How you can beat the swimwear shortage

We may just be feeling brave enough to break out the Birkenstocks and let our sun-starved legs see the light of day, but I regret to inform you that lots of the best swimwear has already sold out. This drought only applies if you’re looking for something in the grown-up swimwear sweet spot: a holy trinity of flattering fit, affordability, and a design which fills your heart with joy. The reason for the shortage? Many of us haven’t bought any new swimwear for a couple of years, creating a surge in demand.  

Late shipments of Boden’s navy Corsica and Santorini swimsuits were also due to Covid-related delays in Asia where they’re manufactured. The black wrap-front Levanzo in a size 10 won’t be available for another eight weeks. My favourite £85 Portofino swimsuit in ivory (with vertical panels to create the illusion of a lean body and tiny waist even after a hotel breakfast buffet) won’t be restocked at all.

I turn to M&S, where it turns out you can buy the floral tummy control bandeau swimsuit (£29.50) and the khaki padded scallop plunge swimsuit (£32.50), but there’s an alert saying “stock coming: usually dispatched within 14 days”. Not very helpful if you want a new suit before the weekend. The only way forward is to arm yourself with the knowledge of exactly what goes into a “perfect” swimsuit. 

First, abandon the idea that a black swimsuit will make you look slimmer. It’s often not the case, and it doesn’t do justice to many skin tones. Instead, look for styles with vertical panels through the torso. A little ruching is good, but too much can look dated, so try a wrap-style top or a knot detail below the bust as it draws the eye away from the midriff. Even a lovely neckline will have the same effect – focus on celebrating what you have, rather than hiding what you hate. A detailed print like gingham can also mask lumps and bumps.

If your breasts are larger than a D-cup, cup size styles are non-negotiable. When properly supported, you will look slimmer and taller – and even if that’s not your goal, you’ll be more comfortable too. 

If it’s your bottom half you’re self-conscious about, I feel for you, because fashion loves a high-cut leg right now. Lower cuts do exist – see below. “For me, a flattering swimsuit is all about support up top and coverage down below,” says Stella columnist Emily Johnston. “I’ve traded deep cuts on the chest and thigh for underwires and seats that allow me to move without accidentally revealing too much.”

The good news is that swimwear in your size is available. The bad news is that you’ll have to track it down – and fast. I’m clearly not the only woman who wants to make a splash by the pool next week, sartorially speaking at least. If you can’t – and who hasn’t left holiday shopping to the last minute at some point – these are the best places to find swimwear that will last beyond the summer…

Most affordable

M&S simply can’t be beaten on this front. The Goodmove square neck swimsuit (£29.50) is a flattering shape and will provide a little bust support. 

• Padded plunge swimsuit, £29.50, marksandspencer.com

Celebrity favourite

Everyone from Holly Willoughby to Kim Kardashian has worn Hunza G. Its signature is stretchy, crinkle fabric we all wore back in the Eighties. 

• Hunza G Pamela seersucker swimsuit, £155, net-a-porter.com

Best for plus size

Sometimes a good bikini is better than a bad one-piece. Tona the Label (founded by Telegraph Style Director Tona Stell) offers high quality, chic and sustainable designs. It’s not cheap, but still much less than designer brands. 

Polly bikini top, £75, and Jean high-waist bottoms, £50, tonathelabel.com

Super flattering

My best buy this summer is from Cossie & Co, as its waffle fabric really makes you feel pulled together, and the elegant one-pieces come in sophisticated colour combinations. 

• Nikki swimsuit, £140, cossieandco.com

Great for larger busts

This Australian brand has a luxe, minimalist aesthetic not usually seen in cup size swimwear. Grown-up colours and flattering cuts add to the appeal. 

Sculpting top, £90 and high rise bottoms, £60, Form and Fold (brownsfashion.com)

Waist cinching

There is nothing accidental about the sleek lines of this swimsuit. The band across the ribcage highlights the slimmest part of the torso and the neckline draws the eye up. Boden does it again.

• Halterneck, £65, boden.co.uk

For wild swimmers

If you’re one of the many wild swimming enthusiasts in the UK, you need a swimsuit that will work hard. This has those all important side panels, flatlocked so they don’t chafe. 

• Zip up swimsuit, £85, finisterre.com

Sporty

If you’re doing serious swimming, you need a swimsuit that can withstand the waves without risking a wardrobe malfunction. Sweaty Betty’s swimsuits do all that but still have poolside appeal.

• Recycled lycra swimsuit, £65, sweatybetty.com

Where do you buy your go-to swimwear from? Let us know in the comments section below

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