Chic Styles

One-piece swimsuits may invoke images of oddly fitting spandex and school swimming galas, but this summer’s swimwear is anything but dreary. From daring cut outs that will take you from the beach to the bar to high-performance surfwear, we have picked the best of this summer’s one piece swimsuits so you stand out on the sand (or poolside).

1. River Island White Crochet Swimsuit

This crochet halter-neck white one piece swimsuit brings boho vibes to the beach. We found the triangular neckline, padded cups and panelled sides helped to accentuate curves (ideal for athletic body types). With straps criss-crossing the back and then tying, you can adjust the fit. It looks pretty from the front and behind – just make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid weird tan lines.

2. Under the Same Sun Waves Recycled Bodysuit

Under the Same Sun is a Swedish yoga and beachwear company that makes easy-to-wear, sustainable pieces. We had to see it to believe it but the fabric is made of 86 per cent recycled plastic bottles and feels durable as well as luxurious. We think this blue, pink and yellow number is ideal for an active beach holiday – the high neck keeps your chest feeling safely under wraps and it gives more coverage elsewhere than some on the list.

3. SimplyBe Simply Yours Bandeau Swimsuit

This halter-neck, monochrome swimsuit is available in sizes 12-20. The design has padded cups and the top half feels supported, even when going strapless. The Sixties-inspired print combined with black bottom section is flattering on the tummy, but it can come up a bit short on the torso so taller girls may consider other styles in the same range.

4. Rare London Tropical Print

Nothing makes us want to order a mojito and sit under swaying palm trees more than this tropical plunge halter-neck. Yes, the cut is more daring than some, but the funky print keeps the feel flirty rather than seductive. The sizing is a little on the shorter side, and it will help elongate smaller girls, but is perhaps not one for those with longer torsos.

5. South Beach Maisie Black Mesh Panel Zip Back

Established in 2012, South Beach is a swimwear and beachwear brand offering fashion-forward pieces for very reasonable prices. This little black number brings the sports luxe aesthetic to swimwear with its angular neck, mesh panels and zip fastening. Perfect for poolside posing (rather than swimming the Channel, say).

6. Missguided Knot Waist Detail Bandeau

The high street is full of swimsuits with revealing panels, and for those of us with curves the prospect of multiple straps digging into love handles can be off-putting. However, this swimsuit with knotted panel across the middle fits comfortably, making it a snug but slinky option. The lack of shoulder straps also allows for maximum tanning potential.

7. Drench Swim Sao Paulo

This UK company is a new kid on the block, and we have fallen in love with its super-sexy, great-fitting one pieces. We found it hard to pick our favourite from its designs, but the bright orange Sao Paulo, scooped-back suit swam away with the prize. It’s practical and supportive, without forgoing style. The stringed side panels make it adjustable so you don’t need to be too cautious with the size. It comes in a range of other colours, including khaki, peach, white and black.

8. Private Party Surfboard

Private Party is the LA brand that takes pop culture references straight from your Twitter feed to your clothing. Its Nineties-inspired high leg, low back swimsuits are emblazoned with playful phrases. Our favourite is the Surfboard red swimsuit, channelling Beyoncé and Pamela Anderson in one fell swoop. This is not for shy and retiring girls, but the high leg elongates shorter limbs and the cut is secure as well as sexy.

9. Asos Aztec Animal Print Contrast V Wire Swimsuit

Asos never fails to please with affordable and on-trend womens bathing suits and this is no exception. Funky Aztec patterns are mixed with mischievous cut outs for those who want to show a bit of flesh, with the comfort and support of a one piece swim suit. The chest is padded with wire support, but the absence of straps means it’s more for those looking for push-up potential than a super-supportive suit.

10. Motel Rocks Tube Swimsuit

Here’s an unusual choice – this combines a boob tube and unitard to bring Nineties retro fun to the poolside. It isn’t for the faint hearted, and is better suited to those with a smaller bust due to the lack of support in the boob tube department, but if you want to cause a splash, this is the one.

11. Freya Zodiac Underwired High Neck Suit

Freya specialises in lingerie and swimwear for bigger busts. This geometric-print suit has concealed underwire for extra support where you need it and the ruching on the suit, combined with the busy print, seems to hide lumps and bumps.

Verdict

For those prepared to spend a little more, the Sao Paulo one-piece by Drench is our pick. If you’re on a holiday budget, try Missguided’s Knot Waist Detail Bandeau that incorporates the season’s key trends at a bargain price. For a happy compromise, the River Island White Crochet swimsuit is elegant and practical at a reasonable price point.