Whether it’s hotting up in the UK or you’re planning your holiday wardrobe, no trip to the beach or pool is complete without the right swimwear.
Something that makes you feel and look good while splashing around with the kids or serenely gliding up to the swim-up bar is, in our opinion, as essential as a good holiday read and SPF.
Women’s swimwear is full of bikinis, tankinis and one-piece designs, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re conscious about certain areas of the body. For those folks whose first reaction to a high-leg design is to run for the hills and hide, a swim dress offers the best of both worlds.
A flattering style made from swimming costume-style fabric but cut in a skater style (or shorter), a swim dress skims over the stomach and hips while still looking perfectly appropriate in the water. The piece is a middle ground between bare-all bikinis and modesty swimwear, allowing you to feel the sun on your skin (and get the golden glow to show for it) while feeling happier in a piece that doesn’t cling to areas you’re sensitive about.
Like regular swimwear, swim dresses come in all patterns and colours, with classic cuts to flirty babydoll styles that will take you from beach to bar in less time than it’ll take to shake the salt water from your hair.
Keen to see what’s out there? We’ve rounded up the best options below to pack for your next poolside jolly.
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Joe Browns Animal Floral Swimdress
Sporting an animal print in neon, this cut-out detail dress is perfect for basking in the long-awaited sunshine.
The halter-style top extends to a swishy skater-style skirt, showing off just enough skin to feel comfortable in the heat. Finished with foam bra cups and built-in briefs, it comes in sizes 12 - 28.
Buy now £47.00, Simply Be
Contour Bandeau Tummy Control Swimdress
Corsets are back, and this time they’re comfortable enough to swim in.
Offered in slimming black with detachable straps, this panelled swim dress has eyelet and lacing detail on the front which you can adjust to give your chest extra support if you need it.
The hem comes down to the top of the thighs, making it a classy piece that you can throw on to go sightseeing too.
Buy now £48.00, Simply Be
Mesh Swimdress
Going to a European beach festival this year? Make a swim dress one of the first things to pack and you’ll be ready for whatever the schedule throws at you. This one is made for parties with a fun neon print that will look great at any time of night or day.
The machine-washable piece comes with detachable straps so you can switch up the look when you like too.
Available in sizes 12 - 32.
Buy now £38.00, Simply Be
Gorgeous Skirted Swimwear
Feel like a pin-up in this skirted swimsuit which comes with underwired cups to offer full support. Flattering halterneck straps complete the vintage vibe while the ruffle skirt is perfect for giving a little modesty when you’re not hard at work sunbathing. Complete the look with cat eye sunglasses and red lipstick.
Buy now £45.00, Debenhams
OAMENXI Swimming Costume for Women
Whether you’re self-conscious about your ‘mum tum’ or don’t like the idea of having everything on show, this swim dress gives you the freedom and confidence to have fun in the fun. The white and navy floral print makes it look like a regular frock, but the 82 per cent polyamide and 18 per cent Spandex mix means it's stretchy enough to feel comfortable in the water.
Buy now £22.94, Amazon
Nike Modest Victory Luxe Full Coverage Swim Dress
Dive into the water feeling free thanks to Nike’s Modest Victory Luxe Full Coverage Swim Dress. The thigh-length piece is made with a stretchy nylon blend that includes recycled components and despite the volume of material, performs well in water.
There are side vents to cut drag, an integrated sports bra for support and sun protection from UPF 40+ shielding fabric. Available in fun neon colours.
Buy now £14.00, Sports Direct
MAGISCULPT Lose Up To An Inch Tummy Control Swimdress
Keeping sopping wet swimwear in your bag after the pool is the surest way to dampen your holiday. Kill two birds with one stone in this swim dress, which pairs a pattern and cut you can wear all day with tummy control panels to keep you looking and feeling comfortable in and out of the water. The cups are lined with moulding pads to cushion things should it start to feel chilly. The piece is hand wash only.
Buy now £48.00, Very
Yours Curve Mesh Panel Swim Dress - Black
This smock-style swim dress includes a peek-a-boo mesh detail panel at the chest and adjustable straps so you can get your perfect fit. The A-line skims over the middle section, finishing at the top of the thigh, offering freedom yet modesty that you will adore.
Buy now £33.00, JD Williams
Seafolly Collective Boyleg One Piece - Black
Not exactly a swim dress but the short-style leg and ruching detail give this Seafolly costume tons of appeal. The leg is cut low enough to cover hips and bums completely, perfect if those areas are the bits you’re reluctant to have on show.
Available in sizes 8 - 18.
Buy now £115.00, Seafolly
