Every body is beautiful and everybody deserves a bikini that makes them feel that way, whether it’ll be a bright summery print, a trending Hunza G-inspired crinkle set or a super supportive bikini top that makes you feel confident.
A bikini is one of those holiday essentials you don’t want to be stressed out about or panic buying last-minute. They should be associated with all the good things about summer – sunshine, having a break and feeling completely relaxed.
From sporty tank tops to strappy triangle sets, high-waisted bottoms to thongs, this ultimate bikini guide has something for everyone’s taste, budget and for every holiday, whether you’re looking for a metallic set for an Ibiza beach club or a cute ditsy print ruffled set for a trip down to Cornwall.
Your summer holiday packing starts here.
Tank tops
If you’re looking for equal parts comfort, style and support, add a sporty tank to the top of your bikini shopping list. Skims has launched swim tanks resembling some of its bestselling crop tops (which you can still shop at its Selfridges pop up until Saturday 8th July), but you can find equally chic alternatives at Adanola and Seafolly.
Triangles
The triangle bikini top is a classic for a reason, looking and feeling amazing on boobs of any size. Whether you’re into the Love Island-fuelled trend of spinning them upside down, or you prefer to keep it classic, a tie bikini is a fuss-free beachwear option that will never go out of style.
Bandeaus
If your dream holiday involves lying on a sun lounger with a glam pair of sunnies, a great book, your trusty SPF (and maybe a cocktail or two!), then a bandeau bikini is a great option for minimising tan lines and staying comfy and stylish in the sun.
Halter necks
If you’re looking for a bit more support on top, you’ll love a halter neck bikini style like these. Away That Day leads the charge for quality and using eco-friendly materials and their Palma top comes in so many gorgeous colours from classic black and ivory to bolder reds and jades.
Underwire bikinis
For extra structure and support, you can also look to underwired and balconette bikini styles – great options if you have a fuller bust and need a bikini that’ll give you support all day long, especially if you’re doing any kind of walking or beach activity.
Prints
For any kind of beach holiday, I can’t resist a printed bikini. Don’t miss out on the latest swimwear launches from Hey Harper and Fruity Booty who are using recycled fabrics and sustainably sourced materials to make their vibrant sets.
Crinkle bikinis
Have you seen Hunza G’s latest collab with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley? Pushing the swimwear It-brand back up to the top of our feeds, crinkle-swimsuit mania shows no sign of slowing down for summer 2023. Unsurprisingly, the crinkle bikini style is everywhere, so you can snap up a version on the high street for only £30.
Ruffles
If you love a pretty ruffled bikini, you’ll find plenty on the high street this year. My favourites are this Nobody’s Child zesty lime set for making a summery splash, and Abercrombie’s chocolate brown underwire set if you prefer to keep things neutral.
Glittery bikinis
Why wait till after the sun goes down for the party to start when your outfit can sparkle in the sunshine? If beach clubs are on your holiday itinerary, step up your holiday outfits with a glittery bikini.
Metallics
Another bikini you’ll shine in this summer is a metallic set, having taken off since Skims first launched its viral metallic skimpy bikini. There are extra strappy sets from Bershka, which would look amazing with a pair of crochet trousers or a matching sarong, and sporty sets from Mango and & Other Stories you could wear underneath chic linen co-ords.
Scallop bikinis
Marysia is a brand well-known for its pretty scallop bikinis, but it’s undoubtedly a huge investment, selling for just shy of £300. Thankfully, brands including Accessorize and Monsoon have created similar styles for a snip of the price that are just as chic for a holiday wardrobe.
Crochet bikinis
Crochet is a huge trend this summer, as spotted on Maya Jama for the first episode of this year’s Love Island. A bikini is a good place to start if you’re buying into crochet, as a crochet bikini is timeless and will never go out of style.
Monochrome sets
If your Instagram feed is flooded with the Yacht girl summer trend and quiet luxury and you’re shopping for a new bikini, you can’t go wrong with a chic monochrome set. Pair with co-ordinated black or white linen trousers or shorts and it’ll look like you’ve stepped straight from a scene in The White Lotus.