BEACH BOYS

Ever since Daniel Craig showed off his trunks  in Casino Royale, men’s swimwear has been under the spotlight. There’s a huge range to choose from, however, it’s just as important for guys to follow a few style guidelines as us ladies. I’ll keep this brief haha:

• Choose a style that flatters your physique in a colour that suits you.
• Decide if they are fit for purpose. If you are going to be doing a lot of swimming as opposed to posing on the yacht then you need practical and dependable fabrics.
• Board shorts should end at mid knee. Anything longer and you will look like a surfer which is okay if that's what you do.
• Forget thongs and mankinis.
• If you are average height to tall with a tidy body you will look good in most styles but try some pattern or bright colour rather than dark and plain.

Burtonmenswear/prshots.com

• Tall & thin - avoid vertical strips and go for horizontal. Full cut but not baggy, traditional board shorts will work, avoid skimpy briefs.
• Tall & big build - go for a dark coloured board short or opt for a micro pattern.
• Short with tidy body - you can go with trunks or boxers. Board shorts should have a shorter inseam. Make sure that they don't hang over over the knee, they will make you look shorter. Look for vertical stripes.

Matalan/prshots.com
Low contrast vertical stripes

• Short & thin - opt for trunks or slim fit boards with short inseam. Look for small pattern or low contrast vertical stripes.
• Short & contoured. Look for higher cut leg to give illusion of longer legs. Darker colours will be slimming and try vertical stripes providing they are not too bold. You may be better going for a bigger size with a button fastening than an elasticated waist.

WATER BABIES

A beach holiday would never be on my bucket list and for someone who has to be pulled screaming and kicking from her winter wardrobe, swimwear doesn't feature strongly in my wardrobe. In fact, I have one reversible bikini, one swimsuit and one cover up, all of which would be considered vintage!  I will confess to a few sun hats and several pairs of sunglasses. 

TU at Sainsburys

I know, however, that many people love nothing better and can't wait to put their holiday wardrobe together. Buying swimwear has to be one of our most strategic purchases, after all we are about to bare a huge amount of skin!  The same principles apply to choosing swimwear as to the rest of our outfits. We want to make sure it fits and feels good, accentuates our favourite parts and disguises our least favourite bits.  We want one in a flattering colour and style so that when we eventually hit the beach and drop the towel we feel confident.

Here are my thoughts on figure flattering swimwear:

Phase Eight 

• Think about what you need it for - do you just want to lounge around the pool or do some serious swimming. If it's the latter it needs to be practical and dependable, forget the bling.
• If you are a pear shape, wider at the hips, look for details and brighter colours on the top half and darker colours on the bottom half.
• If you're worried about your tummy, a one piece is the best solution or a tankini would be another option. Look for ruching at the waist to camouflage the stomach. Draw the eye upwards with a v neck or details at the shoulder.

  

  Marisota 




• Ruffles and frills give the illusion of more, so if you want to amplify your boobs go ahead with the details. A moulded cup with slight padding will also do the trick.



Dorothy Perkins

• If you are tall avoid vertical stripes, high necklines and solid colours. Look for patterns or two tone styles and brightly coloured swimwear. A plunging neckline will balance out proportions  and horizontal lines at the midsection will help to define the waist.                                                                        

Debenhams

• Petites can turn heads in prints but keep the the size of the pattern in proportion to   your size. The smaller you are the smaller the pattern should be.

George at ASDA

• For those with bigger busts  a halter neck will offer support and create great cleavage.  Shirring on the bottom half will draw the eye downwards if you want to divert attention.

Bouxavenue

• Sarongs and kaftans can cover a multitude of sins. Be stylish and find one that co-ordinates or matches your swimsuit or bikini.  If you are still concerned about exposing your bod remember that fabulous accessories can distract the eye as well as protect from the sun. Invest in a great pair of sunglasses, hat, flip flops and beach bag.

  

  Accessorize

  
  

  

  Debenhams

  
  

  

  Accessorize

  Happy Holiday!
  
  
  Thanks to prshots.com for all images