Where do you buy bikinis????

[Mammyofonlyone]

We're going on our first beach/pool type holiday this year for a long time (since giving birth). It's years since I have worn a bikini and only recently threw all my old ones away (about two months before booking this holiday.......!). I've no idea where to start. What styles are flattering? Where has a good selection? If anyone has any recommendations it would be great, as I'm not relishing the prospect of shopping for them. Thanks.

Boden have been doing underwired/cup-sized bikinis for the last couple of seasons (though the sizing has been a bit erratic), they're really good once you get one that fits.

Also try the discount lingerie outlets like belle-lingerie etc. for last season's bra brand swimwear like Freya and Cleo - Cleo stuff in particular is lovely.

I'm a 32DD and this year's Boden cup-sized bikini tops in 34D fit me fine, they're quite big in the band. My one from last year is a 32D, as last year they were fine in the band and weirdly big in the cups. As I said, the sizing is a bit erratic. Worth a try anyway.

Small in the band, I meant. Damn you, lack of edit facility.

I've bought bikinis from Figleaves and Simply Beach. I much prefer online as you can try them on properly at home.

Boden bikinis are nice quality but I ordered most of their range this year and didn't find the shapes or the patterns flattering so they all went back. Wish they did more in plain subtle colours but that's not really their thing is it.

I find Next usually have a few decent ones.
I have bought more expensive ones, but they disintegrate with pool and sun, or I just go off them. Next does the job.

Seafolly. Expensive so I always buy in the sale. They look great wear after wear. Really well cut and sturdy too.

I recently ordered a whole bunch from ASOS. I am keeping one top and one bottom and the rest are going back.

Once you know you will be doing a return, you may as well order a lot, and different sizes.

Just brought this bikini from Pour Moi. It was in the sale, £6.50 for the top 34E and £4.50 for the size 12 bottoms and £3.50 delivery. Ordered Thursday arrived Saturday. Free returns if you need to order different sizes.
They have loads of bikinis, rankings, swimsuits and matching wraps on the website and quite a good choice in the sale. They sell lingerie too.
I've had my last 4 bikinis from them and they are excellent quality, hand wash well and are true to size.
They sell their brand via other suppliers e.g. Figleaves and Bravissimo but I always go direct to their website www.shoppourmoi.co.uk.

Ebay - search for bikini by cup size and you get brand-new unused bikinis from Freya, Fantasie etc. I have to pick bikini bottoms very carefully after 2 CS - too small pants roll down into my scar and expose bits I would rather keep to myself!

SeaFolly for indulgance, H&M for good priced large selection

I just bought 2 bikinis for my Easter hol after trying a few. Bandeau with strap from Simply Beach. The colour is gorgeous on. The brief is a little lower than I'd like, but I've got a few weeks at the gym left to tone and I usually don't care much once I'm by a pool.
m.simplybeach.com/products/Panache/CleoAvrilBandeauBikiniTop-PalmPrint.aspx
I'm 34G so usually stay away from bandeau but have found panache really supportive in past.

Also this red one fits beautifully and the high waist suits me as there's still a good gap between the briefs and top. I'm 12-14.
airymary.com/collections/bikini-tops/products/red-halter-bikini-getaway-underwired

I can't wait to get to a pool and sunshine.

Do not try on in the shops - I still have post traumatic stress from that experience! Order up a load online and try at home. Next or m&s we're best last year for me.

@biggreenolives, yes I bought a couple of Lascana bikinis and they've lasted well. I'm 30 rib cage too but smaller cup size - I think they come in a good range of sizes.

Seafolly for me! Have ordered and returned from every company going, in my time, bikinis and one piece swimwear. I have big boobs, small back, flabby post baby belly and no bum. This is the only brand that doesn't hang off my bum. Oh, and I'm only 5'3, and most swimsuits are too long - think crotch halfway down to knees kind of look. Or underwires across nipples, if I pull it up properly. They are pricey, but I would sooner pay and look half decent ( that's as good as it gets with me )

I get mine from Bravissimo usually.
I will be buying high waisted bottoms this year for sure!

Another vote for Seafolly - expensive but very flattering, not see through and keep their shape. Buy anything else and you'll be buying it twice.

Another Sea Folly fan - always a great fit and quality. But my favourite is definitely Heidi Klein - beautiful products that keep their shape. Tops and bottoms separately purchased. Great customer service too.

Brastop are very good and always having sales it seems.

Surfdome are great for bikinis, huge selection and good sales almost all the time.

www.surfdome.com/

Or if you're anywhere near Cornwall, Ann's Cottage surf shops.

Fabulous if you need a D cup or more....

www.brastop.com/all-swimwear-bikini-swimsuits

Also agree with bravissimo suggestions - perfect for those needing more support.

Asda have some good ones. I'm a 32f and I can get ones in my size from there for like £12 :)

28FF/30G.

I used to years ago buy bikinis etc from debenhams etc when smaller now have to resort to Boux Avenue and Figleaves for larger cup sizes.

However, try H&M too, I've bought 2 swimming costumes from there in last few years one a halter neck, one not and they're amazing for price, fit and washing and wearing.

I also got a nice swimsuit last year from Joy the Store, Louche. Stripy and different.

primark are good but I don't find the support great.

Also depending where you're going on holiday check out the stuff for sale there, got a nice American brand (Banana Moon?) very nice ruched red top and bottoms on sale (not reduced sadly!) in the swimming pool/Aqua park complex in France where I holidayed.

Also with Figleaves Freya do underwired bikinis and their customer service advisors on the phone are very helpful.

If your anywhere nearby this factory shop is worth a visit and you can get properly measured as well.
Wacoal Europe Factory Shop
Rothwell Road
Desborough
Northamptonshire
NN14 2PG
Tel: 01536 761 252
Opening times:
Mon-Sat: 9am until 4pm

We currently sell lingerie brands: Freya, Fantasie, Fauve, Elomi, b.tempt'd, Huit and Goddess as well as Fantasie and Freya bra sized swimwear, at great discounted prices.