The Essential Guide to Swimwear Styles

Model wearing Pour Moi swimwear

We’re dreaming of our next getaway and with summer a couple months away it’s time to dive into your swimwear options! However, with so many swimwear styles, choosing the perfect bikini or swimsuit can be overwhelming. From sports swimsuits to strapless bikini tops, high-waisted bikini bottoms and tummy control swimsuits, it’s hard to know what style will make you feel your most confident and comfortable. That’s where we come in. With our essential guide to swimwear styles, you’ll be sure to find the perfect bikini or swimsuit to help you look and feel fabulous all summer long. 

But where to begin? Firstly, it’s important to understand your body shape or features so that way you can choose the most flattering swimwear. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we’ve made it easier to find swimwear to fit and flatter your figure. From bandeau bikinis to controlled swimsuits we’ve got a range of swimwear styles to help you look and feel fabulous all summer long. If you’re struggling with understanding your body shape, check out our dedicated blog to help you find the most flattering swimwear for your body shape. 

Once you have your body shape in mind, it's time to think about the type of swimwear you're after. Do you want a bikini, tankinione-piece, or a high-waisted bikini set. To get the low down on all the swimwear styles available to you, keep reading!

BIKINI TOP STYLES

Models wearing Pour Moi bikini top styles

In its most basic form, a bikini is a women’s two-piece swimsuit. With one piece covering the breasts and the second piece covering the bottom. Believe it or not, the bikini is steeped in history. If you’re interested in learning a little more about the infamous bikini, check out our dedicated blog. From humble beginnings the bikini has evolved into more styles than we could have ever imagined, from bikini briefs to complement your curves to bandeau bikini tops that support your bust (not to mention stopping those pesky tan lines). It’s important to pick bikini top styles that make you feel comfortable and confident, that’s why we’re going into detail below on our favourite bikini top styles.

UNDERWIRED BIKINI TOPS

They support. They complement. Most importantly they are comfortable. We’re talking about underwired bikinis. Keeping you feeling secure from sunrise to sunset, underwired bikini tops come in a variety of shapes so you can get all the support you need from the underwiring in your favourite style. You only need to look at one of our bestselling styles the Azure Underwired Lined Non-Padded Top to understand why underwired bikini tops are so popular. This underwired style features gorgeous pleating for a flattering look. With underwiring and adjustable straps this high-shine, luxurious bikini top will keep you supported, comfortable and confident all day long. With a fabulous blend of bold prints, the Palermo Underwired Non-Padded Top features supportive underwired cups and wider shoulder straps, so you can soak up the sun in style and confidence.

STRAPLESS BIKINI TOPS

Simply a bikini top without straps. A bandeau bikini is a strapless style that more often than not is non-wired. However, because we want to keep you as supported as possible most of our strapless bikini styles feature underwiring. If you’re worried that bandeau styles won't complement your curves or fall down in the water? Clever underwire and removable straps ensure you’re supported and comfortable no matter where the day takes you. Pick and choose whether you want to wear straps or not with the Free Spirit Strapless Underwired Top. This bandeau crop top shape features hidden underwired cups and removable straps to give you maximum support with a laid-back look. Your holiday packing isn't complete without a black bikini top. The classic Santa Cruz Strapless Lightly Padded Underwired Top with underwiring and removable halter tie will keep you supported, comfortable and lifted all day long

HALTERNECK BIKINI TOPS

Fastened around the neck instead of the shoulders, halter neck bikini tops are ideal if you’re looking for extra support. Pulling everything securely in and offering a flattering lift, many of our halter neck bikini tops also feature underwiring for maximum support. Just like the Portofino Halter Underwired Top. Taking inspiration from classic Italian style this halter neck bikini style features underwiring to give you as much support as you need. Another firm favourite if you are looking for a non-wired style is the Carnival Non-Wired Longline Removable Cup Halter Top. Featuring removable cups to wear it how you want it, this halter neck bikini top will have you sunshine ready in no time.

PUSH-UP BIKINI TOPS

Featuring a low neckline and padded cups, push-up bikinis are great for those that are looking to complement their natural shape. With angled cups and some padding, push-up bikini tops pull everything in securely, providing a flattering shape and look. There’s no style that does this better than the Samoa Boost Push-Up Padded Underwired Top. Giving you lift, shape and comfort, this push-up style gives an extra boost to your bust. Finished with flirty gathering around the cup edge, the luxe gold hardware and a lustrous fabric just adds to the Samoa’s poolside allure. For a lighter padded style try the Portofino Underwired Lightly Padded Tie Wrap Top. This lightly padded and underwired style suits every figure and gives you all the support you need.

