Finding the perfect swimsuit can make every beach outing feel like a fashion risk. No matter your age or body size getting down to your swimwear feels vulnerable for even the most confident of us, but choosing something that fits well and makes you feel good is easier than it seems.
With a few simple tips and the right accessories, you can draw attention to all the bits you like and away from those you don’t. Choosing beachwear for women is not necessarily about what’s fashionable that season, it’s about choosing items you like and having fun experimenting with your style on summer holiday or a beach day.
Here are our beachwear ideas for women, whatever your shape and size, which will hopefully already be part of your capsule wardrobe.
Bikinis, Tankinis and Swimming Costumes
Bodies of all shapes and sizes can rock any type of swimwear provided it fits well. Whether you choose two-piece over one-piece swimsuits is really down to personal preference, it’s the style and cut that will make it work for your body type. Women’s swimsuits come in a huge range of styles from bikini tops to board shorts, neon or metallic, the choices are endless. Beachwear fashion doesn’t have to be something you shy away from.
High-waisted bikinis are a popular choice as they highlight your top half whilst creating the silhouette of a narrow waist and flatter stomach. This was a popular look in the ’50s and 60’s as it works with most body types and is very flattering.
For those who want to cover up their middle section completely, Tankini’s or one-piece bathing suits may be best. Many women’s swimsuits now offer additional tummy support that will help pull in the stomach and create smoother lines. Both come in a huge variety of styles such as cut-out sections, low backs, frills and ruching, and numerous colours or patterns.
Smaller busts look great in Triangle and Bandeau tops with bikini bottoms or shorts. A comfortable pair of espadrilles and a loose beach shirt over the top work well for those who prefer a more casual look or for popping to the shops straight from the beach.
When looking for new swimwear take your time to try on a variety of styles to see what flatters your figure the most.
High-leg bottoms or swimming suits can help accentuate legs making them appear longer, whereas full briefs will offer fuller coverage for those who prefer to show less cheek and balance out a heavier top half.
Halter neck swimsuits are a good choice for larger busts as they often have wider straps offering more support. They also draw attention towards the face and are a nice alternative to standard straps.
Dark colours have always been known for their slimming effects, the dark tone absorbs light which reduces shadows and makes the body look more contoured. Whether you opt for black, navy or khaki choosing a darker tone will make you look sophisticated and elegant. They also pair well with beach accessories and cover-ups.
Ruching is a great way to create interest and draw attention to, or away from areas you want to enhance or hide. It can help a bust appear bigger or help to hide a bigger middle section. It can also transform a more basic design into something more fun.
Opting for playful prints can help balance your figure and draw attention to your assets. Mix and match with fun tropical prints, animal prints, geometric patterns and plain colours to see which shows off your figure the best. Choosing prints in a certain direction such as vertical stripes can also give the illusion of a longer, leaner shape.
We have a nice guide to swimwear brands that is worth a read.
Easy-Breezy Cover-Ups
If you’re still not feeling that confident in your swimwear when out of the water, don’t hide under your towel, a Kimono or Wrap is a good way to cover up a little without getting too warm. These come in a variety of super styles that’ll complement your bikini or swimsuit. The loose fabrics are cool enough for a hot summer day and allow you to go from beach to bar or restaurant with ease.
Look for beach cover-ups made of soft cotton or linen fabrics in either Kaftans, tunics and shirt dresses or lace and crochet Kimono’s. Many have extra detailing such as tassels or embroidering in vibrant colours that are perfect for those vacation vibes. Whether you’re feeling self-conscious or not, loose-fitting cover-ups or sarongs will add a fashionable layer to your swimsuit whilst also providing some protection from the sun.
Stylish Sun Hats
Women’s oversized sun hats have become the epitome of sophisticated beachwear, and saves hiding under a beach umbrella all day. Worn with matching oversized sunglasses and your favourite Kimono you’ll fit right in at the beach in St Tropez. Although great for providing very necessary sun protection you will want to try a few beforehand as they will not work for everyone. It may be the most popular style but perhaps a straw Panama Hat or Baseball Cap suits you better.
