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Fashion: Put off by skimpy swimwear? Here are some fabulous alternatives

Katie Wright selects the best beachwear, whatever your size, shape or age

M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30
M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30 M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30

AS WE creep ever closer to holiday season (yay!), you may have noticed – in the shops or on social media – that swimwear seems to be shrinking.

Swimsuits come with deep V-fronts and ludicrously high-cut legs, while bikinis are becoming even itsy-bitsier and teeny-weenier than ever.

That's all well and good if you're a tanned and toned celeb or a leggy model but what if you don't want to flash your bum or side-boob or tan lines when you head off on hols?

The good news is, among this year's swim collections, there are actually a lot of amazing options for those of us who need more a few inches of Lycra and strings or straps to keep our bits in place.

From sleek swimsuits to flattering bikinis, these stylish pieces will make you look and feel amazing this summer.

BLACK BATHING SUITS

We all know black clothes are super-slimming, and the same applies to swimwear, especially if you opt for a swimsuit that comes in a suck-it-all-in fabric. Black mesh is also great for giving the illusion of a bikini but with more support.

M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30
M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30 M&Co Plain Black Tummy Control Stripe Swimsuit, £30
Bluebella Aegean Swimsuit, £32
Bluebella Aegean Swimsuit, £32 Bluebella Aegean Swimsuit, £32
Fat Face Phantom Textured Swimsuit, £38
Fat Face Phantom Textured Swimsuit, £38 Fat Face Phantom Textured Swimsuit, £38

HIGH-WAIST BIKINIS

There's a reason high-waisted bikinis are so popular with plus-size fashion bloggers – they're fantastic for emphasising your waist and skimming over that lower midriff area that so many of us are keen to keep under wraps. Floral patterns and cute ruffle details make these two-pieces even prettier.

Simply Yours Halterneck Bikini Top, £26; Strappy Bikini Brief, £16, Simply Be
Simply Yours Halterneck Bikini Top, £26; Strappy Bikini Brief, £16, Simply Be Simply Yours Halterneck Bikini Top, £26; Strappy Bikini Brief, £16, Simply Be
Boux Avenue Adelaide Sling Bikini Top, £30; High-waisted Bikini Briefs, £18
Boux Avenue Adelaide Sling Bikini Top, £30; High-waisted Bikini Briefs, £18 Boux Avenue Adelaide Sling Bikini Top, £30; High-waisted Bikini Briefs, £18
Junarose Ruffle Detail Halterneck Bikini Top, £28; Bikini Bottoms, £24, Navabi
Junarose Ruffle Detail Halterneck Bikini Top, £28; Bikini Bottoms, £24, Navabi Junarose Ruffle Detail Halterneck Bikini Top, £28; Bikini Bottoms, £24, Navabi

SUPPORTIVE BIKINIS

Blessed in the breast department? You're probably going to want to steer clear of soft-cup triangle bikinis. Instead, look for bra-like tops with padded cups, underwiring and thick straps for ultimate support (and sexiness).

Left, Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Halterneck Bikini Top £36; Fold Over Bikini Briefs, £20; right: Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Balcony Bikini Top, £36; Tie Side Bikini Briefs, £20, all Swimwear365
Left, Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Halterneck Bikini Top £36; Fold Over Bikini Briefs, £20; right: Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Balcony Bikini Top, £36; Tie Side Bikini Briefs, £20, all Swimwear365 Left, Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Halterneck Bikini Top £36; Fold Over Bikini Briefs, £20; right: Curvy Kate Blue Stripe ’Ahoy’ Balcony Bikini Top, £36; Tie Side Bikini Briefs, £20, all Swimwear365
Figleaves Riptide Underwired Twist Plunge Bikini Top, £28; Riptide Twist Brief, £18, available from Figleaves
Figleaves Riptide Underwired Twist Plunge Bikini Top, £28; Riptide Twist Brief, £18, available from Figleaves Figleaves Riptide Underwired Twist Plunge Bikini Top, £28; Riptide Twist Brief, £18, available from Figleaves
Lipsy Alice Bikini Top, £32; Briefs, £20, Next
Lipsy Alice Bikini Top, £32; Briefs, £20, Next Lipsy Alice Bikini Top, £32; Briefs, £20, Next

ONE-PIECE WONDERS

Combining candy colours and simple silhouettes, these bright swimsuits will help you channel modern pin-up glamour. Look for wrap and drape detailing that skims and slims.

Simply Yours Plait Bandeau Swimsuit, £35, JD Williams
Simply Yours Plait Bandeau Swimsuit, £35, JD Williams Simply Yours Plait Bandeau Swimsuit, £35, JD Williams
Seaspray Lagoon Ombre Draped Strapsuit, £78
Seaspray Lagoon Ombre Draped Strapsuit, £78 Seaspray Lagoon Ombre Draped Strapsuit, £78
Matalan Stripe Tie Front Swimsuit, £16
Matalan Stripe Tie Front Swimsuit, £16 Matalan Stripe Tie Front Swimsuit, £16