SHOCKINGLY CHIC SWIMMERS

Super-slimming Lycra. Fabric that doesn’t show through. And bikinis in an FF cup! Introducing John Lewis’s

So, it’s been ten months since John Lewis & Partners announced its shiny rebrand. And what do we think?

While it’s still a tricky time for the company, which recently announced a 45 per cent drop in profits, there is one shining light: its revamped womenswear.

Feted by fashion editors after its introduction last autumn, the line

boasts beautifully cut, on-trend coats, block- colour dresses and accessories to fight over.

Now the label has launched its latest salvo: a beachwear collection with the sort of stylish, superflattering swimwear mid- life women have been crying out for. With 130 pieces, there’s oodles of choice: bikini briefs in every style, from triangle tie-ups to robust shorts; matching tankinis and cover-ups; plus original designs to suit every body shape. Even better news: tops go up to an FF cup.

And, no, it’s not pedestrian in the style stakes.

there are sexy plunge necklines and deep scooping backs, a dash of animal print and gorgeous bright, block colours — plenty to make you go ‘oooh’ rather than ‘that’ll do’.

the collection is trend- led without being try-hard. Retro, crinkle-texture fabrics are having a moment, thanks to designer swimwear brands solid & striped and Hunza G (its seersucker swimsuits are the thing for your sunlounger selfie).

the designers have used a thicker, textured fabric for its Rainforest Rib style, available in a plunge-neck control swimsuit (second left above) or a cross-back bikini top and matching briefs (third right).

Meanwhile, its Paradise Lost style (above centre, one in red and pink, another in blue) combines texture with another trend — twotone colour-blocking, as seen at luxe labels Araks and the Pippa Middleton favourite PilyQ.

More difficult swimwear trends — exposed underwire, hipbonegrazing high- cut bottoms, nude shades — are wisely ignored. But,

of course, with anything John Lewis puts its name to, it’s all about quality and fit. An almost see-through, unsupportive cossie is forgivable at smash-and-grab, fast-fashion chains, but not at John Lewis.

And its design team knows that. So they’ve consulted technologists with lingerie expertise and applied that knowledge to swimwear to ensure the most flattering fit.

They’ve paid particular attention to the chest, incorporating side-boning or underbust shelf support across styles for the well-endowed. They’ve also made swimwear out of Lycra Xtra Life, which can better withstand chlorine. ‘We’ve used light, medium and firm support linings to offer a range of control options,’ says Hayley Wheatley, the designer behind the range.

‘You’ll find hidden construction within our smoother pieces. For example, the Tropicana styles [pictured third left] have tailored seaming and full underwiring and padded support concealed on the inside.’

There are also adjustable details across the collection, so you can hoik, cover and cinch where required. Embellishments are kept to a minimum. The few metal trims that do feature are heat-resistant, so don’t become scorching when you sunbathe. How clever is that?

What’s more, the colour palettes work with its main womenswear collection, so you can layer up and down as you move from beach to bar and back again.

Finding a beautifully fitting, stylish bikini that lasts for less than £100 is a rare thing.

If John Lewis can make High Street swimwear shopping an easier, more fruitful experience for women — and, let’s face it, at the moment it’s right up there in the pleasure stakes with having a root canal — well, then it’s really on to a winner.