Shopping for swimwear can prove a thankless task. Hours spent pulling on stringy bikinis and wrestling limbs into stretchy Lycra can leave you feeling like packing it all in and swearing off swimming for life. But no matter if you’re planning on shipping out to a luxury beach hotel in the Med, or just feel the allure of the local lido during a heatwave, swimwear is definitely necessary and shopping for it can actually be fun. Promise.
Where to buy affordable swimwear
The high street’s swim offering is plentiful, and shopping for key pieces in places where the quality feels high and the items are well cut is a must.
Most high street stores have a wide range of swimwear to suit various sizes, yet the shops that sell items as separates offer more variety for our different body shapes.
Best high street swimwear collections for summer 2023
We’ve rounded up six of the best high street stores for excellent swimwear options. Bring on the summer…
Best for low price points: H&M
One of the best high street retailers for swimwear separates, you’ll find H&M makes a variety of bikini tops and bottoms in the same material so you can efficiently mix and match to suit your preferences.
I’ll spend hours browsing swimwear online before ultimately settling for an option from their range. H&M exceeds in its wide range and variety of cuts, from high-legged Brazilian pant styles to high-waisted options that add definition to your waist. And while I’ll often opt for a triangle bra style to add a little extra up top, they’ve always got a fuller cupped choice on hand too.
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Best for expensive-looking pieces: Mango
If you’re looking for a range of chic shades and unfussy design, then Mango should be your swimwear destination of choice. With sizing that ranges from an XS to 4XL the brand’s inclusive range packs a statement punch.
Best for stylish one pieces that sit snugly under denim shorts and quirky printed bikinis, Mango is a one-stop shop for all your summer needs. Start shopping for your bathing suit wardrobe now and keep checking weekly for new styles added, then head to their jewellery and accessories section for an exciting range of beachwear accompaniments.
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Best for sleek minimal options: Arket
Ideal for the swimwear minimalist, Arket’s swimwear is all about restraint. If you’re on the hunt for a basic swimsuit in a good quality material then Arket should go straight at the top of your list. Most of the swimwear is made from Econyl yarn, which is derived from nylon waste and recycled fishing nets, which means it’s a more conscious choice at an affordable price point.
Arket’s options are on the understated side – expect straight-cut pieces that flatter most body sizes and the offering goes up to a UK size 18.
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Best for extensive offering: ASOS
The size range at ASOS is unbeatable, with options to suit almost every body shape. I’m always a little daunted when browsing their extensive offering because I struggle with so much choice. But if you’re out there looking for every swimsuit style you could possibly imagine then start here.
There are bright colours, peppy prints and interesting cuts aplenty. Much like other retailers, they excel in their mix-and-match range. You’ll find off-shoulder tops, cowl-neck halters and classic bra tops on the site, all in a strong variety of sizes, plus their Curve range goes up to a size 30 for anyone with a fuller figure.
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Best for sporty cuts: Free People
For the boho sun worshipper, Free People’s swimwear selection comes in a little higher priced but it’s worth it. From floral printed rash guards for a surf lover to ditsy printed one pieces for those caught-off-guard Instagram snaps that will flesh out your summer feed.
Sportier cuts make the selection more interesting – find a range of swim shorts and floral rash vests in the edit. Free People’s colour selection is what makes its swimwear really stand out; discover deep-yet-vibrant jewel tones and retro prints and cuts. Plus their range is refreshed year round.
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Best for bikini lovers: Hollister
If you’re a fan of a bikini then look no further than Hollister. It’s range of separate tops and bottoms come in a plethora of different styles. Choose from the Cheekiest cut with minimal coverage to the High Waist Cheeky, which offers fuller coverage. Plus, tops are available in underwired, triangle or scoop neck styles in sizes XXS to XXL.
Find highlighter-hued neons and statement animal prints, then look out for their new contrast colour tops and strappy string wrap styles.
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