The Weekend Read ✨Confidently Covered: A Real Woman’s Guide to Swimwear

Hello!

Grab your sun glasses — we’re heading for the sunshine! Whether it’s the Med, the Maldives, or your local outdoor swimming pool, it’s time to deep-dive into the glorious (and sometimes infuriating) world of women’s swimwear. From shapewear styles to flattering cuts, from finding your dream colour to beach-to-bar accessorising, we’ve got you covered. Literally.

Whether you’re a sun lounger siren or a paddleboard pro, there’s a swimsuit out there to flatter your shape, suit your season, and make you feel fantastic.

A Little History: From Modesty to Modern Glamour

Let’s time travel. Swimwear’s journey is as fascinating as fashion itself, a mirror of changing attitudes, body politics, and female freedom.

In the early 1800s, women wore bathing gowns made of wool or flannel — yes, wool — for sea bathing. These ankle-length, long-sleeved dresses were often weighted at the hem with lead to prevent any scandalous floating. A modesty must-have, if not exactly practical or breathable.

By the late 19th century, Victorian sensibilities still ruled, but suits started to shorten, slightly. Enter the bloomer-style bathing costume — still full coverage but less hazardous. These early suits were more for modesty than mobility, and swimming was more of a novelty than a sport for women.

Everything changed in the early 20th century. In 1907, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman — an athlete, performer, and total icon — wore a one-piece fitted swimsuit and was promptly arrested for public indecency on a Boston beach. She later launched her own swimwear line, challenging convention and paving the way for practical, performance-driven swimwear.

In the 1920s and 30s, swimsuit design edged into glamour, with figure-hugging wool jersey suits. By the 1940s, wartime fabric rationing helped birth the bikini. French designer Jacques Heim created the “Atome” in 1946, and engineer-turned-designer Louis Réard launched the first true bikini, naming it after the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests — implying an explosion of impact. Only one woman dared model it: a Parisian showgirl. The world was not quite ready.

The 1950s and 60s brought ultra-feminine silhouettes. Think Marilyn Monroe in high-waisted briefs and structured halter necks. Swimwear became more tailored and glamorous — designers like Claire McCardell and Rose Marie Reid led the charge with built-in bras and innovative fabrics.

By the 70s and 80s, lycra revolutionised swimwear — hello stretch and sleekness! Designers like Rudi Gernreich (creator of the infamous topless monokini) pushed boundaries, while Gottex emerged as a go-to for elegance and European flair.

The 90s brought sporty minimalism from Calvin Klein and Speedo, and then there was the Baywatch red one-piece. The 2000s added bling, cut-outs, and bold branding. Today, swimwear is more inclusive, diverse, and expressive than ever. We’ve come a long way from soggy wool!

Confidence is the Best Thing You Can Wear

Let’s talk about the real secret to looking good in swimwear: confidence. For many women, slipping into a swimsuit can feel daunting, whether you’re curvy, busty, petite, or prefer to dress more modestly. But here’s the truth: when you wear something that flatters your shape and enhances your natural colouring, everything shifts. You stand taller. You smile more. And yes, you get more compliments, which only fuels that positive spiral of feeling good in your own skin.

If you're mid-size or plus-size, the key is finding a suit that works with your body, not against it. Ruching, supportive panels, wrap styles and darker side panels can all help shape and smooth beautifully. But even more powerful? Wearing colours that light you up. A swimsuit in your seasonal palette not only lifts your complexion, it makes you look and feel vibrant. It's not about hiding, it's about highlighting your best bits and enjoying the sunshine in a way that feels like you.

For those with a larger bust, support is everything. Look for swimsuits with built-in underwires, adjustable straps, moulded cups, and wide bands under the bust. Halter styles with thicker ties or full cup styles with bra sizing will give you the lift and hold you need to feel secure and stylish without constant adjusting, or fear of wardrobe malfunctions.

If you’re smaller busted, you have the freedom to play with shape and detail. Ruffles, frills, bandeaus, padded cups, and triangle bikinis can all create the illusion of curves. Prints and lighter, brighter colours can also enhance your shape and make the most of your frame.

And for those who prefer modest swimwear — whether for religious reasons, sun protection, or personal choice — there are more beautiful, confidence-boosting options than ever. Brands now offer elegant long-sleeve swimsuits, swim dresses, high-neck styles, and full-coverage swim sets that combine style and practicality without sacrificing your personal values. Look for breathable, quick-dry fabrics and details like zip fronts, colour-blocking or pattern placement that still flatter your shape while keeping you covered. You don’t need to show more to feel fabulous.

Above all, know this: every body is a swimsuit body. The beach doesn’t require a dress size. What matters most is how you feel — and that comes from wearing something that fits, flatters, and reflects your personality. If you need a little extra boost, apply some fake tan, treat yourself to a stylish cover-up, or book a colour consultation to find the shades that bring you to life. A confident woman in a swimsuit is magnetic, no matter her shape, age, or style.

Swimwear Styles: What Suits You

Let’s start with the bikini. It’s brilliant for balanced figures, small busts, and anyone who loves a tan. Triangle tops flatter petite frames, while balconette styles give a lift to small-to-medium busts. High-waisted bottoms are not only wonderfully retro but also tummy-friendly, creating gorgeous curves and confidence.

The tankini is an unsung hero. If you have a long torso, want midsection coverage, or just need a loo break without peeling off a one-piece, this is your friend. It’s comfy, stylish, and offers great flexibility.

One-piece swimsuits are flattering for every body shape. If you’ve got curves, look for ruching, wrap fronts or colour-blocking to highlight your waist. For bigger busts, try a deep plunge or supportive underwire. If you’re more straight up-and-down, add interest with bold prints or mesh panels.

