Curvaceous: Christina Hendricks admits it's difficult to find the right swimming gear"
For millions of British women, summer brings the year’s most dreaded task, one that has us hastily shunning the biscuit tin and attempting sit-ups on the bathroom floor. You’ve guessed it: bikini shopping.
Exposing your body in mere wisps of fabric under harsh changing-room lighting can panic even the hardiest shoppers.
If you’re endowed with a pair of particularly voluptuous assets, it can become an even bigger ordeal. However, if you learn a few simple rules, you really CAN find beachwear to flatter even the bustiest figure.
Before you even think about hitting the High Street, consider getting a spray tan to eradicate that British winter pallor.
Or, better still, tackle the job online so you can try out bikinis at home where you’re the one in control of both the lighting and mirrors — tilt your mirror away from you rather than hang it flat on the wall for a better view.
It’s a relief for all of us, whether you’re small-bottomed and large-chested (or vice versa), that the High Street has finally cottoned on to the fact that girls of all shapes and sizes go on beach holidays.
This year, S, M and L sizing has been booted out in favour of individual bra sizes by the most popular stores, such as Next, H&M, Marks & Spencer and La Senza — but they all sell non bra-sized options too.
Yes, you will still come across unnecessary over-padding and ill-fitting briefs aplenty, but you can also unearth some real gems — at very attractive prices.
OUR GUIDE TO DRESSING YOUR BOOBS...
HIDE BUMPS IN PRETTY PRINTS
If you’re worried about your tummy, but still want to show off your best assets, go for a patterned all-in-one with hidden support.
The built-in balconette bra keeps your chest under control, while an all-over bold print like this large flowery one is a perfect way of disguising any lumps and bumps.
It’s a great way to show off your curves a la Kelly Brook.
This pin-up halter gives bust-boosting support up to an E cup.
It’s great for top-heavy girls — the wider sides of the briefs balance a larger chest.
If you’re worried about your tummy, but still want to show off your best assets, go for a patterned all-in-one with hidden support.
The built-in balconette bra keeps your chest under control, while an all-over bold print like this large flowery one is a perfect way of disguising any lumps and bumps.
It’s a great way to show off your curves a la Kelly Brook.
Balconette bra swimsuit (32A to 36DD), £65, Ted Baker at John Lewis; sunglasses £164, Versace at David Clulow; shoes, £65.95, Modainpelle.com.
HIDDEN SUPPORT IN YOUR TRIANGLE
This under-wired style gives support without padding, so you get that triangle bikini feel without flashing when you reach for a cocktail.
The gilt detailing has a premium brand feel and is moveable, so you can alter the size of the bikini brief. Olive and nude tones are bang on trend and flattering against pale skin.
But it’s particularly perfect if you have got an hourglass shape with a bigger bum to match your boobs, as the gently patterned top draws the eye upwards.
Bigger hips actually appear smaller in skimpier bikini bottoms — these string briefs are perfect.
The clever halter features a hidden bra to give you a subtle boost.
What is more, the side-tie briefs can be adjusted to be hipsters (to slim fuller hips) or give full coverage (to balance bigger breasts).
This under-wired style gives support without padding, so you get that triangle bikini feel without flashing when you reach for a cocktail.
The gilt detailing has a premium brand feel and is moveable, so you can alter the size of the bikini brief. Olive and nude tones are bang on trend and flattering against pale skin.
Underwired triangle bikini top (up to 38F), £35 and bikini bottoms (8 to 18), £20, John Lewis; earrings, £195, gilt bangles from £170 and beaded bracelet £210, all Van Peterson; ring, £8.50, Freedom at Topshop; shoes, £59.95, Modainpelle. com.
SKIMPY CAN BE SLIMMING
This triangle bikini was created with bustier girls in mind so there is no unnecessary padding and ample fabric in the cup — and the tie sides are thick enough to give a good hold. But it’s particularly perfect if you have got an hourglass shape with a bigger bum to match your boobs, as the gently patterned top draws the eye upwards.
Bigger hips actually appear smaller in skimpier bikini bottoms — these string briefs are perfect.
Triangle bikini top (30D to 38F), £25, and matching brief (xs to xl), £19, Free by Gottex at Bravissimo.com; earrings, £8.50, Wallis; hat, £16.99, River Island; wedges, £65.95, Modainpelle.com.
SHOW OFF YOUR BEST BITS
This spotty tankini with a nod to retro styling will keep your stomach covered up and the red band under the bust slims by drawing attention to your thinnest point. The clever halter features a hidden bra to give you a subtle boost.
What is more, the side-tie briefs can be adjusted to be hipsters (to slim fuller hips) or give full coverage (to balance bigger breasts).
Blue spot halter tankini top with concealed bra (up to 38G), £29.50 and bikini bottoms (8 to 20), £15, Marks and Spencer; bracelet, £120, Azuni. co.uk; sunglasses, £99, Vogue at David Clulow;shoes, £65.95, Modainpelle.com.
GET A BOOST IN A BANDEAU
Just because you’re blessed in the chest department doesn’t mean you have to dismiss the trendy bandeau styles.
This colourful under-wired style with removable strap gives a deceptive amount of support even when strapless, so it is ideal for line-free tanning.
Don’t be tempted by a bandeau-style without cups if you’re over a B cup — they can squash and create a uni-boob.
When choosing a colour, take your cue from your a scarf that suits your colouring.
Bandeau bikini (up to a 38G), £22, and bikini bottoms, £12, (8-18), La Senza; silk sarong, £115, Roidal at Rigby and Peller; earrings, £240, Van Peterson; bangles, £10, Diva at Miss Selfridge; shoes, £65.95, by Modainpelle.com.
GO RETRO IN A HALTER
Thick straps and clunky fastenings can ruin a pretty bikini top. This pin-up halter gives bust-boosting support up to an E cup.
It’s great for top-heavy girls — the wider sides of the briefs balance a larger chest.
Bikini top (up to 38 E), £20, and bikini bottom (8-16) £14, Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams; shoes, £65.95, Modainpelle.com; bag, £195, LK Bennett; bead bracelet £210 and gilt bracelet £210, Van Peterson; sunglasses, £99, Vogue at David Clulow.
DO USE STRIPES AND COLOUR
If the only exercise you’re planning on the beach is a stroll from your lounger to the sea,a hard cup push-up style gives the most uplift.These on-trend nautical stripes keep the look fresh and sporty and are more modern than some of the mumsy tropical print s around.
As a rule blues are flattering, while pale colours are better once you’ve got a tan.
Moulded-cup top (available up to a 38 F/G), £14, and bottoms (to size 22), £12, Next; ring, £85, LolaRose.co.uk; watch, £165, D&G; wedges, £65.95, Modainpelle.com; sunglasses, £187, Burberry at David Clulow.
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