TRIANGLE BIKNI TOPS

If you prefer a bikini top style that has slightly less coverage, then you’ll want to try a triangle bikini. Available in a variety of styles, triangle bikini tops can also include other features such as underwiring. All our triangle bikini tops come in halter neck styles that fasten around the neck, to ensure more stability in the cups such as the Madrid Underwired Halter Triangle Top. Including underwiring and featuring a clasp fastening this stylish and chic triangle bikini top is inspired by the cosmopolitan city of Madrid. Another underwired favourite is the Paradiso Triangle Hidden Underwired Top. Made of a luxe shiny fabric, with hidden underwired cups and halter neck tie is designed so you'll feel secure and supported on your next getaway. For a more traditional triangle bikini top go for the India Recycled Triangle Bikini Top. Full of extra flattering details, this triangle bikini style features moulded cups and a double string strap for extra support and comfort.

LONGLINE BIKINI TOPS

For a bikini top that has an extended under band, you’ll want a longline bikini. Going down beyond the cups on to the stomach, longline bikini tops provide extra support that comes from the under band. With a flattering cowl neck, the Mykonos Cowl Neck Underwired Top is a longline style that we can’t get enough of. Featuring halter tie straps so you can adjust this style how you want; this extended bikini top looks great paired with matching bikini bottoms or even beachwear if you fancy wearing this style out. If you can’t get enough of luxurious bikini styles, then you’ll love the India Recycled Longline Underwired Halter Top. With its halter-neck, lace-up front and longline shape, it has a deliciously retro feel, while the high-shine fabric brings it bang up to date.

CAMI BIKINI TOPS

Instead of two single cups, the cami top is more like a sports top with one supportive area of fabric. It’s often paired with a deeper under band and like most Pour Moi cami bikini tops includes underwiring to give extra support. Supremely figure-flattering and easy-to-wear the Space High Neck Underwired Cami Top features a hidden wire as well as adjustable and convertible straps to keep you secure. Another must-have bikini top from our Space collection is the Space Underwired Cami Top. With underwired cups and wider straps, this style will keep you secure and supported as you brave the waves.

CONVERTIBLE BIKINI TOPS

Love to change up your holiday look? Convertible bikini tops are for you. Giving you extra vacay versatility it’s so easy to turn your traditional two-strap bikini top into a halter neck cross back style at Pour Moi. If you are looking for a bikini top that offers you two ways of wearing it with a super supportive racer back, then you’ll want the Getaway Underwired Top. This fabulous style can be worn as either a cross back, halter style or as a traditional two strap bikini top. Another Space bikini that makes it onto our list is the Space Underwired Padded Convertible Top. With a flattering frill across the bust for a feminine touch, this convertible, underwired bikini top allows you to change between two different styles and level of support.

TANKINIS

If you are looking for a bikini top with more coverage, we have the answer for you. Tankinis. Giving a lot more coverage around the tummy area but still offering the convenience of a two-piece, tankinis are a firm beach favourite among many. It’s also a great option for those who want a similar cover to a swimsuit but who require a different size on the bottom from their size on top. Enjoy the feel of a bikini with the Free Spirit Underwired Lightly Padded Tankini Top. With a flattering twist front detail and control panel to fit, flatter and enhance your natural figure, this underwired and lightly padded tankini top will provide you with all the support and comfort you need from your swimwear. If you’re a lover of prints, you’ll want to try the Beach House Underwired Halter Tankini Top. This underwired and non-padded tankini will support you and keep you comfortable whilst the halter neck style shows off your beautiful neckline and shoulders.

BIKINI BOTTOM STYLES

Models wearing Pour Moi bikini bottoms

From matching bikini bottoms to mixing it up with different patterns, prints and styles, having a range of different bikini bottoms to choose from can help you make the most of your summer plans. From cheeky briefs that are flattering to the legs to high-waisted bikini bottoms to complement your natural figure, there’s so many styles to choose from. With different levels of coverage, it can be difficult to know what bikini bottom you’ll feel the most comfortable and confident in. Take your time to explore our favourite bikini bottom styles below to help you find your perfect swimwear match.

