Ah, swimwear. Anticipated (sunshine!) and feared (exposed!) in equal measure, the summer staple can be tricky to navigate. Imagining the looks we’ll turn out poolside is a bit of a stretch when we’re still battling with unpredictable weather and deciding which hotspot to head to this summer. But don’t sweat it, we’ve got your bathing suit sorted.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, look to the bombshells of decades past: Farrah Fawcett in that red swimsuit, all big hair and megawatt smile; Ursula Andress in her white bikini, emerging from the water in 1962’s Dr. No; Marilyn Monroe in a now-iconic white one-piece on Amagansett Beach, Long Island. Pam Grier worked a triangle crochet bikini top while fighting crime in 1973’s blaxploitation film Coffy and, of course, we have Pammy, forever etched in our minds in that red high-cut Baywatch swimsuit.
Whether you’re digging tropical prints, block colours or nautical stripes, and prefer a sporty, sexy or modest cut, we’ve got the best bikinis and one-pieces to add a sartorial touch to your beachside frolics. Bon voyage!
This collaboration from AURIA and Ashley Williams has us buggin'.
Ashley Williams x AURIA Black Fly Bikini, £68, available at AURIA
Love Stories does the prettiest night and swimwear – this Matisse-inspired bikini is top of our list.
Love Stories Uma Bikini Bralette, £49.70, available at Love Stories
If florals aren't your thing, go graphic with this Prism one-piece.
Prism Sardinia Swimsuit, £216, available at Style.com
Halter-necks provide respite for bigger boobs; this Junarose blush bikini is the poolside calling.
Junarose Striped Bikini Top, £25, and Bottoms, £20, available at Junarose
We're all over Lilliput and Felix's swimwear offering, and this rainbow-bright swimsuit taps into SS17's gingham obsession nicely.
Lilliput & Felix Swimsuit, £270, available at Lilliput & Felix
This is pure sunshine. All you need is a wicker basket and Birkenstocks (and a week in Marseilles).
Marysia Palm Springs Printed Scalloped Bikini, £182, available at Net-A-Porter
Asymmetrical, pink, ribbed. Thanks Weekday.
Weekday Nola Swimsuit, £20, available at Weekday
We're hitting Mara Hoffman for truly tropical two-pieces.
Mara Hoffman Printed Bikini, £285, available at Net-A-Porter
Archetypal COS: minimalist, flattering, classic.
COS Cross-Over Swimsuit, £35, available at COS
This one is already a huge hit with bloggers and editors alike. Get it before its gone.
& Other Stories One Shoulder Knot Swimsuit, £45, available at & Other Stories
Can you get any more Brigitte Bardot?
Petit Bateau Two-Piece Striped Swimsuit, £49.50, available at Petit Bateau
Stella turns out the boldest prints, and this leopard number is no exception.
Stella McCartney Leopard Print One Shoulder Swimsuit, £155, available at Stella McCartney
Bandeau swimsuits mean fewer tan lines, right?
Tommy Bahama Pearl Convertible One-Piece Swimsuit, £109.67, available at Nordstrom
If you've already got Ganni's sweet floral dress, nab the matching bikini.
Ganni Lyme Swimwear Bikini, £95, available at Ganni
Pammy, is that you?
Réard Absolue Halter Swimsuit, £350, available at Réard
Beija has women's bodies down, thanks to the tailored cut and fit of their tops and bottoms. This bikini top is so supportive, and cute to boot.
Beija London Twisted Y Bikini Top, £65, available at Beija London.
This photo-print number from Paul Smith has us dreaming of coast-to-coast road trips.
Paul Smith Cactus Photo Print Bandeau Swimsuit, £110, available at Paul Smith
This psychedelic print will see you pool-side cool.
Warehouse Swirl Print Bikini Top, £17, available at Warehouse.
Super-simple, super-sunny.
Topshop Rib Crop Bikini Top, £14, and Bottoms, £12, available at Topshop
J.Crew has a fabulous range of swimwear that makes it hard to choose a favourite – but we'll go with this fruity one-piece.
J.Crew Drawstring Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit in Ratti® Painted Pineapple, £165, available at J.Crew
Emulate Jane Birkin all summer long.
Asceno Prism Printed Wrap Bandeau Bikini Top, £95, and Bottom, £95, available at Asceno
This off-the-shoulder piece is a nice update on a classic.
Whistles Ipanema Bardot Swimsuit, £75, available at Whistles
Ahoy hoy! FYI, racer-back tops are more supportive for those in need.
Rye Mucho Bikini Top, £65, and Bottoms, £65, available at Selfridges
This sweetheart neckline from H&M is universally flattering.
H&M Patterned Swimsuit, £29.99, available at H&M
Making us want to book flights to the French Riviera, stat.
Caya Coco Striped Cut-Out Swimsuit, £71.99, available at Navabi
This is the coolest print we've seen around.
Emma Pake Alessandra and Ilaria Swim Set, £255, available at Emma Pake.
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