Already booked your first sun-drenched holiday of 2014? Well, then, it's time to start planning your vacay wardrobe and these are the stunning swimwear brands you need on your radar.
1. Pistol Panties Pistol Panties is like the trailblazing elder daughter of the swimwear world. It was started ten years ago by Deborah Fleming who saw a niche in the market for a range that combined united quirky prints and designs with flattering, feminine glamour. After cutting the first collection in her kitchen, Deborah took it to Selfridges – who snapped up the lot. After a few slightly experimental seasons, the brand has gone back to its roots for the anniversary range. (Prices range from £139-189.)
2. Seafolly
Seafolly is, as one could predict, all about the ocean. Their collections are MILES away from a wet suit in terms of aesthetics, but not so far when it comes to practicality. The pieces are fabulously stylish and innovative, in bright colours, bold prints and immaculate cuts which suit all shapes and sizes and won’t fall to pieces if you’re hit by a big wave. (Prices range from £36-100.)
3. Bang!
Swimwear’s newest addition Bang! has more of an edge than other brands out there. Launched by model Nell Robinson and fashion buyer Ann Marie Clarke this year, the debut collection reflects their contrasting Jamaican roots and European edge in their bold and bright designs – with a heavy rock undertone. It has shunned the classic frills and florals that come with women’s swimwear in favour of denim, leopard print and even leather. (Prices range from £40-160.)
4. Orlebar Brown
After the mad success of their men’s signature range of classic pieces, Orlebar Brown is finally doing womenswear. It’s a go-to brand for no fuss, structured pieces in a range of block colours, as well as geometric prints, to mix and match for your own personal beach look. (Prices range from £95-225.)
5. We Are Handsome
We Are Handsome has carved a name, and a vast celebrity following, for itself since it launched in 2009 with its signature range of printed one-pieces and bikinis. If you love fun digital print clothing (which we do), then this is the swimwear for you. It’s expanding its range of cuts and designs with every collection, though we're still partial to the lion face. (Prices range from £120-255.)
6. Heidi Klein
Heidi Klein’s swimwear collections are sophisticated, elegant and practical, making it one of the go-to shops, regardless of the season, for a timeless holiday wardrobe since its launch in 2002. The ranges comprise flatteringly cut bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups in classic tones as well as more bold and contrasting prints. The pieces are structured enough not to worry that it will come undone or reveal your modesty if you’re, you know, clambering over a yaught or something. (Prices range from £170-220.)
7. Princesse Tam Tam
Princesse Tam Tam’s story is a unique one. Two Madagascan sisters ran a gift shop in Paris in which they sold their bold and unusual range of lingerie. Tragically, one of the sisters died during terrorist attacks in 2008 but the brand has continued to grow. Eight years since it launched, Princesse Tam Tam has branched out into more diverse ranges which encompass the brand’s original message: encouraging women to feel free (in beautiful lingerie, swimwear and nightwear). (Prices range from £18-89.)
8. Melissa Odabash
Melissa Odabash is one of the ultimate holiday brands, with her designs nailing the balance between luxury and global traveller. Coming from the model background, she knew what women wanted from their swimwear: beautiful designs, timeless style and genuinely comfortable fabrics which will suit all different body types at one of the most potentially intimidating times. Her passionate dedication to swimwear, which has involved coffee table books and collaborations, can’t have hurt either. The result: seriously slick collections of freshly toned bikinis and one-pieces which flatter the female form, as well as adorn it with signature detailing. (Prices range from £83-240.)
9. MinkPink MinkPink was launched in Australia in 2005 by Rachel Evans who decided that fashion-forward girls, who weren’t loaded, were given a raw deal. MinkPink’s original collections filled that niche, and a brand which was about having fun with one's individual, fresh, inspired, distinctive style was born. Basically, it’s about being ballsy, not boring, when it comes to getting dressed and living your life. (Prices range from £26-72.)
Not booked a 2014 holiday yet? These are the 8 must-visit destinations we're dying to go to.
