5 Tips for Choosing a Flattering Swimming Costume

UK Swimwear and UK Lingerie kindly sent me a selection of products in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t follow fashion trends, but it doesn’t take any catwalk knowledge to know that the the swimsuit is back, and it’s here to stay. While your swimming costume may once have been hidden away in the back of your lingerie drawer, emerging only for trips to the swimming pool, it’s now more acceptable than ever to walk down the beach in flattering swimming costumes as opposed to bikinis.

In fact, swimming costumes have become so fashionable, they’re now available in all kinds of styles and materials. While its always good to have a few options to choose from, finding a flattering swimming costume has become harder than ever. What styles are best for your body type? How can patterns and block colours influence how your figure looks? Which swimsuits offer the best support? These are all questions I found myself asking when I began searching for a new swimsuit to take with me on my recent trip to Grenada.

A female lying in a pool with her back to you, wearing a sunhat.

5 steps to choosing flattering swimming costumes

1. Opt for a brightly coloured top

One piece swimsuits with brightly coloured tops will draw attention to your bust and help to make your legs look slimmer. Try to find a swimsuit with a bold block colour on the top half and avoid swimming costumes that might accentuate your hips.

2. Consider your bust size

If you have a full bust, choose a swimsuit that’ll provide you with enough coverage, while also offering support. Look for under-wired cups and thick straps, as these swimsuits could be a good fit for you. Personally, I find that halterneck straps tend to offer me the best support.

Alternatively, smaller busted ladies might prefer to choose a swimsuit with lift or push-up cups, to enhance curves. It’s all about what you feel most comfortable in!

3. Shop online for more variety

If you can’t find a swimsuit to suit you on the high street, have a look online. Shopping online opens up endless possibilities in terms of styles and colours, with many retailers offering next-day delivery and free returns.

I ordered the Amoressa Only Live Twice Horizon Swimsuit from UK Swimwear for my recent trip to Grenada. I’ve never ordered a swimsuit online before and I had visions of it not fitting me and having to return it, but I was relieved to discover I’ve finally found a flattering swimming costume. The crisp white fabric has a smooth, silk-like finish which feels really comfortable against my skin and the cross back-strap detail offers plenty of support, while also looking incredibly stylish.

Amoressa Horizon swimsuit from UK Swimwear. who sell a range of flattering swimming costumes.

If you’re shopping for clothes for an upcoming holiday and lingerie is on your wish list, take a look at UK Lingerie. While browsing swimsuits, I also ordered a cute baby pink bra by Marie Jo Jane. I don’t normally opt for push-up bras but the padding is so minimal, it’s the ideal bra for a fuller bust.

4. Try these tummy-trimming tips

Conscious about how your tummy looks in a swimsuit? Keep your eye out for a swimsuit with additional support or control for your tummy. Additionally, bear in mind that swimsuits with ruching or side-panel designs could also help to make your minimise your tummy.

5. Cover up with a sarong

If, like me, you tend to feel a little self-conscious strolling down the beach in a bikini, cover up with a sarong or light cardigan. You don’t have to wear it all the time but sometimes you just don’t want to be fully exposed!

What are your top tips for choosing flattering swimming costumes? Share your ideas with other readers below.

Like this post? Take a look at these posts as well:

Pin this post and come back to it when you’re swimsuit shopping!