With summer - almost - in sight, shopping for a new season is a highlight for us at Grazia. Alongside Al fresco lunching and talk of where you will go on holiday in three months’ time. But unless you are planning on vetoing beaches, lidos and lazy afternoons tanning altogether - don’t forget to pack your SPF 50 face cream, folks! - thoughts may have turned to your swimwear of choice. Let’s face it: guys have it pretty easy, simply opting for a pair of (no doubt black) swimming shorts…or speedos if you are so inclined. Swimwear for women? There’s a lot more groundwork involved. Is underwire swimwear a better option? Bikini vs. one-piece? Frills vs. keeping things #basic?
And if you’re anything like us, you may have now turned to social media when planning what to pack for your next getaway (sure, you haven't even booked the trip yet). So we decided to get the lowdown on this season’s biggest swimwear trends, according to Pinterest…
The one-piece
The classic ‘all in one’ or ‘one piece’ has seen a 675% increase (!) in people saving ideas since the beginning of this year. And our favourite 'affordable luxe' brands are killing it in the cossie game RN – see Reformation, Ganni and Weekday if you don’t believe us. Comfortable, flattering and you can wear underneath your cut off jeans for a cool Gigi Hadid hanging off-duty in St Tropez vibe.
Nautical swimsuit
The retro nautical beach-side option was the most sought after last year - thanks to Taylor Swift’s so Instagram-perfect-it-hurts 4th July party with Gigi, Cara and co. So, if you loved Swifty and her squad’s red, white, and blue Solid & Striped swimwear then – you’ll be all over the brand’s updated ‘Anne-Marie’ navy and white option this season. Your #1 essential to nail French Riviera chic.
Off the shoulder
If you’re after a more playful option, Bardot-style swimwear is guarteed to earn you fashion kudos at the pool. Pinterest have noticed a spike in pins with off-shoulder swimwear. To make a sartorial splash this season turn to the ‘It’ label loved by Rihanna and Beyoncé: Lisa Marie Fernandez. Her cult ‘Leandra’ bikini is the crème de la crème of off-shoulder bikinis, which also doubles as a crop top too. Sold.
Crochet
Crochet swimwear has seen a 105% increase in search on Pinterest since the beginning of the year. The uber-colourful material is a hit among the Coachella crowd, and anyone after a suitable ‘70s-style vibe come festival season. Simply layer underneath your favourite denim dungarees or a sheer blouse to embrace your inner ‘boho Sienna Miller’.
Need a little help finding the most flattering swimwear style for your shape?
Fear not; help is on hand. We’ve got the lowdown on this season’s biggest swimwear trends, and we’ve got a handy guide to matching the perfect style to your body shape below, for you to have a little skim (/swim) before you buy.
First up, and this is the most important point, the secret to looking good in swimwear is to feel good in swimwear. So if you’re feeling body confident, skip the rest of this guide and dive straight into our SS17 swimwear edit.
And, if you need a little help in the body confidence department, tread water a while longer as we talk you through the most flattering shapes for each body type…
PEAR – Those of big hip and small bust
Choose a style where the detailing is at the top of the swimsuit, to draw attention to your upper body. There are lots of gorgeous lace-up and halter styles on the market for SS17 that will suit your swimmingly.
BOYISH – Straight up and down and down and up
You can get away with just about any style you so fancy as long as you wear it with confidence (this is true for all shapes and sizes, naturally). Add some feminine flair to your blank canvas body with a frilled top or create curves with cutaways.
CURVY – Hourglass or otherwise
Accentuate your curves with high-waisted bikini bottoms that nip in at the waist and flatter fuller figures with a cheeky peplum one-piece. Marilyn-esque halter-necks will suit you, too.
PETITE – Small but perfectly formed
A classic triangle bikini will look gorgeous on you, as will bold printed one-pieces in racer cuts and slash-back styles.
Feeling ready to hit the beach? Shop our swimwear edit, below.
grazia swimwear gallery 2017
1 of 12swim
Crochet bikinis needn't break the bank, this affordable option from Topshop taps this trend at a wallet friendly price.
Crochet bikini, £42, Topshop
2 of 12swim
Looking for a classic option? This bargain striped bikini should do the trick.
Striped bikini, £22, H&M
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Who said red and pink don't go together? Eschew style rules with this bold cossie.
Pink and red knotted swimsuit, £25.99, Zara
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A pretty tropical print, perfectly accesorised with a pina colada.
Printed one-shoulder swimsuit, £45, & Other Stories
6 of 12monki
Calling all pineapple fans - this 'it' motif is now available in bikini form, and ideal for tropical beach days.
Pineapple bikini, £23, Monki
7 of 12newlook
The dancing lady emoji in bikini form? Yes please.
Red frilled bikini, £23.98, New Look
8 of 12swim
Shun nautical stripes and embrace an unusual colour palette - we love this blush pink, teal, white and black pattern.
Striped bikini, £160, Solid & Striped
9 of 12swim
Gingham needn't be monochrome as this fun technicolour bikini proves.
Gingham bikini, £270, Mara Hoffman
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Just add a pair of oversized cat-eye sunnies for an elegant poolside lounging look.
Ruffle one shoulder swimsuit, £445, Lisa Marie Fernandez
11 of 12swimwear
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley debuts the hottest swimwear line for M&S - and we want everything. This black option is the perfect all-rounder to take you from beach to bar (just pair with your favourite denim shorts). Gold foil deep plunge swimsuit, £55, M&S
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Super flattering? Hugs your body? And that bow? Not cheap, but so worth it. 'Bette' swimsuit, £120, Hunza G