HOW TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR SWIMSUIT
Feeling confident in your swimsuit is essential to having fun in the sun, whether you’re hitting the beach or taking a dip in the swimming pool. Whether you’re a bikini babe or looking for a one-piece swimsuit to show off your curves, we’re here to help you embrace the challenge of finding new swimwear that makes you look and feel remarkable.
The key to feeling fabulous in your swimsuit is to find a style that suits you and flatters your figure, helping you to exude confidence while strolling along the sandy shore or relaxing on a sun lounger.
Let’s dive in and take a look at our favourite tips for summer swimsuit confidence.
Experiment with Playful Prints
There’s nothing wrong with a plain, one-colour swimsuit, but you’ll probably feel a little more glam if you try out a snazzy new style. Switch things up with vibrant prints, such as bold greens or pretty pinks, experiment with funky floral, stripe and paisley patterns and be daring with eye-catching design detailing, such as ruching and tassels.
Adding a touch of personality to your swimwear style will be sure to turn heads and boost your bathing suit confidence.
Colour Yourself Confident
Colour has such an effect on our mood (just look at our piece on using colour to beat the January blues. To feel confident in your swimsuit, choose one in your favourite colour to put a smile on your face.
Bold and bright colours are particularly confidence-enhancing, particularly ravishing red, which Forbes explains has been directly linked with feelings of strength and empowerment.
Cover Up as Much or as Little as You Choose
Some of us can’t resist showing off our beautiful bodies, and there’s nothing wrong with showcasing your natural gorgeousness in a bikini. But, similarly, don’t feel you have to show skin to look glamorous either. Your favourite assets are your favourite for a reason. Showing off your best features is a great way to gain style confidence.
A tunic, kimono, sarong or beach dress are some of our favourite cover up options for a day chilling out at the beach or basking in the sun around the pool. No one’s judging either way, so wear as much or as little as you like to make sure you feel your best.
If you’re jetting off to a sunny destination this summer, check out our guide on what to wear to the beach to discover all the beautiful beach-ready outfits available.
Cut Out the Comparison
The number one enemy of swimsuit confidence is comparing yourself to others. Of course, you can admire how stunning the people around you are but always bear in mind that their gorgeousness doesn’t detract from your own. As the famous quote goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Embrace your own beauty and you’ll feel second-to-none in your stunning swimsuit.
Accessories to Feel Amazing
A few accessories can work wonders for your confidence. Statement beach jewellery like boho beaded bracelets and dangly earrings will have you feeling fabulous, or why not exude movie star glam with oversized sunglasses?
Show off that summer pedicure with some chic sandals, and top off the look with a statement floppy sun hat.
Try Something Different
Rip up the rulebook, vamp up your style and strut your stuff in whatever feels most comfortable.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous this summer, why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and splash out on a totally new style? You might think you’ll be confident in a swimsuit style you know and feel comfy in but trust us, there’s no better feeling than experimenting with a new look and falling in love!
Be daring and try on different styles, colours, and patterns that you wouldn't usually go for. It’ll do your overall confidence the world of good.
Combine Style and Practicality
Sure, you want to look good, but you’ll want to feel supported too. How can you expect to feel confident in your swimsuit if it just doesn’t feel right?
Swimming costumes featuring an underwire, removable pads, tummy control support, and more will help boost your overall confidence. Try on different styles and sizes to ensure you get the most flattering fit for your figure.
Remember, it’s All About Having Fun
We don’t go to the beach to stress about how we look - we’re there to have fun! So, forget about how you look and focus on the brilliant, beachy activities around you instead. Whether that’s engrossing yourself in a gripping beach read, swimming in the sea, soaking up the sunshine or simply taking a beachside snooze.
Our most precious rule is this: celebrate your individuality. You are completely unique, so embrace your unique bikini body and feel confident in your skin as you stroll along the beach.
How To Rock Different Swimwear Styles
Now you’ve discovered how to feel confident in a swimsuit, it’s time to pick out the perfect bikini, tankini or one-piece!
Stylish Swim Skirts
Feel fabulous and snazzy in a swim skirt. Stroll along the beach in our vibrant designs, which include a flattering skirt to cover the top half of your thighs with a brief underneath - perfect for helping you feel more comfortable whether you’re strictly poolside or setting your personal best for swimming laps.
Trendy Tankinis
We don’t all want our full figure on display, particularly if you’re trying to have a laid-back lounge on the beach or by the pool. A tankini sits somewhere between a bikini and a vest top, flowing over your stomach while offering support in all the right places - combining comfort, convenience and style all in one!
Find ‘The One’ With A Gorgeous One-Piece Swimsuit
Ah, the classic one-piece swimsuit. We love the way a one-piece helps to create a seriously stunning silhouette. It’s styled to fit over your whole torso, making it the perfect fit if you’re looking for a swimsuit that offers a bit more coverage.
There are so many gorgeous one-piece styles out there that it’s hard to pick just one to pack in your beach bag! From one-piece swimsuits with removable cup inserts, mesh support around your tummy that helps flatter your figure, and underwire options for extra support, there’s bound to be a one-piece swimsuit that makes you feel confident.
