Finding a swimsuit you like and feel comfortable in is an instant confidence boost and will make the precious time you spend in it – sea swimming, reading books in the sun and paddling with the kids – that bit more fun.
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Though a lot of swimwear is made with virgin synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, hearteningly, a lot of brands are now focused on using recycled materials, such as Econyl (nylon made from discarded fishing nets and other waste) and recycled polyester.
While that’s a good thing, the fabric is still made of plastic, so it will shed when washed and survive long after you’ve finished front crawling in it. So buy well, buy to last and use a “Guppy” bag when washing to catch some of those fibres being shed.
For this swimwear guide, I have scoured the internet and shops, and tried on and turned inside out a lot of different cossies. I’ve also asked friends and family of different sizes and ages what their favourite swimsuit or bikini looks like. Here is a selection of the best.
The best swimming costumes
Ailla reversible scoop swimsuit
£95 at Finisterre
This is a well-made swimsuit from the B-Corp British brand born from surf culture. This brand knows its swimwear. Made from recycled fabric and in a print that looks much prettier IRL – although it is reversible, should you prefer plain – it also has a flattering deep back scoop. Sturdy enough for a game of rounders on the beach as well as a swim in the sea.
Racer back swimsuit
£44 at Speedo
From £38.50 at Amazon
Most of the people I know who actually want to swim swim would recommend a Speedo cossie. Based in Nottingham but founded in Australia, Speedo has served countless kids learning to breaststroke. It also has an illustrious heritage: more Olympic gold medals have apparently been won in Speedo than any other brand. This cossie also has built-in bust support, and the fabric should withstand as much chlorine and crawl as you care to throw at it. Opt for a racer back style – they really are comfy.
Square neck seersucker swimsuit
£175 at Net-a-Porter
£175 at Selfridges
This is the gold standard of swimsuits for those more into lounging than lengths. First founded in the 80s, then relaunched and now Instagram-famous, Hunza G is known for its crinkle fabric, made in the Midlands. If you’ve been noticing a lot of texture creep into swimwear of late, Hunza G is the reason why. The tightly ruched seersucker is flattering, and the cuts are too. It will cost you, but then it’s not every swimsuit brand that can count Rihanna as a fan. Plus, the quality means this one’s here for a long time, not just a good time.
Allegra recycled swimsuit
£57 at Smallable
Made from recycled polyamide and available in orange or royal blue – both brilliant, both peppy – this swimsuit from Canopea is just the right amount of pretty. Plain but for the frilly straps, it’s made by a French brand that manufactures in Portugal.
Textured bow tie swimsuit
£57 at & Other Stories
£57 at Asos
If Hunza G is out of your price range, you can still find that crinkled aesthetic but at a high-street price point. This swimsuit has a flattering square neckline, is beautiful in the blue, and the design means the decorative bows on the shoulders won’t interrupt your swim.
Elan one-piece
£143 at Youswim
Again, in the same mould as Hunza G but slightly more accessibly priced – and inclusively sized – Youswim makes excellent swimwear. This is one of several brands now doing a new kind of “stretch” sizing: Stretch I fits 6 to 16, and Stretch II fits 18 to 28. It makes buying online easier, and it’s great for fluctuating bodies, future-proofing against size changes between summers. Made in the UK, using an Oeko-Tex-certified blend of nylon and elastane, the espresso colour feels unusual in a swimsuit; the juniper is also stylish. Just make sure you sun cream your back to avoid a circular tan line, and follow care instructions for a long life.
Swirl print swimsuit
£65 at Whistles
£65 at John Lewis
A one-shoulder cossie won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I find them unexpectedly flattering. Plus, they add a hint of sophistication at a time when sun-cream grease and sticky sand make it otherwise hard to feel put-together. Made using a minimum of 60% certified recycled nylon, this one from Whistles is chic.
Asymmetric ruffled swimsuit
£85 at Cos
£85 at H&M
If you like your asymmetry with a bit more structure, this is a pretty take from Cos. Made using recycled nylon, the ruffle detail is a good shout if you often feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, providing extra coverage while also drawing the eye. The black keeps things classic.
Cherry Isola swimsuit
£100.80 at Smallable
£140 at Array Store
OAS is a Scandinavian resort brand that started when its founder introduced espadrilles from Spain to Sweden. It makes 70s-tinged, beachy clothes beautifully, although this swimsuit is more of a timeless cut. But hurry, there aren’t many left via UK stockists. One has the cherry version left in everything but large, the other has the burgundy in everything but XS and S.
Ines Maillot swimsuit
£85 at Casa Raki
£170 at Harvey Nichols
Casa Raki swimwear is designed in London and made in Portugal. While it doesn’t come cheap, there’s often a bargain to be had, such as this swimsuit, which is currently half price online at Casa Raki. The Econyl recycled fabric is SPF50+, the back design is beautiful, and the colours are pleasingly off-kilter for swimwear. Plus, a seam that sits between waist and boobs is known to make legs look longer, if that appeals.
Lisbon one-piece
£74 at Ookioh
Swimwear prints are often nautical, so it’s refreshing to find one decorated with farfalle and forks. The wide square neckline is flattering, though not the best if you plan to swim at speed. But for lounging and splashing about, this pasta-themed cossie from LA-based swimwear brand Ookioh is super-fun. Plus, it’s made from 100% regenerated materials.
One-piece swimsuit
€76.30 (about £65) at Matona
Matona puts sustainability at the centre of what it does. Making swimwear in small Gots-certified factories in Portugal and using Econyl regenerated nylon, it’s greener than many swimsuits on offer. The cut is classic and the colour is lovely. Plus, it’s on offer. The price is in euros, but the brand does ship to the UK.
