I’ll let you in on a secret. There are two things you need to be “bikini-body ready”: a bikini and a body. It’s as simple as that. You don’t need a boot camp, a juice cleanse or a yoga retreat.
Adverts that promote an unhealthy body image will be banned from next month in the London Underground. The new mayor of London has two teenage daughters and he is concerned about the effect of advertising on them.
Last summer, when an ad promoting a “weight-loss collection” asked women on the Tube “Are you beach body ready?” there was a backlash. But it will take more than one controversy to change attitudes and, indeed, advertising.
And yet, despite the tyranny of the billboards, we all go to the beach, women of every shape and size: tall, short, round, square, squidgy and hard. And we all have a right to feel comfortable and gorgeous while doing so.
This is a collection of swimwear that doesn’t care if you are bikini-body ready. It is in shops now and will support, conceal, highlight, tuck away and show off every bit of your not-at-all-bikini-ready body.
Rachelle Hanley, swimwear and lingerie buyer for Arnotts, says that, this season, swimwear has become much more about customisation and comfort. "Styles that are adjustable, comfortable and that offer support always sell very well." But that doesn't mean they are boring. "Irish women love bright colours and prints in their swimwear."
A palm-print underwire bikini top is a popular choice in Asos’s “curve” range and comes in a range of cup and back sizes. It’s on sale now for €7.04. The bottoms (also €7.04) are high-waisted and in a stretch fabric, meaning they will feel comfortable and secure.
The bright-red, underwired swimsuit from Huit will offer support for women with a larger chest. Hanley advises being fitted for your swimsuit as you would be for lingerie. “If you are bigger-busted, it is vital that you wear the correct size, or you may have problems later on.” And your bikini size may not mirror your bra size. “Because of the material used, bikinis are often tighter than bras. This means you will often have to go up a size in the back, but down a size in the cup.”
M&S, a go-to brand for lingerie, also produces quality swimwear. The Collection swimsuit for €47.50 is striped and ruched, with panelling down each side. Ignore anyone who tells you horizontal stripes make you appear wider: the side panels and cross-over top will do the opposite.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that swimsuits are only for those who want to cover up. The Asos palm-print, high-leg plunge swimsuit, on sale for €29.58, will show some skin while elongating the leg.
If it’s curves you are after, the swimsuit from Roksanda is available at Brown Thomas (€325). The peplum kick-out will create a nipped-in waist, and a curve to the hips and the material will support you.
If you feel you need a little help in the chest, the blue, buttoned swimsuit from Wolford at Kildare Village (€79) will lend a cup size or two.
The bandeau will always be a go-to style, especially for those wanting to get a little sunshine on their shoulders. The printed top (€4.99) from H&M has removable padding, and the bottoms (€12.99) are cut just right for those who would like a little lift.
The illusion wrap swimsuit (€59) from Long Tall Sally is for taller women. The company's Alice Casseldine says its swimsuits and tankinis "are lengthened in the body to fit a longer torso. Straps are designed longer, and bust and waist positioning are lowered for the perfect fit. We don't just add inches; everything is perfectly proportioned for the best fit possible."
The candy stripe maternity swimsuit from Asos has a clasp closure at the back for extra security. And if, after a day in the sun, you need a little cover up, the kaftan by Helen Steele (€201 at Kildare Village) is piña coladas and sandy toes all over .
