On a scale of getting your roots touched up to replacing all your make-up products when they inevitably run out at the same time, hunting for new swimwear can sometimes fall into the sigh, here we go again batch of tasks. Sure, it would be nice to switch out that drab, six-year-old one-piece and add a pattern or two into your holiday rotation – but the thought of navigating your way through the expansive sea of styles, cuts and fabrics can be downright daunting.

Luckily for you, poring over products and scoping out the swimwear scene is something we actually enjoy. We did some deep-diving research (and asked all the questions) so you don’t have to.

Read on for our tips for finding sun-ready swimwear that fits you – and not the other way around.

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1. Choose your lane

    Before getting into the details of strapless vs string and briefs vs thong, you’ll need to narrow your search down. In other words, decide if you’re a bikini or swimsuit girl.

    Once you’ve made a choice, you can then home in on things like shape to really get the ball rolling. ‘With a swimsuit, I’d advise trying different styles like plunging, bandeau or square neck, for example, to find what works best,’ says Jessie Drabble, contour specialist and senior product designer at Lounge, a luxury brand best known for curating collections that celebrate the female form. ‘It’s important to look for something that you feel comfortable in and that suits your natural style.’

    Drabble’s emphasis on beginning with your own sense of self echoes Lounge’s form-focused ethos, not to mention the considered craftsmanship behind the brand’s 18-piece Summer Solstice swimwear collection, featuring swimsuits, bikini sets and separates.

    2. Focus on fit

    Now that you’ve narrowed down your shape, you can look deeper into specifics like cut and silhouette to find the kind of fit you want.

    ‘Swimwear is worn to be seen, but should ultimately make you feel confident by celebrating your shape,’ notes Drabble. ‘A great swimsuit should fit in all the right places.’

    Understanding how the different cuts impact fit is key. Among bikini bottoms, for example, a high-waisted design will bring definition to the waist and offer curvier figures a cinched finish, while a high-leg style like Lounge’s Celestial High-Leg Bikini Thong won’t necessarily sit high on the hip but still plays with form.

    ‘A high leg is super flattering,’ says Drabble, ‘whether this is in a swimsuit or just in bikini briefs, it helps to elongate the legs.’

    Keeping in mind that the goal is for your swimwear to work with you and complement your natural form can help when deciding what it is you want to accentuate, embrace and support.

    3. Get secure

    Speaking of support, many of us will know the feeling of dipping into crystalline waters for a cooling swim, only to spend most of the time pulling up straps that keep sliding off your shoulders. Thanks to a general move towards more inclusive, considered designs, you can now afford to be that little bit more specific when it comes to the practicality of swimwear and, say, ditch the straps altogether if you so wish.

    ‘Look for swimwear that offers good support, such as adjustable straps or tummy-control panels. It’s worthwhile investing in pieces that have additional features,’ says Drabble.

    So if you’re a DD+, turn to tops that feature supportive underwiring, or pieces like the Lounge Midnight Tropics Bralette, which are crafted with removable bra cups. For anyone after a bit more flexibility with fit in general, opt for a string style that you can tie yourself, like the Celestial Tie-Side Bikini Briefs, for an easily adjustable finish.

    patterned high leg bikini bottoms

    4. Have fun with it

    Now you’ve got all the practical things out of the way, it’s time to bring a dose of personality to your search. Whether you’re looking to dial it up with on-trend florals and abstract prints or want to explore the playful allure of cut-out details and asymmetric shapes – the world (of swimwear and separates) is your oyster.

    ‘More is more’ is Drabble’s verdict when asked about the growing trends for bold details and contrasting textures in swimwear – a theme reflected in the engraved hardware detailing seen across the Summer Solstice collection. ‘From beading to trims, it is all fun. But you should always just wear whatever makes you feel good – that’s the most important thing.’

    Discover Lounge’s full Summer Solstice swimwear collection at lounge.com.