An essential part of any holiday wardrobe, the best bikinis are a bit like lingerie: tricky to shop for, and even harder to master. You can try an on an array of different shapes and styles and still feel none the wiser about what suits you best. However, once you discover a bikini that fits you perfectly, it’s nothing short of a holiday holy grail moment—and your confidence is sure to soar as a result.
I firmly believe that with the right cut and shape, a two-piece can easily be your most flattering piece of swimwear, whatever your body shape. Plus, where some swimwear trends come and go, you can always count on a classic bikini to stand the test of time. My top tips: don’t scrimp on the quality and don’t be afraid to try something different. You never know, your best bikini may come in a style you never expected…
If you’d like a little guidance to get you started, I’m here to help. While of course there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to swimwear shopping—and we should first and foremost opt for styles that make us feel great—knowing which bikinis are best suited to your body shape can be a great place to start.
So, I’ve created an edit of the best bikinis to inspire you. Plus, you’ll also find my tried-and-tested tips to make shopping for your next bikini just a little bit easier. Keep scrolling for the best bikinis, as chosen by a Fashion Editor…
The best bikinis for large busts
At the risk of sounding obvious, if you’re looking for a bikini for a larger bust, support is key. That doesn’t mean you need to go for a granny-style bra, though—and thankfully this season, fuller-busted styles come in many different forms. Underwire is an obvious choice, but you should also consider a thick under-bust band for support with a little added comfort. Whatever style you opt for, it’s also wise to look for thick shoulder straps as these will help with comfort and fit.
Arabella London
The Bardot Bustier Bra
Arabella London is an insider go-to for super-stylish luxury swimwear with lingerie-like construction. All styles are underwired, and most go up to an F-cup.
Arabella London
The High Cut French Brief
You can choose from a variety of bottoms styles, depending on your cut and coverage preference.
Tona’s bikini top comes in sizes UK 8-20.
Tona
Lulu High-Waist Bottoms
The bottoms are high-waisted with a high-leg cut.
Seafolly
Rococo DD “U” Tube
Seafolly’s floral bikini features hidden underwire and hidden mesh for added support.
Seafolly
Rococo Reversible Hipster Bikini Bottom
Plus, the bottoms are reversible, so you can wear them printed or plain depending on your style each day.
Monday Swimwear
Caja Roja Top
Monday Swimwear’s styles fit up to a G cup.
The best bikinis for small busts
While you may think a small bust restricts your bikini choices, I’d actually argue the opposite, as there are so many options to choose from. Firstly, there’s no need to opt for underwired styles if you don’t want to, so bralette bikinis are a great option as are bandeau tops.
Alternatively, if you do want to give the illusion of a bigger bust, look for bikinis with ruched detailing which will help create a rounded shape, while halter tops will lift and draw inwards.
Faithfull
Sol Tie-detailed Gathered Metallic Bikini
Faithfull’s bikini has a flattering ruched cup which will give the illusion of a fuller bust.
M&S
Contrast Trim Scoop Neck Bikini Top
Sporty style tops look great on smaller busts.
M&S
Contrast Trim High Leg Bikini Bottoms
Don’t forget the matching bikini bottoms.
Agua by Agua Bendita
Olmo Mosqueta Ruffled Bandeau Bikini Top
This square-neck style is underwire free.
Agua by Agua Bendita
Nopal Mosqueta Ruffled Bikini Briefs
While the print will add interest and draw attention.
& Other Stories
Beaded Balconette Bikini Top
This top has gentle ruching and a beaded strap to draw the eye upwards.
& Other Stories
Beaded Bikini Briefs
I love this unique green shade.
The best bikinis for hourglass figures
If you want to accentuate your curves, I say stick to the classics—there’s a reason Fifties-style high-waist bikinis have always been a go-to. If you want a little less coverage however, you can achieve the same effect with a traditional bikini pulled up at the sides so it sits high on the waist to give a nipped-in effect.
Alternatively, clever seersucker fabrics will mould to your shape and create an hourglass effect whatever your size.
Pucci
Marmo Embellished Bikini Top
This Pucci print bikini has a quintessential fifties shape.
Pucci
Printed Bikini Briefs
Plus, all the cool girls are wearing the signature swirl print this season.
Adriana Degreas
Seashell High-rise Bikini
How cute is this seashell print bikini?
Hunza G
Misty Faux Pearl-embellished Seersucker Bikini
Hunza G’s bikini will mould to your curves.
Lido
Ottantacinque Bikini
The twist detailing on Lido’s bikini top will emphasise an hourglass shape.
The best bikinis for petites
Standing at just 4ft11, petite dressing is my speciality and that extends to swimwear too. For those who are at the smaller end of the petite size spectrum, itsy-bitsy bikinis will be your best bet. Look for styles with tie straps on both the top and bottom so you can tie them as tight or loose as your require.
Then, for those who want to elongate their frame, opt for a high-cut bottom such as the 90s styles that are so popular right now. If that feels too bold, choose a pair of bottoms that can be styled above your hip, like a classic tie-side to achieve a similar effect.
Oceanus
Marissa Hand Embroidered Luxe Bikini Top
I have this bikini myself so I can vouch for it’s petite friendly sizing.
Oceanus
Marissa Hand Embroidered Luxe Bikini Bottom
Plus, the embellishment is just exceptional.
H&M are my favourite high street store for the best petite bikinis. This top is a great option as it has a tie-back for added sizing flexibility.
H&M
Brazilian Bikini Bottoms
While the bottoms have a 90’s inspired high-leg cut.
Oséree
Lumière Rose appliquéd Lurex triangle bikini
Oséree’s bikini feels extra special thanks to the floral detail.
Monday Swimwear
Morocco Top
Monday Swimwear is one of the few swimwear brands with dedicated petite sizing.
Monday Swimwear
Morocco Bottom
And that applies to the brand’s bottoms too which also come in petite.
Best bikinis for tall frames
Whether you’re tall or have a longer torso, there are a few things you can consider when shopping for a bikini. Firstly, if you commonly find bikini tops run too short and you’re left baring unwanted under-boob, opt for a style with an additional band at the bottom of the cup for a little more coverage.
Bandeau style tops are also a great choice for tall frames, as you’re not restricted by any straps. Pair with high-waisted or high-cut bikini bottoms to balance your proportions.
Missoni
Striped Metallic Crochet-knit Bikini
Maygel Coronel
Vives Appliquéd Ruched Halterneck Bikini
For even more coverage, I love Maygel Coronel’s tankini style.
Eres
Melia Gathered Bandeau Bikini Top
Eres’ ruched halter neck bikini allows you to easily alter the coverage.
Eres
Coulisses Bikini Bottoms
Chic white briefs in a classic shape.
Away That Day
Acapulco Top
Away That Day’s bandeau comes in 14 shades.
Away That Day
Acapulco Bottom
High waisted bottoms are also a great choice for tall frames.
How to style a bikini
Of course the most obvious way to style a bikini is to wear it with your favourite beach cover up for days lounging by the beach or pool. If you can’t be bothered to layer, you’ll be pleased to hear sarongs have made a huge comeback for SS25. Opt for airy fabrics such as silk or linen, in simple hues or prints that will enhance your swimwear rather than clash with it. Want a failsafe holiday look? Try a matching bikini and sarong combo for serious coordination.
This isn’ the only way to style the two-piece however, great bikini tops can easily work as daytime outfits too. For an elevated feel, pair your bikini i with high-waisted trouser or skirts. And don’t forget to accessorise with a gorgeous beach bag ,summer sandals and layers of mermaidcore inspired seashell jewellery.