The best swimsuits and bikinis for summer 2016
Remember last summer when that Protein World billboard featuring a skinny, toned and tanned model, asking 'Are you beach body ready?', went viral?
The ad attracted hundreds of complaints, as women the world over declared: 'Yes, I am, actually, and I don't need to look like that to prove it'.
It proved that, actually, being beach-ready isn't about unrealistic ideals - it's about feeling confident, whatever your shape and size, and rocking the swimwear that makes you feel good.
From celeb-approved bikinis to catwalk-inspired one-pieces, take your pick from the swimwear trends of the season...
MAKE WAVES
The celebrity consensus is in: everyone from Lorde to Lupita Nyong'o has been seen in a Marysia bikini, featuring the LA brand's signature scallop-edging.
The bandeau Antibes style is the most popular choice, and for summer 2016 it's back in a new, sunny 'papaya' colourway.
The fast-fashion world has cottoned on to the scallop trend too, and you can now find wave-edged swimmers all over the high street at less than designer prices.
Best buys...
Marysia Antibes Bandeau scallop papaya bikini, £220, Oxygen Boutique (www.oxygenboutique.com)
New Look Women's scallop high neck halterneck bikini top, £12.99, and bikini bottoms, £7.99, Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk)
Very Rochelle Humes one shoulder scallop bikini set, £35 (Very.co.uk)
SURF'S UP
The 'athleisure' vibes that have been trending in mainstream fashion for the last couple of seasons have spilled over into the beachwear sector big time, resulting in bright, wetsuit-esque one-pieces, zip-up suits, and lots of mesh detailing.
For an authentic surfer-girl feel, look for high-necked styles in neoprene fabric - the advantage of this trend is that, compared with flimsy string bikinis, you'll feel thoroughly secure and strapped in, no matter how choppy the surf.
Best buys...
We Are Handsome parade mesh Neck bikini, £150 (wearehandsome.com)
Splash by Della Roz Lilly orange and blue swimsuit, currently reduced from £110 to £82.50 (www.splash-by-dellaroz.com)
Under the Same Sun Matia Eye pink recycled bodysuit, £101 (www.underthesamesun.se)
Oakley candy stripe swimsuit, £74, www.amazon.co.uk
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
If there's one thing we've learned from plus-size models like Ashley Graham and Robyn Lawley, it's that a high-waisted bikini is your shortcut to beach-babe glamour.
Make like a modern day pin-up in pretty floral or printed styles - look to plus-size brands for the best combos of flattering briefs and supportive tops.
Best buys...
Curvy Kate blue printed bikini top, currently reduced to £31.50 from £35, and high waisted bikini bottoms, currently reduced to £22.50 from £25, Evans (www.evans.co.uk)
Pour Moi Seville underwired bikini top, £28, and Control Brief, £22, Simply Be (www.simplybe.co.uk)
Pistol Panties frankie gingham bikini, £159 (www.pistolpanties.com)
Robyn Lawley printed underwired bikini Top, £79.99, and high waisted bikini briefs, £69.99 (www.navabi.co.uk)
TAKE THE PLUNGE
Just because you don't have tens of millions of Instagram followers doesn't mean you can't make like a Kardashian in this year's sexiest swim trend.
Combining bondage and bandage detailing, these skimpy swimsuits look best in monochrome, and are pretty much made for showing off on social media.
The only downside is that with all those straps, you risk some pretty weird tanlines.
Best buys...
Little Mistress bandage cut out detail swimsuit, £35 (www.little-mistress.com)
Topshop plunge mesh swimsuit, £22 (www.topshop.com)
Jane Norman mono Aztec print swimsuit, £30 (www.janenorman.co.uk)
SIZING UP SWIMWEAR
The bounce test; the Sangria sit; the swimming pool slip - these are just some of the poses women adopt when choosing a bikini, to check the sizing and ensure no movement-induced malfunctions, according to research from George at Asda.
The retailer has found that nearly a third of females have bought swimwear they've then never worn, and 71% of 18-24-year-olds find buying a buying a bikini the most stressful thing about going on holiday.
George offers a 100-day guarantee for returns, including swimwear, so you can shop and swap until you find your poolside perfection.
More at direct.asda.com
