Wear yours with the coordinating briefs.
Retro bikini – £38 at We Are We Wear
Mix and match this cute triangle bikini with other prints, or simply wear with the matching tie bottom.
Marysia bikini – £250 at Selfridges
Marysia bikinis are super flattering and come in a variety of colours and styles that you can mix and match.
Best bikinis for hourglass figures
If it ain’t broke… there’s a reason 50s style high waist bikinis are the most flattering on hourglass figures. You can now shop styles which feature a tie mechanism at the waist, or panelled swimwear with simple vertical and horizontal seams.
BOTEH Calla Francesca geometric-print bikini – £200 at Farfetch
Channelling bohemian vibes, BOTEH is known for delivering bold pieces that are consciously produced.
HUNZA G Nadine crinkle-knit bikini – £160 at MatchesFashion
Hunza G swimwear is made in the UK and fits most sizes.
Floral underwire top and high waist bikini – £125 at Tona
Tona champions all bodies and provides contemporary designs that embrace every shape. Sizes range from 8-20 and all underwired tops are available in cup sizes 32DD to 38G. Unlike the industry standard, Tona creates all of her samples based on a size 16 and FF cup to make sure bikini styles are made to support every single curve.
How to style a bikini
Great bikini tops can easily work as daytime outfits, paired with the right high-waisted trouser or skirt. If you can’t be bothered to layer, you’ll be pleased to hear sarongs have made a huge comeback for SS22. Opt for airy fabrics such as silk or linen, in simple hues or prints that will enhance your swimwear rather than clash with it. And don’t forget to accessorise with a gorgeous beach bag and summer sandals.
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