The Beach Cafe Swimwear Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Swimwear

Finding swimwear you feel comfortable and confident in isn't always as simple as choosing the first bikini or swimsuit you like. The right style can depend on everything from the level of support you need and the coverage you prefer to your body shape, the fit you're looking for as well as how and where you plan to wear it.

At Beach Cafe, we stock a wide selection of designer bikinis, swimsuits and beachwear, from supportive styles for fuller busts to flattering one-pieces, high-waisted bikinis, bandeau styles and more. This guide brings together our advice to help you find swimwear that works for you.

How do I choose the right swimwear?

Start by thinking about what you want your swimwear to do for you.

Do you want plenty of bust support? More coverage? A higher waist? A leg-lengthening cut? Perhaps you're looking for something minimal for tanning or a swimsuit that can take you comfortably from the pool to lunch.

There isn't one style that is right for everyone. The best swimwear is the style that gives you the combination of fit, support, coverage and shape that you feel happiest wearing.

When choosing swimwear, consider:

• Your bust size and the level of support you prefer
• How much coverage you want
• Whether you prefer a bikini or one-piece
• The rise and cut of the bikini bottom
• Your body proportions
• Whether you want shaping or tummy control
• How you intend to wear it
• The fabric, construction and quality
• Your personal style

Bikini or swimsuit: which is right for you?

A bikini gives you more flexibility because you can choose different sizes for the top and bottom and mix different shapes and colours. This can be particularly useful if your bust and hips require different sizes.

A swimsuit gives you a little more coverage and can provide support and shaping through the body. One-piece swimsuits can be particularly useful if you prefer a streamlined silhouette or want something that feels secure while swimming.

Neither is more flattering than the other. It's really about what makes you feel most comfortable as poolside confidence is key!

How should swimwear fit?

A good fit is one of the most important things to look for when buying swimwear.

Your bikini or swimsuit should feel secure without digging in or feeling uncomfortably tight. Bikini bottoms shouldn't cut into the hips, while the waistband should stay comfortably in place when you move.

For bikini tops and swimsuits, check that the bust is properly supported and that there isn't excessive spillage or loose fabric.

If you're between sizes, look at our size guides for each style and brand rather than assuming that the same size will fit across every designer. Swimwear construction and sizing can vary considerably between brands.

Choosing swimwear for a fuller bust

If you have a fuller bust, support and fit are likely to be particularly important.

Look for features such as:

• Underwiring
• Adjustable straps
• Wider or supportive straps
• Structured cups
• Secure back fastening
• Halterneck styles with suitable support

You can read our dedicated guide to the best swimwear for bigger busts for more detailed advice on D cup and above.

Choosing swimwear for a smaller bust

A smaller bust gives you plenty of options, particularly if you're looking for less structured or more minimal styles.

Triangle, bandeau, bralette and padded bikini tops can all work beautifully, depending on the look you're after.

If you'd like to create the appearance of more volume, look for details such as:

• Removable or built-in padding
• Texture
• Ruching
• Bold prints
• Triangle shapes
• Push-up or enhanced cups

Our guide to the best swimwear for a small bust goes into more detail.

What swimwear is best for a tummy?

If you'd prefer a little more coverage around the stomach, there are plenty of stylish options.

High-waisted bikini bottoms can provide more coverage across the midsection, while one-piece swimsuits can offer a smooth, streamlined silhouette.

Ruching, textured fabrics and strategically placed panels can also create a flattering effect.

Look for swimwear that makes you feel comfortable rather than focusing on hiding a particular part of your body. You can find more detailed advice in our guide to the best swimwear for a flatter tummy.

What swimwear makes your legs look longer?

If you'd like to create the appearance of longer legs, the cut of your swimwear can make a noticeable difference.

Higher-cut bikini bottoms expose more of the upper leg and can create a longer-looking silhouette. High-leg swimsuits can have a similar effect.

A bikini bottom that sits higher on the hip can also visually lengthen the leg.

Our guide to the best swimwear for elongating your legs explores the different cuts and styles to consider.

Choosing the right bikini style

There are more bikini shapes available than ever, and each creates a slightly different look.

Triangle bikinis

Triangle bikinis are a classic choice with an adjustable, minimal shape. They're available in everything from simple string styles to more structured versions.

Bandeau bikinis

Bandeau tops are strapless and particularly popular for avoiding tan lines. They can work especially well for smaller busts, although structured and supportive versions are also available.

Halterneck bikinis

Halternecks tie or fasten around the neck and can provide good support depending on their construction. They can also create a flattering V-shaped neckline.

Bralette bikinis

Bralette styles tend to have a softer, more bra-like shape and can offer a comfortable alternative to traditional triangle or bandeau tops.

Underwired bikinis

Underwired bikini tops provide additional structure and support around the bust and can be particularly useful for fuller busts.

Padded bikinis

Padded styles can enhance shape and provide additional coverage. They're particularly popular with smaller busts, although padding can be used for different reasons depending on the design.

High-waisted bikinis

High-waisted bottoms sit higher on the waist and offer more coverage around the stomach. They can create a more retro-inspired silhouette while also feeling secure.

For more information, see our upcoming Bikini Styles Explained guide.

How much bikini coverage should you choose?

Coverage is entirely personal.

If you prefer more coverage, look for full-coverage bottoms, higher-rise styles and bikini tops with more substantial cups.

If you prefer less coverage, skimpy, Brazilian or high-cut styles can create a more minimal look.

The important thing is to choose a cut that feels comfortable and secure when you're walking, swimming and relaxing.

What should I wear over my swimwear?

Your swimwear doesn't have to stop at the pool or beach.

A kaftan, beach dress, oversized shirt, sarong or pair of beach trousers can transform your swimwear into an outfit suitable for lunch, a beach bar or an afternoon by the pool.

Our beachwear guides cover everything from what to wear over a bikini or swimsuit to choosing the right kaftan, beach dress or sarong.

What swimwear should I take on holiday?

For a longer beach holiday, having a few different swimwear options can make packing much easier.

You might choose:

• One supportive swimsuit
• A classic bikini
• A second bikini in a different shape
• A high-waisted bikini for more coverage
• A minimal style for tanning
• A versatile cover-up
• A kaftan or beach dress
• A sarong

Choosing different styles rather than simply different colours means you'll have options for swimming, relaxing, tanning and dressing up.

How do I find the right swimwear size?

Always check our size guides for each style and brand before ordering.

Measurements can vary between brands and even between different styles from the same designer. For bikinis, remember that you may need a different size top and bottom.

For swimsuits, pay attention not just to bust and hip measurements but also to the length and overall fit of the garment.

If you're unsure between two sizes, consider the amount of stretch in the fabric and how supportive or fitted the style is intended to be.

What are the best designer swimwear brands?

There are many excellent designer and premium swimwear brands, each with its own approach to fit, print, fabric and design.

At Beach Cafe, we stock a selection of sought after swimwear designers, including brands such as Seafolly, Vix, Away That Day, Farm Rio and Sea Level.

Rather than looking for one universally "best" brand, consider what you're looking for. Some brands are particularly known for statement prints, some for supportive fits, some for minimalist shapes and others for distinctive resortwear.

Find your perfect swimwear

The perfect swimwear isn't necessarily the most fashionable style or the one that looks best on somebody else. It's the one that gives you the combination of fit, support, coverage and style that makes you feel great wearing it.

Explore our specialist swimwear guides for more advice on finding the right style for your bust, body shape and personal preferences, then discover our collection of designer bikinis and swimsuits.