Halter-necks are perfect for square shoulders, balancing wider hips and drawing the eye upward. If you’re fuller-busted, go for versions with thicker straps to avoid neck strain. Meanwhile, bandeau tops work well for smaller busts and look sleek under cover-ups. Just make sure they come with detachable straps if you want a little extra lift.

For those with no defined waist, try wrap styles, belted one-pieces or cleverly placed prints to create curves. High-leg or Brazilian-cut bottoms elongate the legs which are especially flattering on petite frames or anyone with shorter legs.

Shapewear swimwear has come a long way. Today’s control suits offer smoothing panels made with power mesh or sculpting Lycra, and they’re designed to celebrate your body, not squash it. Brands like Miraclesuit, Pour Moi, Bravissimo, and Boden offer some excellent shaping options that support without suffocating.

Colour Me Confident: House of Colour Swimwear Palettes

Here’s where colour really makes a splash. At House of Colour, we know that wearing the right colours for your skin tone isn’t just nice to know, it’s transformative.

Spring clients shine in warm, clear colours. Think coral, corn yellow, aqua, apple and turquoise — fresh, playful and full of life.

Summers, by contrast, look breathtaking in soft, cool, delicate shades. Powder blue, rose pink, lavender, jade and blue-grey are super flattering.

Autumns thrive in earthy, rich, warm tones. Rust, olive, mustard, kingfisher and bronze bring out the warmth in your skin tone.

And then there are our Winters — cool, clear and vibrant. Icy pink, electric blue, emerald, black, navy and fuchsia are your superpower colours.

Accessories: Beach Glam from Sand to Sangria

Swimwear is just the start. Accessories are where the magic happens, and how you take your swimsuit from sun lounger to a pool-side aperitif.

Start with a great cover-up. A kaftan is effortlessly chic, breezy and available in every length and pattern imaginable. An oversized linen shirt adds borrowed-from-the-boys cool and works over any swimsuit. Sarongs are wonderfully versatile — wrap them as skirts, dresses or headscarves. Or go for wide-leg beach trousers in gauzy fabrics to add instant polish.

Crochet dresses add texture and flirtiness, especially over bold colours, and you can’t beat a tiered sundress for ease and elegance.

Layer on oversized sunglasses, a straw hat, and shell or beaded jewellery for that just-off-the-beach look. A raffia tote or colourful canvas bag makes a stylish carrier for your SPF, paperback and water bottle. And don’t forget statement sandals or sliders for that effortless, beach-to-bar transition.

Our favourite shops for swimwear accessories? Try Accessorize for bags and jewellery, Boden for breezy separates, and Zara or H&M for trend-led cover-ups. Etsy is brilliant for handmade accessories, Anthropologie offers stylish splurges, and Oliver Bonas is perfect for mid-market options including sandals and sunglasses.

Swimwear Through the Ages: 20s to 70s and Beyond

In your 20s, it’s all about experimentation. You can play with cut-outs, neon brights, high-rise bottoms, or daring mesh inserts. There are no rules.

In your 30s and 40s, you might want a bit more support and coverage — without sacrificing style. Structured cups, high-waists, and mix-and-match pieces let you run after kids and sip a cocktail without needing a costume change.

In your 50s and 60s, think glamour meets function. Ruching, clever panelling, and built-in shapewear offer support and elegance, and you know exactly what flatters your shape. Embrace it.

In your 70s and beyond? It’s all about elegance and ease. Wrap styles, beautiful fabrics, subtle prints, and high-quality fabrics give you confidence and comfort. Add a stunning cover-up and oversized sunnies, and you’re the chicest woman on the beach.

The Swimwear Leaderboard: Top 10 Brands Rated

With so many options out there, it helps to know where to look. Pour Moi is brilliant for shapewear and larger busts, offering great value and flattering cuts between £25 and £60. Bravissimo is unbeatable for full-bust swimwear, with superb fit and support. Seafolly is pricier (£60–£130) but offers premium fabrics and elegant fits, while Boden is a high street hero with timeless, supportive pieces that really last.

If you're on a budget, F&F at Tesco is surprisingly stylish, and Next offers trend-led prints. M&S is a go-to for classic styles and cup-sized support. Miraclesuit is the queen of shapewear swimwear, though it’s a splurge at £100+. Figleaves is fab for curvier bodies, and if you’re really splashing out, Eres delivers Parisian minimalism at couture prices.

Ultimately, spend where it matters: fit, fabric and function. A £25 bikini that falls apart after one holiday is less value than a £90 one that makes you feel amazing every summer for five years.

Final Thoughts: Making a Splash

So, what have we learned? The perfect swimsuit isn’t about a number on the label — it’s about knowing what works for you. Choose styles that support and celebrate your shape, colours that make your skin glow, and accessories that turn your swimwear into a whole look. Whether you’re 25 or 75, the right suit is the one that makes you feel like you.

And remember — always rinse after swimming, never tumble dry, and definitely don’t leave it rolled up in a Tesco bag until October. Yes, we’ve all done it! Until next time, enjoy the sun, but even more be confident and colourful in your swimwear choices this summer.

Click here for your SS25 Swimwear Edit

Enjoy your weekend! Next week, The Weekend Read is all about Colour Analysis: Separating the Facts from the Fiction. Look out for that next Saturday!

Best wishes,

Jenny & Judi x

Jenny Goldsmith

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07986 062460

e: jenny.goldsmith@houseofcolour.co.uk

w: www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jennygoldsmith

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