Tellar
Search
HomeStore size lookup - WomenStore size lookup - MenFashion HubMeasure Yourself - WomenMeasure Yourself - MenFAQ'sTell me moreCustomer FeedbackContact us

The Ultimate Guide to Swimwear: Bikinis & Swimsuits in the UK & USA — High Street to Designer Options, Styling Advice & Best Brands

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

The Tellar Fashion Hub is the UK's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library.

Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.

No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.

We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.

Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.

Find my size

Swimwear is more than just a summer purchase—it's an essential wardrobe category that combines fashion, function, and body confidence. Whether you're planning a beach holiday, spa weekend, or simply refreshing your summer drawer, choosing the right swimsuit or bikini requires knowledge of fit, fabric, silhouette, and brand sizing differences across UK and US markets.

This 1,000-word guide walks you through everything you need to know: styling advice by body shape, best UK & USA brands (high street and designer), and where to shop. Plus, we’ll introduce Tellar.co.uk—the UK's leading sizing tool—and how it helps match your body to any brand’s sizing instantly and accurately.

🩱 Bikinis vs One-Piece Swimsuits: What’s the Difference?

Bikinis

Bikinis are two-piece swimsuits that allow more freedom of movement and the opportunity to mix and match tops and bottoms. Ideal for tanning or creating an illusion of curves or length, they come in endless variations:

  • Triangle bikinis for small busts

  • High-waisted bikini bottoms for tummy coverage

  • Balconette or underwired tops for larger bust support

  • Bandeau tops to avoid strap tan lines

One-Piece Swimsuits

Modern one-pieces are no longer just for lane swimmers—they’re now chic, shapely, and supportive. They provide more coverage, streamline the torso, and offer built-in control panels for a smoothing effect.

🌍 UK vs USA Swimwear Sizing: What You Need to Know

There’s no universal sizing in swimwear—especially when buying across UK and US stores.

  • UK sizes typically run smaller in the bust compared to the US.

  • US brands may offer dual-cup sizing and extended torso options.

  • Many European brands (e.g. French or Italian) run tight, particularly on bottoms.

Confused? Tools like Tellar.co.uk’s Sizing Lookup remove all guesswork by matching your actual measurements to exact sizes across 1,500+ brandsInstruction on Posts

.

For a full breakdown, see:

➡️ UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes: The Ultimate Guide

🛍️ High Street Swimwear Brands (UK & USA)

These brands offer affordable, stylish pieces that cater to real body shapes and budgets:

UK High Street

  • Marks & Spencer – Inclusive cup sizes, tummy control, chlorine-resistant ranges.

  • Next – Great mix-and-match bikini sets, bandeau styles, and support swimsuits.

    See: What Size Am I in Next?

  • River Island – Trend-led cuts and prints.

  • Boux Avenue – Underwired swim options for fuller busts.

US High Street

  • Aerie (by American Eagle) – Known for body positivity, no-retouch swimwear ads, and extended sizing.

  • Target (Xhilaration & Kona Sol) – Budget-friendly and surprisingly stylish.

  • Old Navy – Bright, affordable options with tall/short variations.

💎 Designer Swimwear Brands Worth the Investment

Designer swimwear offers luxurious fabrics, technical structure, and longevity.

Top UK & European Labels

  • Heidi Klein – London-based brand with luxe fit and detailing.

  • Melissa Odabash – Loved by celebrities, known for glamour.

  • Seafolly – Australian favourite with excellent shape retention.

Top USA Labels

  • Solid & Striped – Classic cuts with modern colour palettes.

  • Mara Hoffman – Eco-conscious, sculptural one-pieces.

  • Eres (France) – Precision fit, architectural lines, timeless elegance.

🧬 Fabric, Fit & Construction: What Matters

  • Look for Lycra® Xtra Life or high elastane blends for chlorine and sun resistance.

  • Double-lined swimsuits offer modesty and prevent show-through.

  • Power mesh lining or internal bust support makes a huge difference for active wearers.

  • For plus-size and fuller bust swimwear, always look for:

    • Underwiring

    • Adjustable straps

    • Wide bands or hook fastenings

Want expert styling by shape? Browse:

➡️ Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape (Fit Logic Applies to Swim Too)

👙 Best Swimwear Styles for Every Body Shape

Hourglass

✔ High-waisted bikinis, balconette tops, wrap swimsuits

Avoid: Monokinis that cut across the waist

Pear-Shaped

✔ Bold top prints, darker solid bottoms, high-leg cuts

Avoid: Boy shorts or ruffles on hips

Apple-Shaped

✔ Ruching, plunge necklines, structured one-pieces

Avoid: Cut-outs around the midsection

Athletic / Straight

✔ Cut-outs, bold prints, triangle bikinis

Avoid: Boxy square-neck one-pieces

Petite

✔ High-leg cuts, minimal coverage, tie-side bottoms

Avoid: Busy full coverage that can overwhelm frame

Browse our expert guides for shape-specific fit tips:

➡️ SmartCasual Blazers for Women’s Body Types

👗 Style Tips for Poolside & Beach Dressing

  • Oversized linen shirt or kimono = instant cover-up

  • Co-ord shorts sets = perfect for day-to-beach

  • Wide-brim hat + sunglasses = balance & silhouette framing

  • Neutral espadrilles or leather sandals = elevate your look

If you love smart holiday capsule styling:

➡️ Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

🔍 Tellar.co.uk: The UK's #1 Free Sizing Tool

Trying on swimwear in-store is tricky. Shopping online is riskier. That’s why thousands use Tellar.co.uk—your personal fit assistant.

✅ What Is Tellar?

  • A free tool that matches your exact body measurements (or trusted brand size) to over 1,500 brands in real time.

  • Works across UK, USA, and European labels.

  • Completely unbiased, independent, and always free.

🧭 How It Works

  1. Create your free profile

  2. Add your bust, waist, hips or your current brand & size

  3. Use the Store Size Lookup tool whenever you shop

  4. See your exact size and avoid guessing or returning swimwear

You also get access to:

➡️ The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

➡️ Free printable measuring tape

➡️ The Fashion Hub with 1,000s of honest, stylist-written posts across body types, brands, and trendsInstruction on Posts

🛒 The Tellar Fashion Hub: Thousands of Free Style Posts

Stylists at Tellar.co.uk publish independent, unbiased, and brand-comparison posts to help you shop smarter.

Explore more:

📲 Follow Tellar for Fit Science & Daily Styling Advice

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start now at 👉 www.Tellar.co.uk Instruction on Posts

.

Find my size