The perfect swimwear for summer, from €12 to high end
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- 27 May 2022
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Deirdre McQuillan selects the best bikinis and swimsuits for all shapes and budgets
Is there any worse nightmare than trying on swimwear? The dance of the seven veils going through airport security is nothing compared with divesting oneself of all outerwear down to the briefs in a strange enclosure to test whether a skimpy bit of clothing (or two skimpy bits of clothing) will make us feel confident, armoured for a pool or seaside dip in a sunny place. Still, this is the time of year when beach holidays are on many a post-pandemic mind after long, cold winters of comfort and covered-up dressing. Trying on is a must for the fit to be right, since many of us have acquired extra poundage during lockdown.
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Trends this summer aren’t geared towards the hardy, year-round sea swimmers with their wetsuits, towelling robes and booties. Sweaty Betty caters well for this hardcore cohort, as does Helen Steele at Dunnes Stores with long sleeves, high necks and rash vests.
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The modern summer swimsuit has a dual role that has to combine leisurely ocean plunges with glamorous versatile daytime or night-time wear. The latest trends are for more decorative detail – one-shouldered affairs, ruffles, cut-out tops, gold hardware, chain belts and wraparound straps not that conducive to a speed-breaking stroke.
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Primark has led the charge with inexpensive fashion forward pieces, though sites at the other end of the spectrum like Cossie & Co offer super elegant styles (wonderful ginghams and great colours) with the most ornamental element being a minimal tie shoulder.
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Deakin & Blue claims to offer the perfect fit for any body shape using standard sizing but with added curve options. That means that each style comes in the traditional dress size format 8-20, but with added elements for those with AA-B cups and for F-HH cups (its fabrics are sustainable too, made from regenerated nylon fibre produced from post-consumer waste such as old fishing nets and industrial plastic). Well-known lingerie brands like Chantelle and Fantasie also offer supportive cup-sized swimwear. Read More...
