Summer has well and truly arrived in New Zealand – the sun is shining, the skies are blue and it’s time to slip, slop, slap and to shimmy into your swimsuit. There are loads of different styles to choose from so here are some we’ve found in New Zealand and online.
Aruba Tank Top, $109.99 and Basic Bikini Brief, $49.99 from City Chic (left) and Elomi Abstract Adjustable Tankini, $129.95 and Elomi Mid Rise Brief, $69.95 from Avokado (right).
If you’ve got a long body, a tankini is a great option – it gives you all the coverage of a one piece swimsuit but with a bit of extra room (and is great if you’re a different size on top and bottom). You can get matching bottoms or go for a neutral colour that you can mix and match tops with.
Elomi Indie One Piece, $159.95 from Avokado (left) and Elomi Chevron One Piece, $159.95 from Avokado (right).
If you prefer to have a bit of extra support, you can’t go past the Elomi range. It works like this – you get one of their swim bras and build your swimsuit from there. You can pick from classic bikini bottoms, high waisted bikini bottoms or a swim skirt depending on what style you like. If you want to wear it as a bikini (which is what I do), you’re all set. Prefer a tankini like the abstract one above? Pick the print you like and layer it on top of your swim bra. Want a one piece? Forget the bikini bottoms and head straight for these. They’re cut so you can’t see the swim bra underneath, and you get a cute swimsuit that actually gives you support.
Quayside Woman Wrap Skirted Swimsuit, $109.99 from EziBuy (left) and Moroccan Tile Skirted One Piece, $74.99 from Autograph (right).
I know there are a few people who like a bit more coverage, and a skirted swimsuit is a great option for this – the skirted overlay gives you a bit of upper thigh coverage and makes these look like a cute dress.
Corsica Underwire Bikini Top, $89.99 and Bottoms $49.99 from City Chic (left) and ASOS CURVE Mesh Insert Supportive Bikini Top AUD $44.00 and Bottom AUD $36.00 from ASOS (right).
Bikinis come in loads of different styles – high waisted, low waisted, skirted, crop top, swim bra, print, plain, matching … it’s just a matter of finding what fits your style. Getting a good fit is especially important, as you want to feel supported, no matter what style you choose.
ASOS CURVE Mesh Insert Supportive Swimsuit, AUD $56.00 from ASOS (left) and Quayside Woman Mesh Swimsuit, $99.99 from EziBuy (right).
Mesh is one of this summer’s most popular pieces of detailing, both in swimwear and in clothing. Look out for necklines with mesh inserts and cut-out details with mesh overlay, showing off as much or as little as you like.
Animal Ruffle One Piece, $74.99 from Autograph (left) and Troppo Swimsuit, AUD $139.95 from Taking Shape (right).
Don’t be afraid to go bold with your swimsuit, whether it’s in colour or print (or both!). Tropical, nautical and animal prints are everywhere this summer, so embrace them!
Meagan Kerr also writes at This is Meagan Kerr.
Images supplied.