Nobody really likes swimwear shopping – just take the plunge
Ilove the summer but it does come with its challenges: perfect feet, a waterproof haircut (one that will survive the pool), avoiding tan lines, a flat-ish tummy, etc. But for many, the biggest challenge is finding a swimsuit. None of us enjoys standing in the evil lighting of the changing room, examining our lumps and bumps in a three-way mirror that mercilessly reflects back our pasty white, vitamind-deprived flesh, as we squeeze into yet another too high-cut, too cutaway, too flimsy costume.
But there are ways to minimise the misery. Knowing what will best suit your figure is a help: a low-cut leg will make your legs look shorter; ruching over the tummy hides a multitude of sins; a V-neckline is most flattering on larger busts; big prints and pale colours will only emphasise a fuller figure; very slim or athletic figures tend to look good in almost anything. Once you know what to look for – and what to avoid – the process starts to seem less alarming.
Personally, I feel most comfortable these days in a one-piece. I gave up the bikini when my skin texture started to lose its elasticity and I wanted to cover up as much of it as I could – stripping down for the beach (or even the changing room) takes too much courage otherwise.
However, the tankini (a camisole top and medium or full briefs) can be a useful option if, like me, you like to have a brown tummy and feel bold enough to roll the top up while on the sunbed but then down again for the
passeggiata. Or, if your stomach is less of a problem area, try a full brief with a properly structured bikini top, which is flattering to most figures and an on-trend, 1940s look this summer.
My first “expensive” swimsuit, bought many years ago, before the dawn of online shopping, came from the American brand Norma Kamali. Her suits are now stocked by Net-a-porter and Matchesfashion in the UK, but back then I had to ask a friend in New York to buy it for me. I continue to struggle in and out of it as, even now, it still gives amazing support all round and is the most flattering shape I’ve ever found – proof that if your budget can stretch to it, a Kamali suit will be a trusted holiday companion for years to come.
If that’s not a possibility, visit a specialist shop such as Rigby & Peller in London, Embrace in Worcester or Guilt in Petworth, all of which offer a fantastic service with properly trained, charming staff who are understanding and helpful and won’t so much as bat an eyelid at your “problem figure”. There are, of course, many other such boutiques all around the country.
In London, Pain du Sucre (which stocks a useful bikini with a roll-up brief to cover your tummy when necessary) and Heidi Klein (which offers a good selection of sizes) have some of the most beautiful global brands and both offer online shopping. Otherwise, some of the best brands I’ve found, catering to all shapes and sizes, include Figleaves, Esther Williams, F&F at Tesco, Bravissimo, Primadonna, Gottex and Boden.
Let’s be honest… none of us is ever going to love shopping for swimwear, but with so much help to be found, and an increasing offering for “real women” who don’t want to resort to a burkini on the beach, take heart: your perfect suit is out there. You just need to
take the plunge.
The tankini can be a useful option if, like me, you want to have a brown tummy