Nabaiji one-piece shorty swimsuit
£13.99 at Decathlon
If you’re after a workhorse swimming costume on a budget, this Nabaiji one-piece with shorts is a great option. Cheap and entirely undemanding, it’s favoured by a friend who puts it through its paces in freezing reservoirs. The shorts mean it won’t ride up when you need to focus on staying afloat.
The best bikinis
Padded halterneck bikini top
£19.50 at Marks & Spencer
This is so much nicer in the flesh. The top is a flattering shape with adjustable straps, and the padding will be welcome if the sea is a little cold. The print is so sophisticated it doesn’t look like it’s from M&S (no offence, M&S). It does have matching bottoms, but they are currently out of stock.
Bikini top
£18.90 at Arket
Bikini hipsters
£18.90 at Arket
Sometimes all you want is a classic: nautical stripes, no-nonsense square cut. Sporty in spirit, this is a good one if you want to actually swim as well as noodle around by the pool.
Square neck bikini top
£150 at Me+Em
Adjustable rise bikini bottom
£95 at Me+Em
Seamless and smart, the bottoms are designed to fit how you would like them to – ie higher or lower up the leg. Plus, there are two types of tops to match: an adjustable halterneck or square neck (with straps that can be taken off). The bright papaya colour will pop, even on a grey day.
Reversible bikini set
£30 at Regatta
From £17.86 at Amazon
The perfect bikini cut if you’re going to be making sandcastles, wiping noses and generally doing everything but sitting on a lounger and cracking into the latest Anne Tyler. The Orla Kiely print is bold and fun, but if you fancy a change, you can wear it inside out.
Twist detail halterneck bikini top
£70 at John Lewis
£70 at Selfridges
High-rise bikini bottoms
£55 at Selfridges
Classic but with a literal twist, this bikini from Australian brand Seafolly offers more coverage than most. The twist halterneck is flattering and fashion-forward, without being remotely fussy.
Strappy triangle bikini top
£16 at Weekday
Strappy side tie bikini bottoms
£16 at Weekday
£16 at Asos
This is classic, comfy and, while too skimpy for some (me!), it’s a great option if you like this style. If you prefer more support on your lower half, you could pair these bottoms with a high, reinforced waist. You could also switch in the strappy bikini top, which has more coverage.
Textured square neck bikini top
£35 at the White Company
Textured regular fit bikini briefs
£35 at the White Company
This boxy bikini top is given a bit of intrigue with a carefully placed cut-out. The textured fabric is a nod to the mood for textured swimwear, but there’s nothing modish about this – it’s a bikini that won’t go out of style.
Bikini shorts
£39 at Organic Basics
Scoop bikini top
£42 at Organic Basics
If you’re after more coverage, these swim shorts are a good option. The work of a brand better known for its size-inclusive underwear, these go from an XXS to an XXXL, and are made with recycled nylon. The black is classic, but the blood orange and dove blue really zing. The top, made with 64% recycled nylon, does what it says on the tin.
Elisa shirred recycled bikini top
£57 at Net-a-Porter
Tavira shirred recycled bikini bottom
£48 at Net-a-Porter
Faithfull does summer clothes well. The linen is amazing quality, and the swimwear is similarly special. Part of Net-a-Porter’s “Net Sustain” range, these are made using some recycled materials, but it’s also a very pretty set that would look great on the beach.
Porto bikini top
£23 at Boden
Porto bikini bottoms
£21 at Boden
Wavy rick-rack detailing has become a popular look in recent years, in part because of the designs of Spanish brand La Veste. Here, Boden offers its own colourful take on the trend to make this fun bikini pop. The top is a supportive shape with a wide waistband, but if you go for the blue, there’s also a tankini option available (although only size 16 is currently in stock).
Maldives bikini top
£100 at Paper
Maldives bikini bottoms
£85 at Paper
A little bit retro and a little bit modern, this checked bikini from a sustainably minded London-based brand brings with it the fun of the fair. The top is cut, with cups and straps, to be supportive, but it’s currently available only in XS and XL.
Valley print bikini top
£30 at White Stuff
£30 at John Lewis
Valley print bikini bottom
£25 at White Stuff
£25 at John Lewis
The on-the-nose shell print is given a twist with the green of this easy-going halterneck bikini. The thick straps offer support, but if you want more coverage, then there is a tankini top available. Note: White Stuff doesn’t have many of the tops left on its own site, but you can also try John Lewis.
The best tankinis
Cross-front tankini top
£17.50 at John Lewis
Bunny tie bikini bottoms
£9 at John Lewis
If you like print but are on the petite side, a smaller-scale design can be more flattering. This khaki tankini from John Lewis also has helpful ruching and a strap that can be removed. The “bunny ties” on the bottoms are a nice touch.
Tugless strappy tankini top
From £27 at Lands’ End
Tugless high bottoms
From £18 at Lands’ End
This tankini, especially in the black, is a great option for someone who wants minimal fuss. Entirely plain at the front, this is countered by a slightly more elaborate back, complete with a shapely strap detail.
Lara tankini top
£39 at Phase Eight
£39 at John Lewis
Lara tankini bottoms
£29 at Phase Eight
£29 at John Lewis
With ruching, removable straps and some support at the bust, this tankini ticks a lot of boxes. The lively geometric print makes it just as ready for a lunchtime spritz as any actual swimming.
Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian’s fashion desk