Why Finding the Right Swimsuit Matters
👙 The perfect swimsuit makes you feel confident, comfortable, and stylish. Here’s how to find the best fit for YOU!
✔️ Support & Lift – No more sagging straps or cups that dig in.
✔️ Shape Enhancement – Create balance and highlight your best features.
✔️ Comfort First – Swimsuits should feel as good as they look!
This guide covers the best one-piece swimsuits for every budget for full busts, pear shapes, apple figures, athletic frames, plus sizes, and more! 🙌 With picks from Marks & Spencer, Boden, John Lewis, Bravissimo, and Sézane, you’ll find Good, Better, Best price points in a variety of colours and styles. With the Easter holidays almost upon us, make sure your swimsuit reflects your body shape perfectly so you step out in confidence to soak up some much needed Vitamin D!
Most of the styles I've chosen are available in other colours, so choose the most flattering tone for you and usually I would encourage you to buy as early in the season as possible as the early bird catches the worm - believe me, by May most of these swimsuits would have sold out. And finally, buy the best you can afford.
Best for Full Busts
💡 Look for underwire, adjustable straps, and supportive fabrics.
✅ Good: M&S Tummy Control Padded Plunge Swimsuit
✅ Better: Whistles Ribbed Swimsuit
✅ Best: Bravissimo Amalfi Swimsuit (F cup+)
Best for Small Busts
💡 Choose ruffles, padding, or bold prints to enhance volume.
✅ Good: Cupshe Flutter Sleeve Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit
✅ Better: Next Black Broderie Swimsuit
✅ Best: Boden Evia Stripe Ruffle Swimsuit
Best for Wide Shoulders
💡 Asymmetry or deep V-necks break up broad shoulders.
✅ Good: M&S Asymmetric Swimsuit
✅ Better: Boden Wrap Front Swimsuit
✅ Best: Séane Cut-Out One-Shoulder Swimsuit
Best for Narrow Shoulders
💡 Halter-necks and horizontal stripes broaden the top half.
✅ Good: M&S Printed Scoop Neck Swimsuit
✅ Better: Boden Santorini Halterneck Swimsuit
✅ Best: Heidi Klein U-Bar Halterneck Swimsuit
Best for Hourglass Figures
💡 Waist-defining details enhance natural curves.
✅ Good: Boden Lefkada Square Neck Swimsuit
✅ Better: M&S Secret Slimming Colour Block Wrap Swimsuit
✅ Best: Miraclesuit Crossover Wrap V-Neck Plus Swimsuit
Best for Pear (triangle) Shapes
💡 Bold details on top balance proportions.
✅ Good: Pour Moi Palm Springs Colour Block Swimsuit
✅ Better: Mint Velvet Plunge Ruffle Swimsuit
✅ Best: Ralph Lauren Ruffle Neck Swimsuit
Best for Apple (or inverted triangle) Shapes
💡 Ruching and empire cuts flatter the midsection.
✅ Good: Boden Kefalonia Halterneck Swimsuit
✅ Better: John Lewis Popcorn Apex Wrap Swimsuit
✅ Best: Miraclesuit Oceanus Tummy Control Swimsuit
Best for Athletic/Rectangle Shapes
💡 Curvy details add softness.
✅ Good: Pour Moi Lightly Padded Underwired with Tummy Control
✅ Better: Accessorize Plunge Wrap Shaping Swimsuit
✅ Best: Seafolly Twist-Front Sculpting Swimsuit
Best for Plus Sizes (size 18+)
💡 Power mesh and shaping details provide support.
✅ Good: M&S Tummy Control Wired Halterneck Swimsuit (D-GG)
✅ Better: Meet Curve Black Cut Out Mesh Underwire One Piece Swimsuit
✅ Best: Miraclesuit Plus Size Escape One Piece
Best for Long Torso
💡 Extra length prevents pulling and discomfort.
✅ Good: Long Tall Sally LTS Tall Black Stitched Swimsuit
✅ Better: Land's End Long Tugless Swimsuit
✅ Best: Summersalt The Long Torso Sidestroke
Best for Short Torsos
💡 High-cut legs and deep necklines create length.
✅ Good: M&S Plunge V-Neck Swimsuit
✅ Better: Boden Ruched Swimsuit
✅ Best: Eres Cassiopee Sculpting Swimsuit
More tips and tricks: choosing the right colour & print
🧵 What About Petite Frames?
If you're petite — 5'3" and under — swimsuit shopping can feel like a minefield. Look for styles specifically cut for shorter torsos, otherwise you’ll spend the whole day adjusting straps or tugging at loose fabric. Brands like Boden, Lands’ End, and Seafolly often offer petite-friendly proportions or adjustable features that make all the difference.
Top stylist tip? High-cut legs and lower necklines can help elongate the body visually. Avoid swimsuits with too much horizontal detailing or wide straps that can overwhelm a petite frame. And if you're going for a print, opt for smaller-scale patterns — large florals or bold graphics can dominate a smaller silhouette.
🧭 Quick Styling Tips to Feel Good Poolside
Embrace ruching and texture: These details help camouflage and flatter without sacrificing style.
- Any dark colours = slimming
- Vertical stripes = elongating and makes you look taller, great for petites and if you are carry a bit of extra weight
- Florals & ruffles = even out body shape and ruffles add volume around the bust so great for smaller busts and narrow shoulders
- Colour-blocking = balance proportions i.e. darker colour on top to minimise bust or lighter colour on top to accentuate bust.
🛍 Example: A pear shape should opt for a dark bottom + bright top to draw the eye upwards. An apple should consider the reverse.
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Swimsuit as bodysuit: Choose a sleek one-piece in black or navy and pair it with wide-leg trousers or a linen shirt for an effortless holiday lunch look.
Kaftans and sarongs: Stick to semi-sheer fabrics in complementary colours — these add coverage without bulk.
Add accessories: Oversized sunglasses, a straw hat and tonal sandals create a polished, put-together finish (and draw attention upwards).
Happy shopping and do let me know how you get on.
Best wishes,
