IN THE SWIM
Beach-bound? Sarah Young searches out the most stylish swimsuits and bikinis to buy ahead of your summer holiday
Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical destination, preparing for a poolside party in Ibiza or simply dreaming of sunbathing in the park, the time has come to invest in some new Insta-worthy swimwear.
While shopping for swimwear has a reputation for being one of the most frustrating parts of completing your holiday wardrobe, finding the right style really can do wonders for your confidence. So, stop worrying about tan line-inducing straps or skin-exposing cuts and dive headfirst into our round-up of the most stylish styles on the high street right now.
If you’re looking for a bit of guidance when it comes to trends, we’ve got all the swimsuit shopping intel you
need, thanks to Lyst. The global fashion search platform has released a new report identifying some of the major swimwear trends it predicts will influence your swimwear wardrobe by comparing the online shopping habits of more than 5 million shoppers every month since the beginning of the year.
For 2019, Lyst’s data shows that swimwear is causing a great generational divide, with Gen Z going all out with loud statements and high-leg cuts, while millennials are favouring more modest designs.
Among the standout trends of the moment is neon swimwear, which has seen a 96 per cent increase in searches over the past three months, with customers showing a particular interest in lime green and yellow. Elsewhere, polka dot printed swimwear has seen a renewal in interest with demand rising by 61 per cent in January after Nicole Kidman was spotted wearing a black and white spotty bikini on the beach.
You can expect to see a lot of animal print on the beach this summer too, after online searches for the trend went up 111 per cent over the last three months. Leopard print remains the most in demand and saw searches go up 67 per cent compared to the same time last year.
From showstopping sequins to elaborate ruffles and colour-blocked styles, here’s our edit of the best swimwear to buy now.