Summertime and the living ain't always so easy. As the temperature, and hemlines, rise, our self-confidence doesn't necessarily follow. There's no skirting it, parts of our bodies normally reserved for private viewing will soon be on public display. Yes, it’s the time of year that many women dread - the swimwear season. If the thought of exposing your wobbly white flesh fills you with fear don't panic - we're here to help.
For most of us, there are few things more traumatic than the annual search for a new swimming cossie. Nothing is more likely to make you extremely aware of your body's flaws, all of which are made worse by an expanse of pasty-white skin and the four-week-countdown-to-the- beach diet that never happened.
Now that it's too late to hit the gym, do the Atkins or start munching Alli - the good news is that swimwear has never been more appealing or flattering. Whether your bottom is gigantic or tiny, your stomach flabby or flat, or your breasts of Jordan-proportions or more like Kiera Knightly's, there is something for everyone. Before you start, it's important to take a good look at your body and be brutally honest about your worst features.
There's no point in thinking you're a slinky Kate Moss if you're a curvy Kate Winslet.
Every woman has a gripe - be it big hips, fat tummy or small bust - but if you choose your swimming costume with care you really can disguise the least-favourite bits of your body. And the good news is that you don’t need spend a fortune to look good.
High-street stores such as H & M, Accessorize and Pennys have a selection of fashionable pieces for well under €25. Considering that swimwear - whatever the price tag - rarely lasts more than two summers, it is generally not worth dipping too deep into your bank account to splurge on a designer piece that will quickly out of date.
Apply the same rules to buying swimwear as you would to buying underwear. If your shape does not conform to dress sizes, look for swimwear that is classed by bra size. Bikinis may be revealing, but they can suit any body shape if you choose the right style. High-cut briefs will elongate your legs, padded tops and bandeau styles are perfect for small boobs. Small breasts H & M and Topshop stock plenty of padded bikini tops.
Lovers of the classic one-piece will find them more difficult to come by these days, although Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Dunnes stock a wide variety. However, be aware that covering up as much as possible is rarely the most flattering option. When it comes to swimwear - and bikini bottoms in particular - less is usually more. A large expanse of material implies a large amount of flesh underneath.
If you have wide hips, a patterned top or halter neck draws the eye upwards, away from the hips. V-fronted bikini bottoms are also great for slimming the waist as they sit high on the tummy and the design deflects attention away from the midriff. The good news is that, whatever your shape, you can still raise temperatures on the beach once you know how to make the most of what you’ve got.