Remember to check the material your hat is made from and stay away from dark colours unless it is made from straw or breathable materials to avoid overheating. Many hats will specify whether or not they provide UVA/B protection and where possible choose one that is.
Trendy Sunglasses
No cute beach outfit is complete unless you’re wearing a pair of sunglasses. Oversized glasses remain popular but recently there has been a resurgence of skinny and coloured styles that work well to create a boho beach vibe.
The most important summer accessory that many of us can’t do without, it is worth investing in a pair with a high tint category made from quality materials that won’t get damaged by a little sea salt or sand.
Comfortable Beach Sandals
Everybody loves their favourite Havana flip-flops. They’re comfortable, and cool and come in a variety of styles and colours that are easy to mix and match to any outfit.
Flip Flops should hold a prominent position in your beach wardrobe but if you want to wear footwear that’s a little less casual wedges or a pair of sandals will dress up your beach wear and highlight tanned legs, whilst still being comfortable enough to wear all day.
Flowy Maxi Dresses
Maxi Dresses are long dresses that work well on almost every shape or size. They are a great choice as a beach dress and can be worn to any occasion. They are feminine, great for keeping cool and work well at elongating the body.
Wear flowy dresses in breathable fabrics such as cotton with floral prints or graphic designs during the day. In the evening change to striped or bold colours with your favourite jewellery or beach hat to make a statement and create a more chic look.
Beach Bags
Beach bags should be both stylish and practical. Bold shapes, unique materials, and vibrant colours look great on the beach.
Beach Tote bags and straw shoppers will be big enough to hold all the items you need and won’t ruin once on the sand.
Jewellery
We wouldn’t recommend you wear a lot of your favourite jewellery to the beach as the sand and sea salt could tarnish it but a few key pieces will make the simplest swimsuit look effortlessly chic.
Gold, beads and shells all work well, or playful hoop earrings look great with simple beaded jewellery.
If you keep these minimal you can be more extravagant with bracelets and anklets. Stack them up with a few gold bangles, put on some shades and your favourite sarong to complete your beach outfit.
Skincare
What you wear to the beach is only one element of feeling confident. The swimwear and accessories all help but feeling confident about your skin will have a more positive effect on how you feel.
Wearing lots of make-up at the beach is not going to work and is likely to melt off your face quickly.
Firstly, you need to make sure you are wearing a high SPF and then we recommend a very light foundation, BB or CC cream that allows your skin to breathe but provides a little coverage to even out your skin tone.
Alternatively, an SPF with added tint will give you a nice glow that is easy to reapply throughout the day. If you do wear a foundation over your SPF look for sunscreens that have been formulated to be used over makeup so you can reapply it later.
You don’t have to be super bronzed to look good on a beach holiday but a healthy glow, a coat of mascara and your favourite lipstick will help give you confidence with minimal effort, whilst protecting your skin against the sun.
Conclusion
Looking stylish and feeling confident in your swimwear can be daunting but a few simple changes can make a big difference. Take time before you hit the beach to find swimwear that you feel comfortable in, wear it around the house, and see if you can move it, by the time you are on the beach you will be used to its cut and feel which will take away a lot of worry about it pulling in the wrong places.
If you have time set up a pre-holiday routine to prepare your skin and hair for the expected sun exposure. A little fake tan can help many of us stop worrying about our white legs and hair masks will ensure your hair doesn’t dry out as much in the hot sun.
Bring several different wraps or cover-ups, accessories and bags so you can mix and match depending on what feels best when you are there.
All of us will feel self-conscious at times, but try to remember everyone around you is probably feeling the same and you’re all there to enjoy yourselves. So pack your beach bag, flaunt your bikini, and enjoy the waves.
