If you're a new mum and haven't quite got your pre-pregnancy body back yet, there's no need to worry - you can look great on the beach this summer.
If you've always been a bikini kind of girl, don't assume you have to wear a one-piece. In fact, depending on which bits you want to emphasise, it can do more harm than good. There are plenty of figure-flattering bikinis out there, or even a stylish tankini if you're determined to cover your stomach.
First things first, you'll need to work out which are your best features and which you would rather hide. Perhaps you've still got some baby weight around your hips, or perhaps you have a caesarean scar you want to cover up, but by emphasising your best bits - such as a great cleavage or well toned arms - you can draw attention away from the rest.
Here are our top tips for post-pregnancy swimwear shopping...
1. Stomach
If you still haven't got your normally narrow waistline back yet, you can fake it with a one-piece swimsuit that has a cinching tie around the waist, or a flattering print - a simple band of block colour around the waist that is darker than the rest of the swimsuit will instantly create an hourglass silhouette!
Choosing a swimsuit, tankini or bikini with detail around the neckline will draw the eyes upwards, away from the stomach. Look out for details such as a ruffled trim to the cups or an unusual neck fastening.
If you want to wear a bikini, avoid bottoms that finish at the widest part of your stomach as this will only draw attention to it and make it seem even wider. You have two options - opt for bottoms that are very low-cut, or opt for extra high-waisted ones that finish at the narrowest part of your waistline.
Ruched fabric across the waist, whether it's a bikini, tankini or swimsuit, will also detract attention from a less-than-flat tummy!
Lisa Ho Phoebe Tankini Set - Was £98, NOW £45!
The textured, ruched detail across the stomach on this tankini will disguise any lumps and bumps more than a tight-fitting swimsuit or tankini top will - plus the dark grey colour is super slimming!
2. Hips
Are you still carrying baby weight around your thighs and hips that you want to shift? By wearing an opaque colour on the bottom half of your swimsuit or bikini, and a pattern up top (preferably in a lighter colour too) you'll draw the eye upwards and away from this problem area.
If you love tie-side bikinis, opt for string ties rather than thick ones - the thicker they are, the more they will draw attention to the hips and thighs.
Moontide Striped Reversible Triangle Bikini - Was £50, NOW £20!
This gorgeous bikini features a plain bottom with thin side ties, but a colourful patterned bikini top to draw attention upwards and away from your hips.
Whatever style of swimwear you decide to opt for, make sure it's well fitting - a badly fitting swimsuit will do nothing for your body or your confidence! Remember that your body is most likely a different size and shape to what it was before you became pregnant so don't try to squeeze into last year's swimsuit if it's not a perfect fit.
Get your bra size re-measured by a professional if you're buying cup-sized swimwear, and don't feel afraid to go up a dress size if the fit is better - you'll look fantastic, and no one sees the size label anyway!
If you're still not totally confident, why not buy a gorgeous kaftan or beach dress to wear over the top of your swimsuit or bikini? It's a totally chic beach look that covers you up in the most stylish way possible!
