Why the little black swimsuit should be your go-to style this summer

It’s the timeless classic of the beachwear world

Bravissimo, Siena Swimsuit, £54

Beach season is finally upon us, but if you’re planning on spending as much of the next couple of months in the sea as you can, you’re going to want to reassess your current swimwear wardrobe first.

While that rainbow coloured two-piece you’ve been sporting for the last five years might seem like a fun choice, opting for something classic and straightforward will make you stand out for all the right reasons.

Enter: the Little Black Swimsuit (LBS).

If you’ve had enough of all those years of mishaps investing in quirky swimwear trends, then sprint to the safety of an LBS which, no matter your age, shape or size, promises to flatter.

That being said, the type of LBS you choose should depend on what you want to get from it. Do you want something you can swim lengths in, are you looking for extra support, or do you simply want to look and feel great?

If watersports are your thing, then choose a sporty option that doesn’t skimp in the style stakes. For this, we suggest investing in Stella McCartney for Adidas swimsuit which comes with a chic racer-back design, breathable mesh panels on the side and back, and flatlock seams for minimal water drag.

Women Adidas by Stella McCartney, £59.95, Adidas

Alternatively, if the idea of wearing swimwear of any kind fills you with dread, Marks & Spencer’s Secret Slimming Plunge Swimsuit could give you the confidence boost you need.

Designed with an inner layer of control fabric, it holds you in all the right places, while the moulded cups and plunging neckline ensure a truly flattering look.

Icon Spot Mesh Underwired Shaping Halter Black Swimsuit, £60, Figleaves

Women with bigger busts can find swimsuit shopping particularly testing but, thanks to a whole host of pioneering brands, finding the perfect match is now a lot easier.

Our favourites include Bravissimo’s Siena Swimsuit, available in 28E-40K, and Figleaves Icon Spot Mesh Halter Swimsuit, in 30D-38G cup sizes.

Jade Swim, Halo One-Shoulder Swimsuit, £155, Net-a-Porter

If you’re after an option that screams high fashion, the high street has plenty of trendy designs to consider, from one-shoulder styles to plunging V-necks, cut-outs and ruffle trims.

Secret Slimming Plunge Swimsuit, £25, Marks & Spencer

Cut-Out Swimsuit, £24.99, H&M