Meet your back-to-the-beach swimwear
been a priority over the last few months. But with summer holidays back on the cards, you may find yourself on a beach in your birthday suit if you don’t start thinking about it soon. Luckily, there couldn’t be more choice when it comes to bikinis and cossies.
At Browns, summer 2020 is all about the two-piece. ‘There is a clear shift among our customers towards bikinis,’ says ready-towear buying manager Holly Tenser. ‘We couldn’t keep Burberry’s check bikini in stock, and Hunza G has also been a star performer. We love the one-size-fits-all and conscious elements of the brand.’
Bikinis are more popular than swimsuits at Selfridges too, making up 60% of its swimwear sales. But what Poppy Lomax, its womenswear buying manager, finds interesting is the change in people’s cup preferences. ‘The shift towards softer bra shapes during lockdown is notable across swimwear too, with women looking for versatile, comfortable pieces that are easy to wear.’
According to Instagram, triangle bikini tops and tie-side bottoms are back. Dua Lipa packed them exclusively on holiday to St Lucia, including a tri-coloured diamanté style and a set in classic Baywatch red, while Hailey Bieber paired sporty bandeau tops and high-rise bottoms in sunflower and
SWIMWEAR HASN’T EXACTLY
tangerine on a recent road trip to Utah. Lizzo’s quarantine location includes a pool, which means the singer has been sporting palm-print triangle bikinis and tie-dye swimsuits with tummy cut-outs since mid-may. On that note, it’s all about the statement one-piece. ‘Cupped vintage styles, plunging necklines and one-shoulder designs are stylish alternatives to the classic one-piece and gained popularity as summer approached,’ says Poppy.
For finishing touches, it’s worth choosing cover-ups and accessories that will make as much sense on a park bench as on a pool float. ‘I’m dreaming of being on a quiet island in Greece or Croatia wearing a bikini with an oversized linen shirt from Asceno,’ says Holly.