This time last year I wrote an article entitled ‘Bikini Rush’ which featured all of the summer’s best bikini’s to flatter all shapes and sizes. It went down pretty well with readers and has remained one of the most viewed blog posts, so it seemed only fitting that I put together another similar post this year!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll look at the photos in catalogues and magazines of models wearing bikinis and huff and puff! I personally, will never look like they do in that bikini. The models themselves probably don’t even look like that in a bikini as everything is so photoshopped these days! However, I have been scouring the high street desperately over the past few weeks, so I have tried and tested the majority of the following swimwear! Although I’ve only bought a select few myself, I have a far better idea of what they look like on a normal (currently dieting) figure!
Next
Next seems to be absolutely amazing for swimwear this season and I have been in and out of my local store nonstop recently trying to track down matching bikini sets (as the majority are sold as separates). One of my favourite sets is the pink/navy stripe bikini (1), which although may look a little plain – I love, as it flatters all the right places and looks a little reminiscent of a Jack Wills bikini I spotted last year (but didn’t have £72 to cough up for it!). If you like the look of this bikini, you’ll have to jump in quick as I barely managed to find a bikini top in my size and they are currently dispatching the last of the stock online (I hope the bottoms come through the post soon) however, they are definitely an amazing bargain! The second bikini I love from Next is a swallow print white set which I tried on several weeks ago (2). If I’m completely honest it didn’t look quite right on me specifically as I think it is suited more so for those with a smaller bust however the fit is really flattering and it is perfect for those who wish to show off a little less cleavage. It’s a really quirky print and although white is often considered impractical with regards to swimwear, it has a hidden layer underneath the top and bottoms to make sure that when in water, it doesn’t go see through (thankfully!). The third and final bikini from Next is a gorgeous red ruffle bikini which I tried on a few days ago (3). I eventually talked myself out of buying it (despite loving it) because I purchased a very similar set last year however if you like to stand out a bit on holiday and show off your developing tan – this is definitely the bikini for you!
River Island
High street store River Island also seems to be a great place for bikini shopping this summer, as it has a fantastic selection of quirky and girlie designs in an array of colours and patterns. When shopping for summer wear, River Island has always been on the top of my list as although they aren’t necessarily the cheapest – their products are very well made and I still own several RI bikini’s from years ago that are still in use today. My first favourite takes the form of a beautiful white daisy print bikini (1), which personally looks far better in real life than on the River Island website. These photographs definitely do not do the bikini justice, however from personal knowledge I can tell you this is possibly the cutest bikini I’ve ever seen! The 3D daisies are emblazon the plain white bikini, but not in a way that is overpowering or over the top. Silver sequins are then scattered subtly across the bikini, which gives the final effect of being glamorous, but also girlie. The second River Island summer creation I’ve chosen to feature is a gorgeous turquoise chain print bikini (2) which is quirky, but also very glam! The bold pattern draws attention away from problematic areas (for me, its the tummy) but also gives support in all the right places! Plus, the halter neck is handy as it means you can lower the straps and sunbathe without the tan lines! The third set I’ve chosen isn’t necessarily a bikini I’d wear personally (as I’ve tried it on and it doesn’t work for me) however, for those who prefer bandeau style bikini’s – this is perfect. The stripes draw the attention away from areas you may be a little self-conscious about whilst also boosting the chest area, as the horizontal stripes gives the effect of a bigger bust.
ASOS
Unfortunately with the ASOS swimwear I’ve featured, I haven’t had the privilege of trying and testing, however the bikinis and swimsuits on the site were simply too gorgeous to not include, so I’ve written about them anyway! My first choice from the popular fashion website was a quirky red bikini (1) which had an amazing neckline (although not sure how practical it would be when tanning!). Being quite a plain red bikini, you can’t really go wrong – and I feel as though the fancy neckline would draw attention away from areas you didn’t necessarily want to give attention to. The second bikini is a little bit OTT and possibly something I would never wear, but I love it anyway! ASOS have given the classic white bikini a floral twist (2) by decorating one shoulder with 3D effect pink flowers! One of my favourite finds on ASOS has to be this gorgeous palm sunset swimsuit (3) -which can also be bought in French Connection – as although it is a little more expensive that your regular all-in-one, it’s definitely more attention grabbing. If you prefer covering up a little more, but still want to look amazing by the pool – this is definitely the number for you!
Of course, my selection above aren’t all of the bikini’s the high street has to offer at the moment but hopefully it’s an insight into what a real person thinks about the swimwear this season. It’s difficult looking at hundreds of pictures of airbrushed models wearing swimwear and then translating what it would look like on you (as although I’m sure all of you are gorgeous and have amazing figures!) sometimes, we don’t always look like the models in the catologues!
…And don’t forget the accessories!
With all this bikini talk, it’s easy to forget that there are other accessories which can brighten up your beachwear! Zara currently stocks some amazing beach bags, hats and summer sandals at very affordable prices, including a daisy print hat (which would go well with the bikini, as can be seen above) and a lovely tie dye shopper beach bag.
