Today's swimsuits come in a variety of styles and cuts to suit all women (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Today's swimsuits come in a variety of styles and cuts to suit all women (Photo: Getty Images)

Swimsuits brands are stepping up and offering greater diversity in designs, so that all women can feel beautiful, no matter their size

The summer swimsuit can be a source of stress for many women, and for good reason. Until a few years ago, it was rare to find models that flattered or simply covered all body types. But specialist brands and ready-to-wear giants have begun to change, enabling all women to feel beautiful on the beach or by the pool.

More than two-thirds of French women (67 per cent) say they feel uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit on the beach, which is a source of stress and anxiety for many of them, reports a recent survey conducted by market research company IFOP for Flashs and Voyageavecnous.fr.

It’s a situation not unconnected to the expectations surrounding the summer body, that famous perfect body that women should supposedly flaunt on the warm sand.

But times are changing, with brands striving to meet their customers’ needs through more diverse shapes, cuts and models. This has been amplified by the emergence of new brands founded by more conscious celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, which have paved the way for greater inclusivity.

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Flattering all bodies

Bandeau, triangle or balconnet? Briefs, thong or tanga? A few years ago, there weren’t so many options when it came to choosing a swimsuit for the beach. But those days are over, since it’s now possible to choose from all kinds of styles, better suited to the diversity of women’s bodies.

Leading swimwear brands such as Darjeeling, Triumph and Aubade offer swimsuits tailored to larger chests, with underwired triangle cups or deeper cups, and (very) high-waisted briefs and short-style bottoms, often inspired by shapewear, to support and sculpt without compromising on style.

But it was Kim Kardashian who paved the way for greater diversity with the launch, just over a year ago, of her first swimwear collection Skims.

Minimalist in style, the wide range of products is truly inclusive, with not only traditional bikinis and one-pieces—themselves available in several versions, including a long-sleeved model—but also all-in-one suits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts and even swim sarongs.

And we’re not talking about simple beachwear, but pieces actually designed for swimming, sunbathing or chilling. There’s something to suit everyone.

As a result, other brands—both emerging and established—have followed suit. Today, women can find swimwear to suit their needs, body types, tastes and desires, all without having to compromise on style, and that’s an important detail.

From giants like Etam to specialists like Youswim and Kaly Ora, brands have redesigned some of their models, integrated stretch fabrics, or proposed more covering cuts to enable women to enjoy aquatic activities with comfort and confidence.

Including everyone

Women who have undergone mastectomy, once long overlooked, can now also access swimwear adapted to their needs without having to go to specialised boutiques.

This is thanks to mainstream brands such as Etam and Maison Finou, which now offer models designed for post-operative wear, featuring pockets for prostheses. As such, everyone can enjoy a summer of comfort, serenity and freedom.

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