The Ultimate Swimwear Guide

It may be the bright lighting. It may be the unforgiving changing room mirror. But there’s something about high street swimwear shopping that can throw even the most body confident among us into despair. 

If the annual pre-holiday trudge round the shops fills you with as much joy as a trip to the dentist, you’re not alone. But, like that dental check-up, swimwear shopping has to be done - unless you’re planning on sunbathing nude this year. Face it. When we go on holiday we practically live in our swimwear, so we’re going to need more than one option plus some kind of beach cover-up stashed away in our suitcase to get us through our week in the sun. 

Finding the perfect bikini or swimsuit can feel a bit like the search for the holy grail, but there is a way to make shopping for swimwear fun, honest! Two words, ladies - online shopping. Not only is buying your swimming costumes and bikinis online quick and convenient, but you’ll be also able to try them on in the flattering lighting of your very own bedroom. 

Of course, buying swimwear online also comes with its own challenges, but that’s where shopping at Pour Moi comes in. Not only are we obsessed with style and fit, but it’s also our passion to make everybody feel beach-body ready as soon as they slip on one of our well-made, innovative pieces of swimwear. We’ve poured our expertise into every Pour Moi bikini set, swimming costume and beach cover-up - and we’ve also written this guide to help you choose the best option for you. 

Need a bikini you can adjust depending on how much pasta was consumed the night before? Want a top that’s as supportive and flattering as your favourite bra? And what are the best beach cover-ups to take you from beach to bar? We’ll answer all this and more in our handy guide to swimwear.

There are some great bargains to be had if you’re shopping for swimwear when summer is already here. But you may struggle to find the right size and end up panic buying something you don’t love quite so much. The bigger the selection you have to choose from, the better. So, if you’re looking to purchase some new swimwear in time for your summer holiday, our biggest piece of advice would be to start early, and by that we mean March or April. That way you take the stress out of your pre-holiday packing.

It helps to know what will suit your body shape, and we’ve got that covered below. But otherwise, there are some simple things you can do to get the best possible results when you’re buying a bikini online. If you're a bikini lover, check out our dedicated blog on how to find the best bikini style for your body shape.

Measure yourself

Get out that tape measure and compare your measurements to the size guide on the website.

Go for styles that have adjustable straps

If you hate having to return items, this one is a no brainer. If an item has adjustable features such as straps and sides, it allows you to find the perfect fit. And it’s not just bikinis and swimsuits that have this handy feature. You can even find adjustable straps on some items of beach cover-up, such as maxi dresses - great if you’re short.

If in doubt, ask

All reputable online brands have a customer service department, so if you’re not sure about how something will fit, wash, or look, contact them, and ask.

Check the returns policy

If you want to buy the same swimming costume in a couple of sizes to see what fits best, you’ll need to make sure you can return the others. And be careful when it comes to trying on bikini briefs that the hygiene strips remain intact, or you may not get that refund.

At Pour Moi we know that the hottest beach babes come in all shapes and sizes, but there is one rule that truly fits all. If you want to look good in swimwear, you have to feel good in swimwear. 

Yes, those swimsuits featuring lots of straps and cut outs are all over social media. But if you don’t feel comfortable or secure in that high-fashion piece, you’ll be too scared to drop your towel no matter how good it looked on Instagram. 

Feeling great in your swimwear can make a good holiday even better, so use the following tips for total pool-side confidence.

If you have larger boobs...

If you’re larger on top, shopping on the high street for plus size swimwear may not work for you. You’ll need something that comes in a cup size, not a dress size, and you can forget about off-the-shelf bikini sets if you’re an DD on top and a 10 on the bottom! 

When it comes to swimwear for big busts, you’ll want something secure that will not dig in or slip off. Full cups and wider straps do offer great support, but don’t think you’re destined to wear items that fashion forgot every holiday. Luckily, things have moved on in the swimwear world. Here at Pour Moi there’s a vast range of sizes, in styles that are all over both the high street and runway, so there’s no need to compromise.

Bikini tops with sweetheart necklines such as the Palermo Underwired Non-Padded Bikini Top or the Getaway Padded Convertible Underwired Bikini Top that will give you enough coverage and support so you can feel fabulous and confident, no matter what you've got planned. You can even unleash your inner Kardashian in an itsy bitsy triangle bikini such as the India Recycled Triangle Bikini Top if it has built in supportive features such as double straps or hidden underwire. Pretty much all styles are now suitable for those with a heavier bust if they have underband support - which may also be called ‘secret shelf support.’ 

Even if you thought your chances of wearing a halter neck bikini were up there with blue moons and hell freezing over, these days you can get the halter neckline you love in styles that won’t leave you with red marks around your neck. Look for clever designs, such as two adjustable straps, light padding for shaping and supportive underwire.

If you’ve got small boobs...

Although you can get away with much skimpier styles like strapless bikinis, sometimes a bit of underwire can go a long way to creating a lovely bit of shape. Take bandeau styles, for instance. While these look great on a smaller bust, it helps to have a hidden underwire such as the Casablanca Underwired Removable Straps Scarf Bikini Top and Space Strapless Lightly Padded Underwired Bikini Top to give you enough support and lift.

If you're looking for lift, choose a style with padding or go for a push up bikini style such as the Samoa Boost Push-Up Padded Underwired Bikini Top. This sexy push-up style is underwired to give you great lift and shape, while the padded push-up cups give an extra boost to your bust. Whatever you go for, just make sure the bikini top fits you well - if the cup is too large it can gape which could leave you feeling uncomfortable and no one wants that while they're trying to have a relaxing day down the beach.

If you want more coverage from your swimwear...

