SERIOUSLY CHIC SWIMWEAR

Boutique British brand Violet Lake was created specifically to solve the trickiest sizing issues. With a core collection of tops and bottoms all designed to complement each other, the brand’s swimwear comes in standout colours and classic, slightly retro shapes with a focus on elegance. violet-lake.com 

Designed by a former ballerina and surfing enthusiast, Marysia Swim pieces aptly fuse elegance and sportiness. Simple shapes in high-quality fabrics, often featuring the brand’s signature scalloped edging, are feminine and fashion forward. marysiaswim.com

The Frenchwoman’s go-to summer maison is known for its classic but sporty shapes, great simple colours and extremely high-quality fabrics. Eres is the brand to head to for elegant one-piece swimsuits and timeless bikinis that ooze chic. Warning: they come with a price to match; but look after them properly, and you could be wearing these for years. Find Eres swimwear on net-a-porter.com

Long a London favourite, Heidi Klein is a brand to head to for a glamorous yet understated look. Nautical stripes, simple block colors and pinup-style swimsuits all offer a grown-up take on beachwear. Coming in extremely high-quality fabric and with the focus on fit too, these bikinis (many sold as separates) can work wonders for the figure. heidiklein.com

Former style editor Anna Laub originally founded Prism in 2009 as an eyewear brand; it now covers swimwear, eyewear, bags and espadrilles, all delivered with the brand’s signature clean aesthetic. Named after the glamorous holiday destinations they’re imagined for, these pieces have pinup appeal and come in summer colours that are far from run of the mill. prismlondon.com