Suits You
My top ten favourite bathers of all time (and why)
Off for a quick dip in the Seine?
Or, better yet, some slightly further flung and more … hygienic body of water?
Before you take the plunge, please allow me, after years of trial an error, to bring you my top ten bathing suit models of all time. Well —that I’ve tried so far.
What makes a swimsuit great? It’s pretty subjective isn’t it. I suppose it largely comes down to preference, body type and of course, usage. You might not want the same suit for sunbathing on the Amalfi as you do for kicking butt in a regatta race, (though cross-over is always ideal).
So while Vittoria Ceretti and Katie Ledecky presumably have wildly different swimwear preferences, perhaps they would agree on one or two essential factors like elasticity, durability, ethical fabrication and support.
Swimwear can be a controversial, even combustible subject. So let’s pour an ice bucket over all that right now and preface this list (if you’ll allow me) with the simple disclaimer that all opinions are my own and relate to my experience and my own gosh-darn navel-gazing needs. And taste. But I hope you’ll discover something great here too.
Let’s dive in. In no particular order:
‘Le Merveilleux” by ANJA Paris
Right so. If you have a bosom to speak of, this can complicate swimsuit selection in that you don’t necessarily want the same size up top and down below, plus, as time goes by, I unquestionably need a bit of support. Not necessarily an underwire…but preferably. That said, I am not yearning for super-coverage either. So I was thrilled to discover that ANJA Paris hit this conundrum out of the park last summer with "Le Merveilleux” (in fuscia no less). Here I am wearing it whenever I get the chance (see above and below) and here it is on sale, hopefully in your size. I’ll be beseeching its lovely designer to bring it back in a multitude of colours ASAP, I promise. (Stay tuned.)
When in Florence. In my Anja numero uno at Il Salvatino in the Florentine hills. The ‘Tre’ by Lido
I love a timeless one-piece and this one really excels, with its straight neckline, high-cut, mat finish and lovely geometric back details. Available in a ton of colours. Here I am in the red, contemplating a very chilly morning dip in Georgian Bay last summer:
The ‘The’ by Lido in Georgian Bay, Canada.
A tie for third between the ‘Crop Top’ and ‘Nineties Crop Top’ by Matteau.
If you’re looking to avoid an underwire but still want your chest held in and up, these are top notch crops. I wear both regularly (the nineties one has slightly thicker straps —less ideal for tan lines but even more support provided). Lots of bottom options to mix and match with on the website. I love Matteau’s minimalist, timeless everything and the swimwear is no exception— it does make sense that Aussies should excel in this category, doesn’t it.
The ‘Terry Triangle Top’ and ‘Terry Tie Me Up Brief’ combine to form the only ‘string’ bikini I’ve ever been able to wear consistently without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. (I am not a dignified swimmer.) There’s something about Talia’s luxurious, quick-drying, textured recycled fabric made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon just manages to do the job in terms of holding things in, when tied properly. I maybe wouldn’t go for a run in the beach in this but I’d definitely jump off a boat into the sea (and have). Initials personalisation available. Also, f*ck the male gaze, dress for yourself etc etc, but if you’re wondering which one is my husband’s favourite …now you know.
The ‘Asymmetrical’ by Talia Collins
Lived in this bikini top while pregnant. Bit more coverage but the one-strap element adds interest. Here I am wearing it heavily pregnant on a rock in Ibiza lol.
The Talia Collins Asymmetrical. Arizona Love sandals. Love this gingham number for say, a country weekend hang. Great poolside charm set against a rural background, can’t you just picture it. I also feel Brigitte Bardot would approve.
Look, sometimes you just want to work on your tan lines (while wearing HEAPS of factor 50). Especially when you want to straighten things out before, say, slipping into a gorgeous-but-exposing strapless dress you totally didn’t plan on wearing but found on sale and talked your best friend into letting you wear as a bridesmaids dress two-days before her wedding. That’s where the Longitude comes in. Strapless —but it stays up and supports you from the inside with an intricate seam/bustier situation.
The ‘Lola’ by Dolla x Holi Editions
Bejewelled swimwear is not for the faint of heart but can be gorgeous when done tastefully. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a piece from the Dolla Paris x Holi editions collab a couple of summers ago ago and love the soft stone straps which mix quartz with amazonite and tiger’s eye with green aventurine. The suit is soft and delicate (but not hazardously so) and can be warn as a top into evening come cocktail hour. I realise this is a bit of a dud tip because they’re no longer available on the Dolla website, but if you can find one in some corner of the internet, I highly recommend one for a glamorous beach holiday.
In my years living in France I have seen women of a remarkably wide variety of ages, shapes, sizes and colourings wearing this one-piece and I have never seen it look anything short of uh-mazing. I know the snaps are a sort of unlikely statement and the price is way up there but trust me. No one ever regretted an Eres. Especially not this one. Go a size or two up btw, their suits are minuscule.
The Eres ‘Aquarelle"‘
Another Eres for the win! This is the simplest swimsuit ever. It is also one that gains a sportier feel in colours like the grey I was wearing below in Biarritz. (Do I look like I’m about to go surfing?)
I did not, in fact, go surfing on this day because I was, again, pregnant but the fabric was accommodating enough for a larger-than-normal chest without feeling restrictive (and still keeping ‘em afloat!) Great success.
***Special Mention!***
New Paris-based brand UZA Swimwear is a top find for the string bikini-lovers among us. Fab patterns, great values.
That’s all. HAPPY SUMMER! I’ll keep in touch here.
Loved this and the detailed descriptions!
Great post! Have a nice summer 🌻