This is what you should know before buying your next bikini
Let’s admit it: buying swimwear is one of the least fun things you can do (along with getting a Brazilian wax and filing your taxes). But alas, it’s almost June and your old bikinis are starting to look dingy, so it might be time to pull the bandaid off.
To make the shopping experience less, well, traumatic, we’ve compiled a list of basic info to keep in mind before buying your next bikini. Godspeed, and happy shopping!
First of all, it might be useful to regroup and remember why you’re looking for new swimwear and when you will be using it. Whether your summer plans include tanning as much as possible or attending fitness classes at the pool, that will impact what kind of bikini or swimsuit you go for. Also, think about how much skin you’re comfortable showing, and maybe even try on the aforementioned old, dingy bikinis: what works? What doesn’t? Assess and come back.
We all love a good trending piece, but as Jess Cartner-Morley from The Guardian reminds us, “You need a swimsuit that works with the body you have now”, and there is no need to turn bikini shopping into a “self-flagellation exercise about your body”.
This year’s trends include slinky, high-leg, 90s-inspired bikinis that are great at accentuating the length of your legs; or cool and modern one-pieces that won’t look like your grandma’s; and everything from fun, bold prints to earthy neutrals. Does any of this sound like you? Take a look at our product picks below!
-24%
Nike
Womens Swim V-Neck One-Piece in Black | NESSF272-001 Blue
$61.97
$82.00
Nike
K-Way
Hazel Striped Swimsuit Multi
$74.74
TheDoubleF
-24%
MC2 Saint Barth
Jean Lighting swimsuit with Vespa Multi
$70.07
TheDoubleF
-40%
BECCA by Rebecca Virtue
Castaway Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit in White at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$82.80
$138.00
Nordstrom
Isolda
cut-out bikini set - women - Polyamide/Elastane - G - Black
$221.00
FARFETCH
-62%
Melissa Odabash
Vienna Bikini In Coco Ribbed
$88.00
$230.00
ShopSimon
-62%
Gigi C
Gigi C Delaney Bikini Bottom Black
$35.99
$95.00
Rue La La
-32%
-68%
Coco Reef
Coco Reef Inspire Shirred High Waist Bikini Bottom Black
$19.99
$62.00
Rue La La
-58%
Raisins
Oahu Bottom Blue
$15.99
$38.00
Rue La La
-74%
Next
Platform High Waist High Leg Bottom Blue
$16.99
$66.00
Rue La La
If you’re part of the plus or mid-size crowd, or you’re D+ cup, you’re probably well acquainted with the extra struggles that come with bikini shopping: from the low availability of larger sizes to the utter lack of support. Your best bet to find bikini tops that actually hold the girls is to steer clear of brands that use clothing sizing, and instead go for ones that offer bra sizes, then simply buy your usual bra size. Going for styles that are similar to your favourite bras—say, racer-back or halter neck styles; wired cups, or adjustable straps—is another sure-fire way to purchase a bikini that fits like a glove.
When it comes to the composition of your bikini, polyamide, polyester, lycra, and nylon are all materials to look out for, as they provide stretch, durability, and are resistant to salt water and chlorine. Specifically, bikinis that are at least 80% polyamide are guaranteed to last longer. You should always wash your bikinis ASAP—like when you come home from the beach in the evening—using warm water and a mild detergent.
-24%
-54%
WeWoreWhat
Weworewhat Rope Tie Halter Bikini Top Green
$26.99
$59.00
Rue La La
Onia
Kate Bikini Bottom in Mykonos Blue at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$110.00
Nordstrom
-51%
WeWoreWhat
Weworewhat Rope Tie Halter Bikini Top Brown
$28.99
$59.00
Rue La La
-50%
BECCA by Rebecca Virtue
Mirage Halter Bikini Top in Pink Multi at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$43.97
$88.00
Nordstrom
-60%
Hutch
Tawnie Bikini Top Pink
$30.99
$78.00
Rue La La
-78%
Onia
Cleo Bikini Bottom Blue
$27.00
$125.00
Rue La La
-40%
Anne Cole
Twist Front Bandeaukini Blue
$35.99
$60.00
Rue La La
Original text and content: Zeinab Saidoun