In 1907, Aussie swimmer Annette Kellerman was arrested in the US for wearing a bathing suit that bared her arms, legs and neck. By the 1940s, revealing swimwear featured in glamour photography and nowadays, the options are endless.
Why you need it now
Temperatures are rising, so get in early for the best selection and take advantage of summer sooner than the rest. Brave the blinding lights in the store dressing room and prepare to make a stylish splash this summer.
What to look for
All hail the one-piece (with enormous relief) as the key summer swimsuit, channelling the relaxed glamour of retro pool parties. Spots, stripes, florals, fiery prints, bright blocks worn back with black or wild with animal prints - the message is to make a striking statement. Think vintage pin-up styles or go modern with strong cut-outs in black, white or vivid colours thrown together.
Should the two-piece beckon, designers support the ever-present triangle, bandeau and halter-neck tops, this season accompanied by a reinvented fuller brief - bye, bye Brazilian cut. Keep spray tans in check by going no more than two shades deeper than your natural skin tone and be confident - if you are comfortable with your body, it’s amazing how attractive you become to everyone else.
Style to suit you
Petite shapes can carry off most styles. Take advantage of bold prints and bright colours. If you want a fuller-looking cup, go with a halterneck.
Pear shapes, consider wide stripes up top and solid colours on the bottom. Ruffled tops and fuller pants with wide waistbands worn low are tailored to your shape and sewn-in belts are always gorgeous. Deep block colours suit better than bold prints.
Busty shapes, always seek support with built-in cups, wide straps and a fuller pant to balance your beachside body. Avoid stripes and strapless tops in favour of strong colours and sweetheart necklines.
Larger shapes, look to crossover or ruching in front to keep you looking cool. Opalescent swirls of colour on a black background suit your shape, as do patterns with a diagonal line.
Tall types are stunning in cut-outs, from laser-etched florals to sculptural slits and bandage-style straps, giving you a more defined waist.
Five more ways to wear
* Lunch by the pool = swimsuit with maxi dress, giant sunglasses, turquoise jewellery and strappy flats.
* At the beach = swimsuit with button-down shirt tied at waist (’80s style) with tailored shorts and low wedges.
* Seaside market = swimsuit with full skirt, chunky necklace, wide-brimmed hat and coloured flats.
* Resort style = swimsuit with shirtdress, sarong as wide belt, upmarket thongs and billowing scarf on head.
* Beach to bar = swimwear with jeans, cropped jacket, sparkly stilettos and clutch.
