Finally jetting off for that much-needed foreign escape this summer? Whether you’re living it up at one of this summer’s chicest European destinations, plan to get cosy in a Cornish cottage or are praying for the weather to be kind at one of Britain’s beautiful beaches, you’ll be needing a great swimsuit. From sporty one-pieces to pretty-but-not-exactly-practical cut-out designs, here’s our guide to the best women’s swimsuits to buy for summer 2023.

The best plain swimsuits

Whether you plan to do some actual swimming in your swimsuit or simply want a design that is flattering without drawing the attention of every set of eyes on the beach, a plain swimsuit is a summer wardrobe staple. Marysia has given its one-shouldered design a pretty finish was scallop-edge detailing while Zimmermann puts the glamour back into sunbathing with its shimmering halterneck number.

Melissa Odabash’s minimalist swimsuit takes a slightly more daring approach, with a flattering plunging neckline and gathered bodice that hugs and smoothes the silhouette, while Hunza G’s seersucker number features an innovative one-size-fits-all design in a shade of red that will look great with a tan.

The best colour-block swimsuits

Summer is all about colour but, if you’re going to choose a swimsuit which features a variety of hues, it’s best to keep the silhouette simple. Evarae’s belted design, for example, highlights the waist and is brilliant for hourglass figures, while Lisa Marie Fernandez’s side-tie style adds length and curve to the torso. If your style tends towards the more glamorous, Norma Kamali’s panelled swimsuit offers a chicly contemporary take on animal print while Max Mara’s bold design is guaranteed to turn heads poolside.

The best cut-out swimsuits

They may look scary at first but, choose the right design, and a cut-out swimsuit can be deeply flattering. Those just dipping their toe into the category should opt for Maygel Coronel’s Trinitaria swimsuit, which pairs waist-level cutouts with sweet ruffles that are interesting while remaining demure(ish). For those willing to take on a bit of pattern, meanwhile, Agua be Agua Bendita offers a vintage-inspired cut-out design while Louisa Ballou and Christopher Esbar turn up the heat with barely-there styles that aren’t for the faint-hearted.

The best patterned swimsuits

Nothing will get you in the holiday mood faster than matching your swimwear to your destination but, even if you’re not going very far this summer, why not dress for the holiday you wish you were taking? Fans wishing for long sunny days should pair Lygia & Nanny’s Moroccan-inspired bandeau swimsuit with a mojito at sundowners. Those dreaming of sunning themselves on Mediterannean shores, meanwhile, could do worse than invest in Heidi Klein’s Santorini-inspired patterns or La Double J’s Sicilian lemon swimsuit. Alternatively, wear Whistles’ tie dye swimsuit underneath a mid-length skirt for an elegant outfit perfect for a long lunch of wine and cheese.

The best floral swimsuits

They may be a quintessential summer print but florals come in all shapes and sizes. Compare, for example, the saccharine sweetness of Loveshackfancy’s roses with Alexandra Miro’s bold bird of paradise blooms. Looking for a happy middle ground? Dries van Noten and Gottex take a less literal approach to florals on sporty one-pieces perfect for swimming laps.

Read more: Beautiful summer dresses to buy now

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