Swimwear – Accentuate or Hide Your Curves

Summer is here and the weather is warm enough to venture to the beach and the local pool and enjoy the sun-it's at that moment that you decide to buy swimwear. However, the thought of buying and wearing swimwear can sometimes invoke a little anxiety, or if you're optimistic, make you resolute in keeping your diet goals.

Whether you're a man or a woman, you will share many of the same concerns when it comes to choosing your swimwear: primarily does it hold its shape and compliment your body, rather than drawing attention to your shortcomings and bulges.

Firstly decide whether you will be using your swimwear for sunbathing, swimming, or both to determine the most suitable style — remember you get what you pay for. Then determine if you want swimwear to show off your curves or something more humble and functional.

Next remember these: colour, material and style tips. Dark styles are slimming, though beware pasty skin tones, and brighter colours should be restricted to the area(s) you want to highlight.

In terms of material, the greater the Lycra content the more durable and slimming your swimwear will be: beware of cheaper materials like canvass that will fade in the sun.

For men try knee length trunks and for women Tankinis and Skirtinis because they compliment every body type, shade flaws and are easier to fit. It is also better to have a little extra room rather than wearing swimwear that's too tight.

The most popular brands this summer include Speedo, Adidas, Finis, Kiefer, Aqua Sphere, Zoggs, Win and Maru. For something on the luxury side of the swimwear range try AquadiLara, Lady Lux, Red Carter, Sauvage and Zeugari.

The leading online websites to find swimwear are: Swim Shop, Swimhut.com, Ukswimwear.com, Allensswimwear.co.uk, Swimwear Online. The best high street stores to buy swimwear are: Allsaints.com/Swimwear, Very.co.uk, Next, Debenhams.com and Marksandspencer.com.

A good quality thong bikini, fashion two-piece swimsuit, monokini, two-piece, halter, or triangle for women will set you back between £40 and £400. For men: briefs, trunks, swim jammers or square legs will cost you between £30 and £300. Jump online and save even more.