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I’ve never been a one-piece woman. I find swimsuits inconvenient for tanning, and I don’t require my swimwear to be practical – if I do venture into the sea, it’s for paddling, not 200 metres of butterfly. So, to my mind, bikinis are the more fashion-forward option.
But this summer, I’ve switched allegiance to team cossie, and it seems I’m not alone. Swimming costumes are outselling bikinis at John Lewis, with sales soaring 80 per cent in recent weeks. Indeed, the brand’s bestselling belted swimsuit is back for a third season and already proving popular.
That’s because today’s swimsuits aren’t about hiding your body. They are designed to make you feel confident in your skin. Whether it’s strategic ruching, a waist-defining belt, leg-lengthening cut or a bold print drawing the eye to where you want, there’s a style to suit everyone.
Bella Hadid and Helena Christensen have been spotted wearing one-pieces this year, while the High Street is awash with stylish options.
Forget outdated notions of swimsuits being boring or mumsy, this new generation of swimwear has elegant silhouettes and chic details that guarantee you’ll make a splash.
Here’s my guide to the best cut for each figure…
BELTED
One of the easiest ways to flatter your figure is with a belted swimsuit. Not only do they instantly look polished, but they also help define the waist and cinch you in nicely. Most options feature detachable belts, allowing you to adjust the look as you desire.
At £245 Heidi Klein’s bestselling navy version is an investment piece you’ll return to year after year. If you’re looking for a more purse-friendly piece, John Lewis’s monochrome striped design (£45) delivers maximum impact.
These costumes are best suited to hourglass and athletic body shapes, as belted styles help to create definition through the middle and emphasise natural curves.
CLASSIC
There’s something to be said for keeping things simple, but a classic cut with bust support doesn’t mean basic or boring.
London-based brand Away That Day has built a loyal following thanks to its sophisticated 90s-inspired designs. The Cannes one-piece (£195) is the cossie to know, complete with adjustable straps, a flattering high-cut leg and a balconette-style neckline, it looks just as elegant worn poolside as it does styled with linen trousers for lunch.
A classic swimming costume works particularly well for pear-shaped and hourglass figures thanks to the detailing and support on the bust.
HIGH-LEG
I’m a huge fan of a high-leg swimsuit. While a high-leg bikini bottom can leave you feeling exposed, a high-leg swimming costume subtly elongates the legs while still offering plenty of coverage.
For the most flattering fit, look for designs with adjustable self-ties that allow you to position the leg line exactly where you want it. My hero piece this summer has to be FatFace’s polka-dot one-piece in a Pretty Woman-esque rich chocolate brown (£52). If you prefer block colours, Marks & Spencer’s square-neck design (£36) comes in four versatile shades.
High-leg styles are perfect for petite, pear-shaped and curvier women as they create the illusion of longer legs. The effect is subtle but transformative.
PRINTED
If overt tummy control or visible shaping panels aren’t your style, a striking print can work wonders. Bold patterns naturally draw the eye across the body and help distract from any wobbly bits you’d rather conceal.
Boden excels at playful yet sophisticated prints, and this multicoloured wave design (£89) is a fun yet grown-up choice. Pair it with the matching sarong for maximum polish. If, like me, you’ve lusted after Italian luxury label Missoni’s £400 swimming costumes, look to Triumph’s zig-zag design, which is £62 and equally chic.
Those with apple-shaped and fuller figures will benefit from a bold printed cossie.
RUCHED
Demand for ruched swimwear shows no sign of slowing.
At £175, Hunza G costumes are iconic, but very much an investment purchase. The high street has plenty of affordable alternatives. Next’s butter-yellow tummy-control design offers a similar effect for just £30, while George’s brown striped version looks considerably more expensive than its £16 price tag.
Ruching will serve those with apple and rectangle body shapes best as it skims rather than clings. The gathered fabric creates a fit that can help you feel supported – a surefire way to boost confidence on the beach without sacrificing style.
