The latest costume drama...

ON THE lookout for the perfect summer dress? You should be focusing on swimwear instead.

Women now pack five costumes or bikinis for a week in the sun and seven for a two-week break – double the number of five years ago.

But instead of wearing them only on the beach or at the pool, they are increasingly incorporating them into everyday outfits, by mixing them with skirts and shorts.

The survey for fashion brand Simply Be also found that women choose their swimwear seven weeks before going away.

Some 69 per cent said they prefer a one-piece costume over a bikini or tankini.