Swimwear: the search for the holy grail

Last Updated on : 23rd May 2019

May usually means longer sunny days – most of the time – and we all start thinking about the summer holidays and the often dreaded swimwear shopping. But it really doesn’t have to be painful or soul-crushing. Very few of us are 100% satisfied with the size or shape of our body, especially when it’s been covered up all winter, but with the help of the lovely team at Amelie’s Follies, swimwear shopping can be a positively pleasant and rewarding experience.

Here’s their list of dos and don’ts to help you make the most of what you’ve got with the current trends in mind.

Timeless Nautical Stripes

Contrary to popular belief, horizontal stripes do not make you look bigger! We don’t think Coco Chanel would have adopted the Breton top if they did. Horizontal stripes can actually help camouflage unwanted lumps and bumps, but also, when strategically placed, they can give the illusion of a smaller waist. And it doesn’t get more classic and timeless than a nautical stripe when it comes to swimwear.

Big Pants

Ah, the big bikini bottoms. Everybody wants them, but few of us actually look good in them. Perfect if you are a size 8 or under and 16 plus, but for those in the middle they can be the hardest shape to wear. Big pants can widen your bottom and shorten your legs and torso, making it hard to achieve that retro look you’re after. So beware, the biggest bottoms available might not be the most flattering for your shape – give the little ones a chance too!

Yellow

If we had a pound every time someone told us they can’t wear yellow… Like all the other colours, yellow comes in many tones and shades. There’s bound to be one out there for you, and you shouldn’t be scared of it. Yellow is fantastic when you have a tan and can work wonders at lifting your spirits too. We would recommend staying away from pastel yellow if you’re a first timer. Mustards and warmer yellows tend to flatter more skin tones. And if you can’t cope with all over yellow, pick a print with yellow in it for a good nod to the trend.

Cut-out swimwear

Cut-out can be scary, but also a good way to make the move from bikini to swimsuit. In fact, some cut-out swimsuits are sometimes too sexy for our bikini wearers. They’re a great way of camouflaging the ‘mummy tummy’ if you’re not quite ready for getting back into a bikini. Cut-out swimsuits can be as exposed or as covered as you like.

One Shoulder Swimsuits/Bikinis

Although you may think they’re uncomfortable and impractical, one shoulder suits have become a firm favourite in the past couple of years, and it doesn’t look like the trend is about to fade. Giving instant fashionista points, the one shoulder suits are the perfect beach-to-bar swimwear. Just throw a maxi skirt or palazzo pants over them, and you’re ready for an evening of cocktails and good times.

Metallics

Metallics are a party girl’s best friend; they’re the perfect way to add a touch of glamour without wearing fancy jewellery by the water. And if you’re not one for colour, metallics are a great way of making an impact with your swimwear without going beyond your comfort zone.