BIKINI BRIEFS

Bikini briefs are one of the most popular styles out there and there’s no surprise why. This cheeky style often has a lower rise on the hip and is cut a bit higher on the legs while still offering good coverage on your bottom. With fabulously flattering frill details we how complementary the Getaway Frill Brief is. This low-rise brief sits comfortably and perfectly on the hips. For medium coverage go for the Beach House Frill Tab Brief. This stylish brief with contrasting stripe frill detailing will flatter your hips like nothing else.

HIGH-WAISTED BIKINI BOTTOMS

Perfect if you’re looking for slightly more coverage around your tummy, high-waisted bikini bottoms will complement and support your natural figure. Take the Santa Cruz Super High-Waist Brief for example, the ruching details on this high-waisted bikini style will work magic on your beautiful silhouette. Designed to enhance your natural figure comfortable high-waisted bikini bottoms such as the Palermo Super High-Waist Brief are a must-have for your next getaway.

FOLD OVER BIKINI BOTTOMS

Our best-selling bottom? It has to be a fabulous fold-over bikini brief. This clever style is super versatile, letting you adjust to find your most flattering fit. Fold them up, fold them down! Go low on the hips or high on the waist for two hot summer looks in one. Like to keep things neat and tidy? Try fold-over briefs with channeled ties and side ruching. Or go for a pair with a contrasting pattern or shade on the fold. For a beautifully flattering addition to your swimwear collection, try the Azure Fold Over Brief. Marrying a lovely Italian shimmer fabric with flattering ruched detailing on the sides wear this fold over style however you want. Another style we’re obsessed with is the Portofino Tie Fold Over Brief. Whether you prefer full, medium or less coverage the Portofino bikini bottom has you covered. With tie side detailing this bikini bottom deserves a place in your suitcase.

TIE SIDE BIKINI BOTTOMS

Steal all the stares this summer, in a sexy tie-side bikini bottom. Whether you fancy something teeny-tiny or want something more substantial on your booty, we’ve got you covered. Not only do tie side bikini bottoms look fabulous you can also adjust the sides to suit your preferred fit. Inspired by the stylish Greek island, the Mykonos Side Brief oozes chicness and style. Made from beautiful chic fabric and gold hardware this beautiful style features a side adjuster to wear however you feel comfortable. Another adjustable style is the Casablanca Tie Side Brief. This cheeky low-rise bikini bottom gives you the right amount of coverage and the tie sides allow you to choose the perfect fit.

HIGH LEG BIKINI BOTTOMS

High leg bikini bottoms are the ultimate leg-flattering style. With different fits, there’s a high leg style to suit everyone - you can even choose high-waist high leg bikini bottoms to nail two trends in one. High leg bikini bottoms sit on your hip bone which elongates the natural line of your legs, making those pins look instantly longer. It’s a shape that is making a serious comeback and we’ve replicated that feeling of nostalgia with the Space High Leg High-Waist Control Brief and Space High Leg Bikini Bottom. Comfortable, supportive and designed to make you feel confident in your swimwear, this high-leg bikini bottom gives you a flattering shape.

CONTROL BIKINI BRIEFS

Probably one of our most body-loving, figure-flattering bikini bottom style, control bikini briefs are a must-have in any swimwear collection. Featuring tummy control panels to comfortably support and complement your natural figure, we’re obsessed with tummy control briefs such as the Paradiso Belted High-Waisted Control BriefThis gorgeous, flattering shape with waist tie detailing and tummy control technology will enhance your gorgeous silhouette. For another truly complimentary style go for the Madrid Super High-Waist Tummy Control Brief. With built in tummy control panels to support, smooth and complement your beautiful figure, the Madrid Super High-Waist Briefs are irresistibly flattering.

SWIMSUITS

Models wearing Pour Moi swimsuits

One-pieces otherwise known as swimsuits, are a great choice if you are looking for swimwear with more coverage or features that support and flatter your whole body. From underwired swimsuits to support your boobs to tummy control swimsuits to complement your natural figure there are so many styles to choose from. With a range of colours, prints, styles and supportive features such as side panels, twist fronts and ruching you’ll be spoilt for choice.

