My first purchase
Shop: Hollister
Price for set: £19.50 (in the sale)
I bought this set from Hollister in Newcastle, as I thought the colours were really vibrant for summer - although, I'm not a huge fan of red and white combined because sometimes I feel it looks a bit like a used tampon, but as long as its not tie dye, it doesn't really bother me. I found with this bikini that the material is quite thick in comparison with normal high street bikinis from topshop, h&m etc and the halter neck strap ensures it fits nicely around my body. With the bikini top being underwired, I assumed it was probably 'clevage enhancing', but items can sometimes be deceiving, as this doesn't really compliment cleavages if you're like me with average sized boobs, however it still looks really good with a tan.
My second purchase:
Shop: H&M
Price for set: Can't remember but cheap!!!
I purchased this paisley pink bikini from H&M in Nottingham. I really love the bikinis in H&M because they usually have a great selection at extremely affordable prices! It is probably a little bit late now, but the sales are always amazing for bikinis in H&M, you can buy a set for like £6 if you have a good rummage through the rails. I often find it really hard to find the right sizes in bikinis, especially if the sets are already matched together and not sold individually because I'm like a size 8 in tops and size 6 in bottoms - always a nightmare finding suitable fits. However, I would strongly recommend H&M if you're anything like me because a size 8 is quite a small fit and a lot of other shops hardly ever stock size 6 swimwear. In the past I haven't actually purchased swimwear from here, so I'm hoping they will wash nicely and not fade too much with the chlorine in the pool.
My third purchase:
Shop: H&M
Price for set: £5.98 (I think)
I think this is my favourite bikini I have purchased so far this year, even though the picture doesn't do it a great deal of justice. It's a typical triangle style bikini in coral with pretty little frills - as you can obviously see.
In the past, I have always tried to avoid wearing triangle bikinis as you get the worst tan lines ever with silly little triangles across your boobs and strap marks on your shoulders - not a good look, however I always feel this style compliments my figure the best. I like to go for the 'stringy' style briefs as they raise slightly higher up your leg and expose your bottom half to as much sun as possible. Depending on your age, I think any body shape can pull this kind of bikini off as it shows off your curves in all the right places and you can alter the straps according to how you want it to look. However, I think girls with bigger sized chests would suit bandeau or halter neck style bikinis better as after previous experiences on holiday, I've had plenty of eye-fulls from girls wearing triangle bikinis and having their 34F boobs springing out all over the place - probably doesn't apply to girls with fake boobs but if you're planning on buying a tiny top to make your already large boobs look even bigger, you might as well go topless - not a bad idea though in the right environment, if you're confident enough with your body, to avoid getting unattractive tan lines on your upper half.
Swimwear choice
Personally, I think swimwear shopping for men is far easier than for women, simply because women have such a wide range of choice out there, from tiny little skimpy bikinis to high waisted briefs and full front swimming costumes, whereas men just need to focus on length, material and design. However, one thing I find crucial for both men and women is that they feel comfortable in what they're wearing, in particular I think this applies to girls, who are often a lot more self conscious of their appearance and body image.
