Shopping for women's swimwear in the UK

Over the last few years, the choice of women's swimwear available to UK shoppers has improved beyond recognition. Once upon a time, women were restricted to department stores’ own collections of functional navy swimsuits, and dull bikinis. For some unknown reason, it was also very difficult to shop for swimwear outside of a short shopping season, which usually ended in June or July, just as most people take their holidays! Inspired perhaps by the fantastic beachwear available in Australia and the United States, designer swimwear ranges and funky beachwear brands such as Moontide and Sunseeker are now much more widely available in the UK. There are also all sorts of bikinis and one-piece swimming costumers in a range of colours, patterns and styles. Whereas it was once only possible to find bikinis based on underwear shapes, there is now a great range including tie front and tie side bikinis, halter neck bikinis and triangle bikinis. A new introduction is the tankini, a cross between a bikini and a swimming costume. It is a two-piece that offers more coverage than a bikini, or can be used as an alternative with a bikini top. There is also specialist plus size swimwear manufacturers and also maternity swimwear. You can also find many reversible swimsuits and bikinis, which give you a choice of colour or pattern in one.

Most two-piece women's swimwear now comes in different sizes, so you can mix and match to get the perfect fit. As a general rule, if you are larger, you may want to avoid bikinis altogether, and go for a tankini or swimsuit with a deep v-neck to show some flesh and add interest. It is recommended that you go for some support. Women with more athletic figures can wear anything but perhaps should go for something more delicate or feminine, or with padding, to enhance curves. The best source of beachwear for women is the Internet. Although it can be daunting to buy online, all you need to know is your size and body shape. A great site to try for guidance and suggestions of what women's swimwear suits different shapes is www.swimhut.com. It gives suggestions for each body type, and also has a sizing guide so that you can be sure exactly what size you need in each make. If all else fails, order several sizes and try on in the comfort of your own home until you find the beachwear that really works for your shape. Featured in many magazines, the site is one of the best places to go for the leading beachwear brands. It stocks a wide range of ladies’ bikinis, swimsuits and Tankinis, which you can search by style, price and favourites. You can even pick up accessories such as flip-flops, towels, sarongs and beach dresses all in one place. The real beauty of the site is that unlike high street shops, the shop is open all year- and all day- round.