Feel Beautiful In A Bikini
The classic bikini is a great way to show off your natural assets. Many of the great features in our one-piece swimsuits, such as removable pads and adjustable straps, are also incorporated into our bikini tops, for a super flattering look that’s easy to wear, too.
We love the way you can mix and match your bikini top and bottom to create a totally unique look that’s yours and yours alone. Choose a coordinated bustier and brief set or go a little wild and pick contrasting designs for your top and bottom to turn heads as you express your bathing suit confidence by daring to be different.
Other Sensational Swimwear Options
If you’re wondering what to wear besides a swimsuit, don’t worry - there are loads of other options for sunbathing on the beach if you don’t fancy taking a dip. A floaty beach dress is our favourite, while a casual pair of shorts teamed with a cami or t-shirt will keep your options open if you’re tempted by a paddle.
Which Type Of Swimwear Suits My Shape?
We’ve talked a lot about finding clothes to suit your figure, but it’s worth saying again - your body is all about your natural shape rather than weight. Whatever your figure, embrace your beautiful body and explore clothing styles that show off your favourite features! Different swimwear styles will work particularly well with a range of figures, so you can use this as inspiration to seek out the swimsuit you’ll feel most confident in!
Body Shapes
- Apple body shapes have a less-defined waist, so a swimsuit that accentuates your legs could be a great option. A one-piece or bikini brief with a higher cut could be your style of the season!
- Pear-shaped figures have curvy hips, which makes this body shape perfect for a one-piece swimsuit with either no straps or a fun style such as a halter neck or off-the-shoulder strap. This will highlight your shoulders and neck, taking attention away from the waist.
- Hourglass figures have a classic curvy body shape. To highlight your defined waist, choose a classic bikini or a one-piece swimsuit with a belt effect.
- Rectangular shapes have a straighter figure, so add a bit of texture and layers to your look with bold patterns, ruched designs and plenty of frills. It’s time to have fun in the sun!
- Inverted triangle body types have larger proportions on the top half of their bodies. To create a balanced frame, choose bold colours and striking patterns that accentuate the lower half of your body..
How Should My Swimsuit Fit?
A swimsuit should hug your figure, giving you the snug support you need without making you feel too restricted. You should feel nicely held together, with your swimsuit creating a lovely silhouette, but it should also allow a little stretch for maximum comfort.
A super loose swimsuit could feel and look saggy or, worse, lead to a wardrobe malfunction, and one that’s too tight just won’t be comfy. It shouldn’t pinch the skin or leave obvious red marks and indentations when you take your swimsuit off - these are sure signs your swimwear is on the tighter side.
Never underestimate the power of quality fabrics, either. Cheap fabrics are likely to stretch and fade over time and could possibly irritate your skin. A polyester-elastane blend is one of the best fabrics for swimwear: stretchy, comfortable, and durable. If you opt for swimwear made from high-quality fabric, you’ll not only feel the benefit, but you’ll also look fantastic.
How To Choose A Swimsuit Size
The true trick to feeling confident in your swimsuit is by finding swimwear that fits perfectly and flatters your figure. Here are our top sizing tips:
- Take your bust, waist, and hip measurements to help you determine what size of swimsuit you need. Use a size chart to find your perfect fit, and select a swimsuit in that size.
- When it comes to some clothes, such as floaty dresses or graphic tees, adjust your sizing a little bit depending on your personal preference. If you prefer a loose fit, for example, you can size up your t-shirt or go for a flowing open-shirt style with a button-up blouse.
- Always try your swimsuit on for size. The only true way to know if you’ve found the perfect piece that makes you feel beach-ready is if it feels comfortable and makes you feel remarkable.
- If you’re unsure on size, buy your usual size and a size larger. A lot of swimsuits end up being on the more petite side and fit differently to other garments - so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Joe’s top tip: A great way to know you’ve found the right fit is to make sure the straps stay firmly in place, and the back of your swimsuit should always be level with the front.
Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Good This Summer
Here at Joe Browns, we’ve got a stunning collection of swimwear - but we’ve gone one step further by creating swimwear with sustainable fabric too.
Around 84% of the main body of our swimwear is crafted from responsibly sourced polyester, so you can step out in style this summer knowing you’re doing good for the planet as you do!
Our Favourite Plus-Size Swimwear Styles
Whatever your size or shape, you should pick out a swimsuit that makes you feel fabulous and hugs your body in all the right places!
One-piece bathing suits help to create a flattering silhouette, accentuating your favourite parts of your figure. If you have natural curves, a swimsuit with an underwired bust is a great option for a bit of an uplift. Joe Browns Floral Festival Retro Swimsuit is a real summer scorcher, with its tummy support just one of its fantastic features - not to mention all the little design details and tummy ruching to hide anything you don't feel confident about.
Tankinis are also a great option if you’re not keen on showing too much skin. Our Twilight Garden Retro Tankini gives you all the bust support you need, without compromising on that laid-back, looser fitting style.
