Looking for the perfect bikini for your next summer getaway? You’re in the right place. We know it can be overwhelming with so many styles to choose from, so that’s why we have created this handy guide to help you pick the best one for you.
How do I choose the best bikini for me?
There are a few key things to consider when picking a bikini that works for you. The main ones are:
- The support they offer
- How much of your body they cover (we call that ‘coverage’)
- How you’d like it to fit your figure
- What you’re going to be doing while you wear it
A simpler bandeau style bikini, for example, is a great option to avoid unwanted tan lines for a day by the pool, a fuller-coverage option is perfect for a day of water sports, or bold and bright bikinis to compliment a summer glow.
We’ve put together some helpful styling and pairing tips below to help you choose the right style for whatever you need it for.
Types of Bikini Tops
Let’s start with the top. Bikini tops come in a range of different shapes, from bandeau to bralette, to crop and triangle. All are super wearable, but one style might be your go-to depending on coverage, fit, support or where you’re heading this summer and what you’ll be doing. Some are better suited to lounging by the pool, whilst others offer slightly more support and coverage for a day of water sports. All styles can be mixed and matched with your preferred bikini bottom style, but we’ve given some suggestions below on how we’d best style them together.
Bandeau
Bandeau bikini tops have a tube top design. Commonly sold with removable straps or over-the-shoulder straps, to help give support when swimming. Fit-wise, the top should lay flat and feel comfortable just under the bust. This style generally has padding and so offers extra support. which is also removable.
Ideal for: Wearing multiple ways
Match with: High-waisted bikini bottoms
Bralette
Bralette bikini tops are a classic bikini top shape with over-the-shoulder straps and usually, a fixed back or clip/hook fastening. They are a must in your bikini collection, offering support and style to that perfect beach day.
Ideal for: All-day wear
Match with:
Cheeky-fit bikini bottoms
Crop
Crop bikini tops are a sporty design (usually a pullover) and have slightly more coverage than a triangle or bralette. This style can be a great option to wear under a wetsuit for surf days, or a perfect sporty option to hit the pool.
Ideal for: Water sports
Match with: Full bikini bottoms
Triangle
Triangle bikini tops are a more minimal option offering less coverage, but a flattering option. The triangle shape can either come fixed or sliding with a halter neck tie to be easily adjusted – great for pool days. This style often doesn’t have padding.
Ideal for: Beach day
Match with: Side tie bikini bottoms
Types of Bikini Bottoms
There are many different bikini bottom styles to choose from, and sometimes they are a little more difficult to decide on as each style offers something different.
Fuller coverage classic styles are great for all-day wear or tie sides for adjusting to the style you prefer. V-shaped bikini bottoms elongate your legs, high waist bikinis bring focus to the waist, and classic for an all-round match with lots of different bikini top styles. For those that want the best of both worlds, a cheeky style bikini bottom can be paired with a beach kaftan or a summery beach dress for added coverage. Bikini tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched which is what makes our range so versatile as you can pick what works styles work best for you together.
Classic
A basic fit bikini pant that has more material offering fuller coverage and one of the most popular bikini bottom styles.
Match with: Bralette bikini tops
Side Tie
A pant with ties at the sides which means they are easily adjustable. Back pant coverage may differ from style to style.
Match with: Triangle bikini tops/crop bikini tops
Full
The perfect option for a fuller coverage bikini bottom. This style is the most coverage bikini bottom style that is available from the range.
Match with: Crop bikini tops
Cheeky
Cheeky-style bikini bottoms are a V shape cut and minimal coverage style bikini bottom which sits slightly higher on the hip and offers more coverage than a thong bikini.
Match with: Triangle bikini tops
High Waisted
High-waisted bikini bottoms are a higher rise on the waist and leg with varying coverage. The perfect option to pair with any bikini top but particularly crop bikini tops styles.
Match with: Bandeau bikini tops
Our top bikini buying tips
- Every bikini and brand fit slightly differently. Check out the size chart for each product when you’re narrowing down your choices
- Keep in mind the kind of summer’s day the bikini you are buying is for and use our guide to choose between styles
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match bikini tops and bottoms. Colour and print clashing can work well and allows you to pick what shapes you prefer in tops and bottoms
- Bright-coloured bikinis complement a summer glow
- Surf bikinis need to be supportive and comfortable to make sure you to have a full range of movement while in the water. They also need to be comfortable to prevent any chafing or discomfort
So now you know which styles of bikini tops and bottoms there are to choose from, it should be a little easier to find the perfect bikini for you.
Remember to keep in mind whether your bikini is for the beach or pool, water sports, or a relaxing boat trip to know which coverage and support style is best for you, as well as be sure to check size guides.
Most importantly, wear whatever makes you feel the most confident and comfortable.
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Check out our huge range of matching bikini sets, tops and bottoms.