Swimming costumes are so hot right now, and they’re perfect if you are looking for a bit more coverage. Look for tummy control swimwear which has supportive secret panels to enhance and support your natural figure. These are available in such fashion-forward styles these days, and there are some seriously sexy options to choose from. Going for a cut out swimsuit such as the India Multi Style Wrap Swimsuit shows off your style credentials while still providing you with enough coverage.

In recent seasons we’ve seen a huge trend in swimsuits with a belt, which not only looks fabulously retro, but can also be ridiculously flattering. Combine a belt with tummy control panels such as the Removable Straps Belted Control Swimsuit for a beautiful, natural silhouette. Featuring removable and adjustable straps, this swimsuit will shape, sculpt and compliment your natural curves with its controlling front panel and lightly padded cups.

Not a fan of swimsuits? Go for the movie pin-up look in a high-waisted bikini brief or choose a fold-over style which lets you decide exactly where your bottoms sit on your waist. Tankinis can also be a good option, especially if you are looking for swimwear with more coverage. Allowing you to ruche them up when you’re lying on your lounger, but pull them down again when you’re getting in and out of the pool, tankinis are a great option for an adjustable style.

Flatter your bottom with bikini-style briefs or tangas such as the Getaway Frill Brief. These offer great rear coverage, but their thinner waistbands will flatter you legs and give the illusion of longer pins.

From classics that never go out of fashion to new must-have trends, here’s a quick rundown of what’s hot in swimwear - and just what it can do for your body.

Stripes

OK, so sailor-style swimwear may not be breaking any new ground in terms of fashion, but stripes are a swimwear classic for a reason - they look so effortlessly chic. Supremely flat­ter­ing on every skin tone, navy, and white always looks stunning, or mix things up with bright colours, or even stripes mixed with polka dots! The High Line V-Neck Control Swimsuit in a fabulous stripe print will flatter and fit your curves to perfection. 

Monochrome

Monochrome is a swimwear staple, the most obvious style for this trend big blocks of black and white. You’ll nail the monochrome look in Wrap Front Belted Control Swimsuit, with a stylish faux wrap around belt and controlling front panel, this luxe swimsuit will do wonders for your natural figure.  

Frills

A massive swimwear trend that’s been gathering pace on the catwalk for a few seasons now, there’s nothing we don’t love about a frill. Fabulously feminine, a gentle frill is super flattering (particularly if you’re pear-shaped) as it softly skims over your body. A wonderful way to jazz up your traditional swimming costume or bikini, there’s a ruffle option for everyone. If you’re looking to add some frill to your bikinis, check out the Sicily Underwired Longline Frill Top and matching Sicily Frill Brief in a beautiful gingham print. For a swimsuit with a flattering frill the Space Frill Non-Wired Swimsuit is for you. This on trend style features clean cut shapes with aspects of mesh, strapping and frill details to give you a luxe swimwear look.

For truly envy-inspiring Instagram photos, you’ll need to accessorise and that means finding the perfect beach cover-ups to layer over your bikini or swimming costume. Sarongs still look sassy, but they’ve been joined by maxi dresses, kimonos and even beach trousers. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s lightweight and made of an airy fabric to keep you feeling as cool as you look.

Beach co-ord

A hot weather must-have, a summer co-ord will be the answer to all your style dilemmas. Whether you need the perfect cover up to take you from the beach to the bar or you're spending the day exploring the sights the matching Crinkle Viscose Gold Trim Beach Shirt and Crinkle Viscose Gold Trim Beach Shorts will have you covered from AM to PM. There's no doubt you'll look and feel fabulous in this breathable beachwear set. In a relaxed fit, this co-ord set looks great style on its own or thrown over your favourite swimwear.

Beach kimono

Bikini too cute to be left in the shade? A loosely tied (or even undone) kimono means you can still show it off in style! Add a bit of glam to your next swimwear look with the Colour Block Maxi Chiffon Kimono. With a comfortable tie waist detail this fabulous maxi cover up with on-trend colour blocking detail is finished with romantic flared sleeves.

Beach kaftan

A classic kaftan that hits mid-thigh looks sensational layered over a colourful bikini or swimsuit. Cool and breezy, there’s nothing more satisfying to throw on when the weather’s hot. Choose something so floaty that you can barely tell you’re wearing it such as the Hot Fix Stud Tassel Trim Kaftan. This style is not short of fabulous details, from metallic studs, curved hem and tassel details this kaftan will elevate all your beachwear looks. Made from woven fabric, to keep you looking and feeling cool even on the hottest days.

Maxi dress

Swimsuit cover-up or cocktail outfit? There’s no need to decide when you’ve got a floor-sweeping maxi dress stashed in your beach bag. Spending all day at the beach? The Halter Neck Shirred Bodice Maxi Dress is the perfect companion. The shirred bodice and wrap over skirt add a stylish yet playful finish to any look. Made from a soft viscose fabric so that you feel comfortable even on the hottest of days. You can even wear this style strapless! If you’re going straight from the beach to drinks the Jersey Plaited Straps Maxi Dress is the perfect transitional piece. Channel nautical vibes in this sparkle stripe print maxi dress with stylish plaited straps Made in a super soft fabric to keep you looking and feeling cool all summer long

Sarong

Is there are a harder working piece of beach cover-up on the planet? We don’t think so. There are so many ways to wear a sarong to suit your style, personality and beachwear needs. Tie it around you as a maxi skirt. Or throw it around your shoulders to wear it as a wrap. You can even turn it into a halter neck beach dress. Matching your sarong to your swimwear gives a pulled-together beach look.

Why trawl the high street trying to track down your perfect bikini or swimsuit? Buy it online at Pour Moi instead and you can try it on in the comfort of your own home. With innovative designs, discreet support and body control features in on-trend colours and prints, we love making sure that all our swimwear styles are available to all sizes.