Perhaps the most important thing is to find a swimsuit that fits perfectly. Too loose, and you won’t achieve that gorgeous figure-hugging look. Too tight, and you might feel over exposed. Follow our advice above to help you find swimwear that’s ‘just right’.
The Best Swimwear Styles To Cover Your Legs
We’re often asked this question and, to be honest, it’s not one we like to answer! Everyone should feel confident enough to strut their stuff by the poolside in whatever swimsuit they choose.
However, if you get a confidence kick from covering up a little more, a swim skirt could be a great option. Our Twilight Garden Brief Skirt has stunning frilled edges for a flattering finish, covering a little more of your legs compared to a more skimpy brief.
Donning a floaty sarong cover up could also be a great way to embrace laid-back beach vibes while adding a bit more fabric. Make this Summer Vibes Crochet Dress your go-to for an elegant cover up option.
How To Hide A Tummy In A Swimsuit
We’ve said it before, but we simply have to say it again - all bodies are beautiful! But, if you prefer a modest swimsuit to help you feel confident, a stunning one-piece swimsuit will flatter any figure and give you a bit of tummy control too.
A one-piece swimsuit with stylish side panels will add even extra pizzazz. Check out this Floral Festival Retro Swimsuit with its flattering floral print and extra tummy support with a ruched outer lining for the ultimate figure-hugging fit.
Our Top Tips On How To Feel Confident In Swimwear
Do you want to have the confidence to wear what you truly want? Feeling confident in swimwear isn’t just about finding the right size and style, although they’re important too, it’s about being comfortable in the outfit you’re wearing! Here are our top tips for embracing new beachwear vibes:
1. Experiment with patterns and prints to help you feel fabulous
There’s nothing wrong with a plain, one-colour swimsuit but you’ll probably feel a little more glam if you try out a snazzy new style. Switch things up with vibrant prints, such as bold greens or pretty pinks, experiment with funky floral, stripe and polka dot patterns and be daring with eye-catching design detailing such as ruffles or frills. Adding a touch of personality to your swimwear style will be sure to turn heads and boost your confidence.
2. Cover up as much or as little as you choose
Some of us can’t resist showing off our beautiful bodies, and there’s nothing wrong with showcasing your natural gorgeousness in a bikini. But, similarly, don’t feel you have to show skin to look glamorous either. Your favourite assets are your favourite for a reason. Showing off your best features is a great way to gain style confidence. A kaftan, kimono, sarong or beach dress are some of our favourite cover up options for a day chilling out at the beach or basking in the sun around the pool. No one’s judging your look either way, so layer up as much or as little as you like to make sure you’re always feeling your best.
3. Accessorise your swimwear get up
No outfit is ever truly complete without an accessory or two to make your style sparkle. From a trendy new pair of sandals that let you feel the sand between your toes through to a retro oversized hat to shade you from the sun, add a few accessories to bring your beach-inspired outfit to life.
4. Try something different
Rip up the rulebook, vamp up your style and strut your stuff in whatever feels most comfortable. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous this summer, why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and splash out on a totally new style? You might think you’ll feel better in the swimsuit styles you know and feel comfy in but, trust us, there’s nothing better than experimenting with a new look and falling in love! Be daring and try on different styles, colours, and patterns that you wouldn't usually go for. It’ll do your overall confidence the world of good.
5. Bring style and practicality together
Sure, you want to look good, but you’ll want to feel supported too. How can you be expected to feel confident in your swimsuit if you feel vulnerable? A swimming costume with an underwire, removable pads, tummy control support and more will all work together to help boost your overall confidence. Try on different styles and sizes to ensure you get the ultimate and most flattering fit for your figure.
6. ‘Practice’ in your swimwear
Okay, this one might take a bit of getting used to, but stick with it. Pop on your swimming costume around the house to practice wearing your new swimsuit. Whether you’re doing the washing or watching TV, wear your bikini or one-piece and get familiar with the way it feels and how you look. Stand in front of a mirror and say what it is you like about yourself and think ‘I look good in this!’ The more you say it, the more you will start to believe it! You’ll notice any fears you had about wearing a swimsuit will soon melt away, and it’ll end up being so much easier to hit the beach in a look you’re already used to.
7. Focus on having fun!
Our most precious rule is this: celebrate your individuality! You are completely unique, so you should never compare yourself to others and you should always be having fun. The minute you stop worrying about what other people think is the minute you’ll feel able to strip down to your swimsuit and have a ball! Get ready for the a summer of a lifetime and feel confident in your skin as you stroll along the beach.
Look Good, Feel Good and Do Good This Summer
Here at Joe Browns we’ve got a stunning collection of swimsuit styles and sizes, but we’ve gone one step further by creating swimwear including sustainable content too.
Approximately 84% of the main body of our swimwear is crafted from responsibly sourced polyester so you can flaunt your fabulousness knowing you’re doing good for the planet!
So, what are you waiting for? Discover fabulous swimwear that you’ll feel confident and remarkable in with Joe Browns today, or head to our Inspiration Page to explore summer styling tips.
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