We all want to look great on the beach with the ultimate beach bod. And I’ve got good news for you. All bodies are beach bodies. All you need is your body, and a beach – and preferably a sexy swimsuit to frame it in.
The secret to a good swimsuit is the cut. I have always loved 1930’s swimsuits, but since their leg cut is so low, my legs look about 1 foot tall. Suffice to say I do not look good in 1930’s bathing suits – but that doesn’t mean I look stubby in all swimsuits… it’s all about the cut.
So what constitutes a sexy swimsuit? A high cut leg, smaller bottom coverage, and lots of straps usually. But we can also have sheer panels, decadent fabrics, and beading to cover bits best left to the imagination. The point is: you only look sexy if you feel sexy.
With that out of the way, I’ve rounded up some of the sultriest swimsuits, so that you can show off your beach bod knowing you’re looking sublime.
Louisa Ballou
A Central Saint Martin’s graduate, Louisa Ballou was primed for success. All of her pieces are highly influenced by surf culture, as a passionate surfer herself, which makes me love her pieces even more. Her classic ‘Sex Wax’ swimsuit is adored by celebs including Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Sofia Richie – and also me. Wear in a sweltering Instagram post to make that guy who ghosted you regret it.
PatBO
The classier, mysterious, older sister of sexy swimsuits, PatBO is perfect for occasions when you need to hop from the seaside to the lunch table seamlessly. Some of her swimsuits have flowy bishop sleeves, which normally aren’t seen on a pair of togs, but work perfectly when paired with a maxi skirt and voilá! you’re the best dressed at the restaurant! Perfect for your Mediterranean dream stay Villa Tre Ville in Positano.
Oceanus
A velvet swimsuit?! Are you joking me?! Why the hell would you not buy this? If you want to pretend like you languish around in your multi-million dollar mansion with a voluminous blow-dry and an extra-dry martini – this is the swimsuit to do it in. Hand-embroidered with Swarovski crystals, Oceanus exudes 80s glamour.
Inamorata
It may not look like me in this picture, but I can confirm that it’s actually 100% me, I definitely totally look like this in real life. …At least that’s what I thought when I wore one of Emily Ratajowski’s swimsuits to a beach party slash high school reunion slash wedding (for god’s sake, pull it together!) At least I can personally confirm to you that even though I don’t have a bod like Emrata, I totally felt like I did wearing her swimwear, and that’s a mean feat.
Reina Olga
If you want to look like a Brazilian beach bum, this is the brand for you. Seriously, it’s really got that Brazilian cut, so if you’ve got ample assets – be prepared to have them on show! With bright, bold patterns and adventurous cuts, Reina Olga’s swimsuits will mark you as the sexiest on the beach. My favourite is the Augusta scrunch swimsuit for the best Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’ impression.
Tropic Of C
Started by someone with an extremely tiny but also enviable beach bod, Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swaenpoel decided to make her own swimwear brand. Think itsy-bitsy bikinis, and high-cut onepieces, Tropic of C is not afraid to make your legs look longer (which for me is a blessing). In tropical colours, and the occasional exotic print, Tropic of C mixes Candice’s native South Africa with Bali. I’m totally all for it.
Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali has been doing super-high cut swimsuits from the very beginning. That iconic photo of Farrah Fawcett laughing in a red swimsuit? Norma Kamali. Her classic style, the Marissa, is uber-high waisted so you can show off those hips, and sports deep-dipping sides down to the waist, show you can show off some side-boob. They come in a variety of colours, but my favourite has studs lining the seams. Fans include Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Culpo, and Kourtney Kardashian.
Image via Oceanus