Daring to Bare With Glamorous Swimwear

It's that dreaded time of year again. The time of year which, unless you have the body of a Victoria's Secret Angel, makes you want to hide forever beneath a bin liner.

Like any woman, I hate bikini shopping. Who honestly wants to stare at their most-hated wobbly bits, larger than life and taunting us from every angle? Utterly terrifying.

So, if you don't dare to bare beneath fluorescent lights, 360 degrees mirrors and carefree 18-year-olds prancing about the changing rooms, then why not take your swimwear shopping online?

We've selected the very best swimwear out there, so you can shop from the comfort of your own sofa. From printed bikinis to sexy all-in-ones, we have it all. No cowering necessary.

Are you a sporty swimsuit girl, or a retro sex bomb? Whatever your beach personality, we've got you covered.

Sam x

PRINTED BIKINIS

From flamingo fancies to fruit basket prints, the high street is crazy for a printed bikini this summer. Although they may not be for the faint-hearted, fret not - loud prints will actually draw attention away from your problem areas. Race you to the checkout...

Clockwise, from top left:

Lemon bikini, Topshop, £32

Flamingo print halter neck, ASOS, from £14

Laser-cut bandeau bikini, River Island, from £13

Underwired geometric print bandeau top, ASOS, £16

Green glitter print set, Pistol Panties at Topshop, £59

MARVELLOUS MONOCHROME

Work this season's must-have colour combination in sexy, sculpted white and black. Be brave and go for this stunning cut-out number from Norma Kamali at Net-a-Porter, or go sophisticated and elegant in the Beth Richards bandeau swimsuit. We love!

Clockwise, from top left:

Cross-front swimsuit, Norma Kamali at Net-a-Porter, £355

Monochrome bandeau swimsuit, Beth Richards at Net-a-Porter, £250

White halter neck swimsuit, ASOS, £28

Black and neon bikini, Melissa Odabash at Net-a-Porter, £195

White and black contrast bikini, ASOS, from £10

Cream broderie halter bikini, Topshop, £32

GOING RETRO

I've always loved the retro, 50s-inspired look. What could be more glamorous than being a Marilyn Monroe-esque starlet on the beach, all luscious curves and artfully curled hair? Need convincing? These high-waisted suits are ultra flattering on problem tummies.

Clockwise, from top left:

Yellow floral print, Girl Howdy at Forluna, from £27.50

Navy high-waisted bikini, Topshop, £34

White cherry print swimsuit, Forluna, £60

Tropical print, £34, Topshop

Monochrome bikini, What Katie Did, from £35

Floral bandeau, Topshop, £36

SEXY SWIMSUITS

Sexy swimsuits are still very much en vogue this season. We love these panelled bandeau swimsuits, which nip you in at the waist and help to create a gorgeous, streamlined silhouette. Instant va va voom.

Clockwise, from top left:

Peach and black panelled suit, Lisa Marie Fernandez at Net-a-Porter, £380

White and navy colour block, ASOS, £28

Orange and white striped suit, D&G at Net-a-Porter, £300

Flamingo print cut-out suit, ASOS, £35

Black cut-out swimsuit, H+M, £20

STYLISH COVER-UPS

So, now you've got your swimwear sorted, you have to get your glam cover-up to match. We are loving this tangerine maxi dress by Melissa Odabash, but how cool will you look rocking this beaded kimono poolside? Add a floppy hat and you're guaranteed to be the girl everyone's talking about.