This season's swimsuits have been given a touch of '50s glam with fuller briefs, spots and frills dominating itsy bitsy bikinis, as Ellie Constantine discovers.
Shopping for the perfect swimsuit is not everyone's favourite summertime activity, but with the cute and quirky styles on offer this season, it is hard not to have a smile on your face as you flick through the racks.
A wide range of cuts are available to suit any body shape or taste.
String bikinis hang alongside full one-pieces, bandeaus and tankinis.
To be on trend, hunt out anything with spots, stripes, bows and love-heart necklines.
These are back in a big way and ooze Marilyn Monroe when they adorn boyleg, halter one-pieces or high-waisted bikinis.
Ruffles are a hit this summer with frills attached to bottoms, tops, fronts, backs and straps.
This move towards the more girly and classic swimsuits has also seen a return of skirted bottoms.
No longer the realm of nanas, small skirts have found their way back on to both bikini bottoms and one-pieces.
They offer a little bit more coverage for the derriere region, and perhaps another option for women who feel more comfortable wearing shorts over their swimsuits.
Another trend that continues this season is cut-out one-pieces.
Designed to either highlight your waist or midriff, they add another dimension to suits and offer those not quite prepared to go full one-piece or full bikini an option.
For something else a little off-beat, scope out some of the scuba-inspired suits which are hitting racks this summer.
Heavy on the detailing, these swimsuits feature chunky plastic zips, some which travel right up to the base of the neck.
While predominantly black, many also come in vibrant fluoro colours with a real '80s sport feel.
Summer essentials
Two tried and tested summer essentials are a pair of Havaianas jandals and Ray-Ban sunnies.
The two classic brands are sticking with what they do best, with a twist.
Havaianas have been around since 1962 and have not stopped creating fashion trends with new prints, colours and models.
This summer, the latest collection dresses the favourite top and slim jandal with vibrant colours such as lilac, citrus yellow and strawberry.
For those who like to mix their colour palette, its Top Mix style offers a range of multicolour jandals.
Ray-Ban has also mixed up the classic aviator by giving it a shot of colour and a few new accents for this season.
Togs: Buying tips:
Grabbing a handful of garments and stripping down to your smalls in the quest for flattering swimwear can be a daunting task.
Here are some tips to help you find the best suit for your shape:
Hourglass
This body type suits a wide range of different styles, from bikinis to one-pieces.
Stick with matching suits because wearing two different colours on the top and bottom could make you look out of proportion.
If you want to minimise a larger stomach try a suit which gathers in the middle for an instant slimming affect.
If you have a large chest you will need more support and coverage, so avoid string bikinis and strapless tops.
Opt for underwire, thick straps and thick fabric instead.
Pear
If you are worried about showing too much of your bottom, try boy shorts or skirted styles for extra coverage.
Use colour and pattern to balance your body visually.
Patterns will draw attention while solid colours will minimise it, so try a patterned top and black bottom for a mix-and-match look.
Items sold as separates are great because you can buy two different sizes to suit your needs.
If you have a small chest, look for halter-cut tops or anything with padding.
Inverted triangle
You can do the opposite of the pear and wear a busier style on the bottom and plain, dark colour on top to create a balanced look.
Looking for items sold as separates will also work for you so you can buy them in different sizes to suit.
Rectangle
Add curves by using ruffles, ties, ruching, padding and bows to create volume and draw attention to your hips and bust.
A one-piece can help create more of a waistline, as can monokinis and one-pieces with belts.
