A top swimwear expert shares… The best buys for beach confidence

Swimwear season has truly arrived, and — if you’re anything like me — getting your saggy old cossie out of the drawer, let alone wearing it to show off your gear poolside, doesn’t inspire joy.

But the days of unflattering and uncomfortable swimsuits are a thing of the past when you heed the advice of lingerie and swimwear expert Susana Lorena.

The London-based bra expert, who previously worked for top lingerie retailer Rigby & Peller and swimwear brand Eres before opening her own shop in west London, says we should buy swimwear the way we do lingerie, ignoring fads and offering fit, cut and comfort on the top of the list.

Here, she debunks some of the biggest swimwear myths and shares tips that will leave you more confident than ever before with your bikini choices. . .

A BIG BOTTOM BIKINI MAKES YOUR BOTTOM LARGER

The reality is, the more you cover your bottom, the bigger it looks.

Yes, big bikini bottoms are everywhere and yes, curvy women have been told to go for full coverage since the beginning of time – but don’t!

Extra fabric means extra centimeters. Instead, look for skimpy, high-cut bottoms and adjustable side straps that elongate your legs.

Instead of constricting and hiding those curves, show them off. You have nothing to hide.

The Maryan Mehlhorn Softline collection of one and two pieces is great for curvy women – it goes up to XXL or size 18.

Gottex is another great option – the Onyx and Liv swimsuit ranges are excellent for busty and tall bodies, and come in square neck, crew neck and halter neck.

Or, if you’re on a budget, high street favorite & Other Stories has a pair of perfectly cut emerald green bikini bottoms (£29, stories.com).

STAY FROM PATTERNS

I’m a proponent of a print, but unless it’s delicate and small or cleverly placed, I think prints should be left to your beachwear.

The problem with swimsuit prints is that they can make you look taller. Cut-out or asymmetrical swimsuits are a much better way to add curves where you need them, or look for a wrap-style swimsuit that can create an hourglass shape by cinching the waist.

Nicole Olivier is a beautiful brand from the south of France and the cut-out, asymmetrical styles such as Acacia or Alcyon create beautiful curves.

Another good option is the Aubade Beach Escape collection.

SMALL BREASTS NEED NO FILLING

Thirty years ago maybe, but nowadays you just need a little triangle top to get the most fashionable look.

Another advantage of having small breasts is that you can wear a plunging neckline without it looking too revealing. (Check out Boden for a variety of deep-V styles.)

If you occasionally want to add some shape (or hide nipples!), many bikini tops and bathing suits have removable foam inserts. Crochet fabrics and ruffles also give the illusion of volume in bikini tops. See And/Or’s Floral Ruffle Bikini Top (£24, johnlewis.com).

Push the boundaries with what you are ‘allowed’ to wear – comfort is key. Banana Moon, Aubade, Valerie, and Watercult all have triangles and removable foam pads that are great for smaller breasts.

BIG BREASTS NEED NO SHAPEWEAR

Aside from the fact that minimizers are uncomfortable, shapewear bathing suits often put a damper on your assets – and why should you?

However, what big breasts need is a cup, so buy your bikini like you buy a bra.

Choose a brand like Curvy Kate, Lise Charmel or Aubade and buy your bathing suit based on your cup size, not your dress size. If you can, make sure you’re fit for it, because trust me, you’ll look and feel better than ever before on the beach.

BLACK IS NOT ALWAYS THE MOST WASTE COLOR

Black can be incredibly harsh against certain skin tones.

If you want to stick with darker colors, opt for softer shades like khaki, navy blue, brown, and burgundy.

And remember: a properly fitted swimsuit does more for you than any color.

You may have to try a lot before you find something that suits you, but that’s okay.

A SWIMMING SUIT VS A BIKINI

Obviously, a one-piece swimsuit will cover your belly, but unless you buy the right style, it can have the opposite effect.

You need a style that accentuates your waistline. Usually that’s a wrap-around swimsuit style or a style with what we call pin-tuck, where the details in the tailoring make your waist look slimmer.

Also go for a matte fabric, because shiny fabrics make you look taller.

I love the Maryan Melhorn Softline collection, but for a cheaper option, Next has a gorgeous fuchsia swimsuit with a waist-enhancing ruffle detail (£30, next.co.uk), or try the Marks & Spencer ruffled swimsuit in the waist (£29.50, marksandspencer.com).

BRING MORE THAN ONE SWIMSUIT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

For many of us, your swimsuit is what you’re going to wear all day, every day at the beach and you’d never dream of wearing the same dress every day for a week.

I recommend two or three options that you can mix and match. No more squeezing damp clothes the next day!