If you’re planning a beach holiday this year, now is the time to start choosing swimwear. Here are some hints and tips on how to choose swimwear which will suit you.

The first thing to decide on is the type of swimwear that you want. You can choose from traditional swimsuits, bikinis or tankinis. Swimsuits and bikinis have been popular for many years and you’ll find many different styles to choose from. The tankini is a relatively new addition to the marketplace and consists of a short, sleeveless top and bikini bottoms, making it less revealing than a bikini but more practical than a swimsuit.

Different swimwear designs suit different body types, so make sure that you choose one that will be flattering. For example, swimsuits with halterneck tops are most suitable for women with classic pear shape figures, as they draw attention to the upper half of the body rather than to the lower half, whereas swimsuits with high necklines flatter women with “apple” shaped figures, as they draw attention to the waist.

It’s also important to make sure that the colour and design of the swimwear that you’re considering suits you. If you have a tan, a brightly coloured bikini will look great, whereas a darker colour will suit you if you have fair, untanned skin. Darker colours are also slimming, so if you aren’t confident about your body, opt for a dark blue or black swimsuit, and choose something plain rather than something with an all-over pattern.

Many online stores, such as Marks & Spencer, have excellent swimwear ranges, so you should be able to find a swimsuit, bikini or tankini to suit you fairly easily.