The Independent

MAKE A SPLASH

Summer is in full swing, so up your swimwear game with one of Sarah Young’s high street bikini picks

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As summer 2017 hots up our thoughts are turning to the promise of travel, so it’s time throw away all our ancient, tattered swimwear and reconsider our holiday get-up.

That being said, bikinis aren’t just a holiday essential. When the weather peaks in the UK, they’re perfect for soaking up the rays in the park or your back garden. Typically one of the most dreaded activities, we’ve taken all the hassle out of shopping for your new summer two-piece.

The Bandeau Bikini

Chic and comfy, bandeaus are our go-to for sunbathing simply because no straps means no tan lines. We love this super-fun floral number from & Other Stories which is made in elastic smock with sweet pleated sides on the bottoms. It’s so pretty we think you could even get away with wearing yours with a pair of high-waisted wide leg trousers for lunch.

The High-Waisted Bikini

Whether you’re a retro babe or just fancy a little more coverage, high-wasited bikinis flatter all manner of body shapes but look especially great on curvy figures or those with broad shoulders. This dotty plum option from H&M comes with patterned bottoms that are finished with a decorative bow and a lightly padded halterneck bikini top that ties at the back and neck.

The Micro Bikini

As the old saying goes “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you choose this bright orange bikini from Solid and Striped. Taken from the brand’s capsule with STAUD, it’s cut from a stretchy Italian fabric that provides moderate coverage and low rise briefs finished with Sixties-inspired rings.

The Crochet Bikini

Crochet is always a go-to fabric come summertime but rarely is it seen on a bikini, especially when it comes to the high street. Luckily, Topshop has tapped into our boho obsession to create this super-bright two-piece. Designed with a contrastin­g yellow bra top and turquoise blue bottoms, it’s finished with crochet stitched edging and fun floral embroidery.

The Sporty Bikini

If you’re the type of girl that prefers to spend her summer doing lengths in the pool rather than lounging by it you’re in luck because some of the best sports brands now offer a range of stylish swimwear. Our favourite is this racer-back style from Adidas which not only looks great – think matte silver stripes and a cut-out top – but thanks to its Infitex Motion fabric, also performs amazingly well too.

 ??  ?? Embroidere­d Crochet Bikini Set, £38, Topshop
Embroidere­d Crochet Bikini Set, £38, Topshop
 ??  ?? Solid and Striped, STAUD Romy Bikini, £140, Net-a-Porter
Solid and Striped, STAUD Romy Bikini, £140, Net-a-Porter
 ??  ?? High Waisted Bikini Set, £30.98, H&M
High Waisted Bikini Set, £30.98, H&M
 ??  ?? Floral Print Bandeau Bikini, £50, & Other Stories
Floral Print Bandeau Bikini, £50, & Other Stories
 ??  ?? Take the pain out of swimwear shopping with our handy list
Take the pain out of swimwear shopping with our handy list
 ??  ?? 3-Stripes Bikini, £34.95, Adidas
3-Stripes Bikini, £34.95, Adidas

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