The super summer swimwear guide

Triangle Top

Good for: Smaller busts The barely there triangle string bikini is perfect for a smaller bust that doesn’t need much support.

This shape of top is often paired with a tie-side brief but can be worn with high-waisted bottoms if you want to cover your midriff.

Top, £22; bottoms, £19, both Monsoon (monsoon.co.uk)

High-cut Hero

Good for: Lengthening legs If you thought high-cut styles were left back in the 1980s, you were wrong.

This leg-lengthening look is cut higher on the thigh to show off the top of the legs. Look for leotard-inspired silhouettes to really embrace the trend.

Top, £12; bottoms, £10, both Pretty Little Thing (prettylittlething.com)

High Waisted

Good for: Smoothing the midriff Want to nip in your waistline but still wear a two-piece on the beach? No problem.

The flattering cut of a high-waisted bikini will gently hold in the midriff and hips to create a streamlined look.

Top, £22; bottoms, £16, both Next (next.co.uk)

Sporty Swimsuit

Good for: Lengthening the torso and creating curves With block colours and go-faster stripes, sporty swimwear is no longer the reserve of serious pool addicts.

This figuresculpting style will elongate your silhouette and add curves while streamlining your shape.

Swimsuit, £25, Marks & Spencer (marksandspencer.co.uk)

The Cut Out

Good for: A pool party This seriously racy style can be anything from stylishly glam to barely there, depending on how brave you are feeling.

If you’re not quite ready, go for a one-piece with cut-outs that are filled with mesh for a subtle way to try the trend.

Swimsuit, £32, V by Very (very.co.uk)

Cool Curves

Good for: Size 16 and above Finding swimwear in size 16 and above is easier than ever with the great range of classic and on-trend plus-size styles available.

If you want a really great fit and support it’s worth looking at specialist plus-size retailers.

Bikini, £112, Cactus at Navabi (navabi.co.uk)

The Cold Shoulder

Good for: Covering upper arms An off-theshoulder style, offers extra coverage to the top of the arms and gives the illusion of wider shoulders, which can balance a pear-shaped figure.

Top, £28; bottoms £16, both Maison de Nimes at House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk)

Skirting the issue

Good for: Covering the thighs “Swimdresses” are perfect if you want a bit of extra coverage on your bottom half.

The designs often have a fun retro vibe, evoking the glamour of the 1950s.

But if you prefer a bikini, why not buy a swim skirt that can be worn over your favourite two-piece? Swimdress, £42, Evans (evans.co.uk)

Ruffles on top

Good for: Balancing a pear shape and enhancing the bust If you want to add curves or create the illusion of a larger bust, choose a swimsuit or bikini with ruffle detailing around the top.

This adds volume without padding and widens the bust line to balance out the hips.

Swimsuit, £36, River Island (riverisland.com)

Runching

Good for: Creating a waist For a flattering swimsuit, look no further than one with ruching under the bust.

This clever style draws the eye to the slimmest part of the torso, creating the impression of a small waist and hourglass figure.

Swimsuit, £75, Seaspray (seaspray.co.uk)