Looking for flattering swimwear this summer? We’ve got you

Flattering swimsuits for 2024
Gilly Ferguson,-Contributing Editor

Suits you! The styles you’ll love from beach to bar, pool to party 

Seychelles, Skegness, staycation… wherever your summer holiday destination, the chances are you’re after swimwear that fits, flatters, will last an age and (most importantly) makes you feel great.

We have good news, flattering swimmers are easier to find than you’d think. From optical prints and shape-enhancing stripes to clever cuts and tactical textures, there’s a smart swimwear buy for every body and budget. Fancy finding your swimwear soulmate? Dive in…

The print: stripes

Forever sunshine-ready, stripes are a summer stalwart. They promise to enhance, flatter and feel good all over (vertical stripes lengthen, horizontal or ruched styles will boost busts). Stay on trend and double up on stripes by adding a super chic, super comfy, PJ-inspired pair of trousers. 

High leg swimsuit

The cut: high

Once upon a time (the ’90s), high-cut swimsuits were reserved for celebrity derrières and bijou bottoms. Fast forward to today and everyone’s at it. Why? Nothing will elongate limbs, lengthen torsos, boost bootys and contour curves quicker than a high cut, be it a cossie or side-tie. Sorcery in a swimsuit. 

Swimming costume detail

The detail(s)

The most flattering swimwear trend? Clever details. It’s why our favourite fashion brands add buckles, twists, scuba-style zips, buttons and cut-outs to our cossies – all designed to grab attention (and accentuate our best bits) regardless of whether you’re a bandeau, one-piece, bikini or tankini type.

black swimming costume by john lewis

The shade: black

Wait, what? Black is flattering?! Fine, it’s hardly groundbreaking – but if classic is your bag, then you can’t go wrong with a neutral LBS. The joy is finding a cut that suits your silhouette (bandeaus are cute on curvy bods, plunging necklines create length). And when sundown hits? Slip on some shorts, pull on a Panama hat – et voilà, your evening, sorted!

The fabric: crinkle

Crinkles styles are all you need to win at summer 2024. It’s the fabric all expensive-looking brands have in common, simultaneously soft yet strong – and capable of lifting your holiday look from humdrum to haute. Spotted at only the posiest poolsides, style yours up with gold hoops and a white shirt for bank holidays, BBQs and beyond.

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