UNDERWIRED SWIMSUITS

With increased support, underwired swimsuits are suitable for everyone. To keep everything secure and in place, underwired swimsuits are designed to offer as much support as you need. For a flattering and shaping underwired swimsuits, you’ll want to add the Lightly Padded Underwired Twist Front Tummy Control Swimsuit to your swimwear collection. The sweetheart neckline and control panels enhance your natural shape while the hidden underwiring keeps you feeling supported. The Cascade Hidden Underwired Frill Tummy Control Swimsuit gives you the perfect amount of comfort and support while the scoop neckline with flirty feminine details that add a touch of playfulness to this flattering style.

HALTERNECK SWIMSUITS

Get your summertime style sorted with a halter neck swimsuit from Pour Moi. Supremely figure-sculpting, the rounded shape secures everything just where you need it. And, with clever straps and underwire offering extra support, padded halter neck swimsuits give a fantastic uplift, too. For a flattering update to your swimwear collection, treat yourself to the Castaway Adjustable Halter Underwired Swimsuit. If you're looking for support when you brave the waves, then we've got you covered! This swimsuit features underwired, non-padded cups and a double strap halter tie to keep you in place. Another supportive style is the Belted Halter Control Swimsuit.

HIGH NECK SWIMSUITS

Not only are high neck swimsuits on-trend but they also are super supportive. Take the Beach Bound High Neck Swimsuit. This gorgeous style features light mesh panels on the body and neck for a beautifully flattering shape. With moulded pads, secret shelf support and adjustable straps, you'll feel secure in this high neck style as you soak up the sun. You’ll be sure to get all the compliments in the High Neck Mesh Insert Control Swimsuit that too features mesh panels and figure-flattering details.

STRAPLESS SWIMSUITS

Don’t be put off by strapless swimsuits, our gorgeous bandeau styles have many supportive and flattering features to make sure you’re secure and comfortable all summer long. One option to make sure you’re completely secure is to find a strapless swimsuit with removable straps, luckily, we’ve got lots of them! Go classic and stylish in the Removable Straps Belted High Leg Control Swimsuit. Featuring removable and adjustable straps, this swimsuit will shape, sculpt and complement your curves with its controlling front panel and lightly padded cups. There’s no surprise that the Santa Monica Strapless Control Swimsuit is one of our bestselling styles. Designed with adjustable and removable straps, this swimsuit features a hidden control panel and hidden shelf support to make sure you feel safe and secure as you brave the waves this summer.

TUMMY CONTROL SWIMSUITS

You’ll have never experienced support before like our tummy control swimsuits. With hidden panels to sculpt, smooth and complement your natural figure, tummy control swimsuits are the ultimate shape-enhancer for all your poolside antics. Go all-out in a beautiful floral print with the Antigua Scoop Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit. Featuring supportive tummy control panels, this beautifully bold, printed one-piece swimsuit is a flattering must-have for your swimwear collection. Featuring tummy control panels and a gorgeous V-neckline, the Carnival V-Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit will add a playful and vibrant vibe to your day.

SPORTS SWIMSUITS

We’ve discussed the bikinis, tankinis and swimming costumes which you are likely to be wearing on your next beach getaway, but what about the swimsuit that’s right for an exercise session? Whether you’re perfecting your front crawl or enjoying an aqua class, our chlorine resistant swimming costumes won’t let you down. Look good as you own your fitness goals in high-fashion features like zips and racer backs. And because they’re all made of LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fabric, our sports swimwear lasts twice as long as standard swimsuits, too. Designed for total freedom of movement in the water, the flattering tummy control panels and secret support will streamline your athleisure look.  

Enhance your swimwear style with our Energy Chlorine Resistant Recycled Swimsuit. Featuring chlorine resistant fabric, this swimsuit will shape and control your curves with its elasticated secret support and tummy control panel. The racerback style features contouring panels, making it ideal for an active swimmer or just to take on your next holiday! For a similar style but featuring a zip front opening at the neckline, try the Energy Chlorine Resistant High-Neck Zip Front Swimsuit. Whether you are swimming laps in the pool or riding waves, do so in comfort and style in the Energy Long Sleeved Zip Front Paddle Recycled Swimsuit. The paddle suit features the orchid floral print at the side panels, and a zip at the front for easy dressing. The long sleeves and high neck make this perfect for all your watersports or for anyone who prefers a bit more coverage. There's no need to worry about how long you're spending in the water with this chlorine resistant swimsuit with UPF.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect swimwear for your shape, it's time to hit the beach and soak up the sun in style!