Body Confidence
Swimwear for Every Body Type
The right swimwear is not about hiding — it is about finding what makes you feel unstoppable. Here is our honest guide to finding your perfect fit.
Let’s Reframe the Conversation
For too long, swimwear shopping has been framed around what to “hide” or “minimise.” We reject that entirely. Every body is a swimwear body, and the goal is not to disguise yourself — it is to find pieces that make you feel powerful, comfortable, and genuinely excited to wear them. The right swimwear should feel like a second skin: something you put on and forget about because you are too busy enjoying yourself.
That said, different cuts and constructions do work differently on different frames. Understanding what makes you feel good is not about conforming to arbitrary standards — it is about arming yourself with knowledge so you can shop with confidence rather than dread.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
If You Want More Support
Underwire bikini tops and structured one-pieces are your best friends. Look for brands that engineer genuine support rather than just adding padding — Melissa Odabash and Monday Swimwear both excel at this. Wide straps distribute weight more comfortably than string ties, and adjustable back clasps let you fine-tune the fit. Do not shy away from fuller coverage bottoms either: high-waisted styles and full-cut briefs offer more support and often look more elegant than their barely-there counterparts.
If You Love Your Curves
Curves are an asset, and the swimwear world is finally catching up. Wrap-style tops create a beautiful silhouette while offering adjustable coverage. High-cut legs elongate visually without sacrificing comfort. Hunza G deserves special mention here — their crinkle-stretch fabric literally moulds to your shape, which means the same bikini flatters a size 8 and a size 16 equally well. Bold colours and prints celebrate your body rather than trying to recede it into the background. The “slimming black swimsuit” is a tired trope — wear the coral, wear the red, wear the tropical print.
If You Are Petite
Petite frames look incredible in bikinis with smaller, proportional cuts. Avoid oversized hardware or thick straps that can overwhelm a smaller frame. Triangle tops, bandeau styles, and delicate string details all work beautifully. L*SPACE bikinis tend to run slightly smaller and work brilliantly on petite figures. High-cut bottoms create the illusion of longer legs, and halterneck tops add vertical lines that elongate the torso.
If You Are Postpartum
Your body has done something extraordinary, and your swimwear should honour that. One-pieces with ruching at the midsection offer comfort without compression — they work with your body, not against it. Tankini styles give you the option to mix and match sizes between top and bottom, which is particularly useful when your body is still settling. Brands like Vitamin A use soft, stretchy fabrics that are forgiving and gentle against sensitive skin. Most importantly, give yourself permission to buy swimwear that fits your body now, not the body you think you should have.
If You Want Coverage Without Compromise
Wanting more coverage does not mean settling for frumpy. Long-line bikini tops, swim dresses, and rash vests have all had a serious style upgrade. Brands like Hunza G offer coverage-focused styles that are every bit as chic as their more revealing counterparts. High-waisted bottoms paired with a structured crop top create a covered silhouette that still feels modern and fashion-forward. Swim leggings are another option that have moved firmly from functional to fashionable.
Our Golden Rules for Swimwear Confidence
- Buy for your body now. Not for the body you had five years ago, not for the body you think you will have next month. Right now.
- Invest in quality. A £150 bikini that makes you feel amazing is infinitely better value than a £20 one that stays in the drawer.
- Ignore size labels. Sizes vary wildly between brands. Focus on how it fits and feels, not the number on the tag.
- Wear colour. There is no rule that says you need to wear black to look good in swimwear. Colour brings joy — lean into it.
- Move in it. The best test of any swimsuit is whether you can move, bend, swim, and sit comfortably. If you are constantly adjusting, it is not the one.
Brands That Get It Right
We have curated our entire collection around brands that prioritise inclusive sizing, quality construction, and genuine style. Hunza G leads the way with their one-size philosophy. Monday Swimwear offers extended sizing with zero compromise on design. Melissa Odabash builds support into every piece without sacrificing the luxury aesthetic. And Vitamin A proves that sustainable swim can also be size-inclusive and deeply flattering.