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10 timeless swimwear sets we're coveting this season
The day high-waisted bikinis came back into fashion, women all over the world rejoiced. In the Noughties, skimpy low-rise tanga briefs and triangle tops reigned supreme – even swimsuits were often deemed 'frumpy' – which didn't leave much choice for those needing extra coverage or support for a DD+ bust.
A quick look back at different swimwear styles over the decades certainly validates the concept of circular trends. In the Fifties, bikini bottoms came in ultra-high 'skirt' form to provide more coverage; whereas by the Sixties they were cut like boyshorts and waistbands had migrated to just below-the belly button. Fast forward a decade and women were braving low-rise briefs, but by the Eighties and mid-Nineties high waisted bikinis were en vogue once more – tempered with high-leg cuts that showed off the hip bones.
While these more sultry shapes are among the most popular right now, in 2022 anything goes. This is good news if you find swimwear a little intimidating, as there's nothing like choice to increase body confidence. Norma Karmali and Alexandra Miro rock retro mid-century cuts every season, while the likes of Oséree and Away That Day experiment with showcasing skin in fresh new ways. If you want something totally timeless, though, head to Heidi Klein or Arket for bikinis that'll serve you summer after summer.
Keep scrolling to see Bazaar's pick of the best high-waisted bikinis to shop in 2022.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £169
SHOP NOW High-waisted briefs, £148
Alexandra Miro is the London-based resortwear brand beloved by fashion editors. This bikini comprises a bow-embellished underwired top and belted high-waisted briefs inspired by Ursula Andress' iconic swimwear in the 1962 Bond film Dr. No. Choose from this playful strawberry design, exclusive to MyTheresa, or more classic polka-dot, gingham and animal prints.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £25
SHOP NOW High waisted briefs, £19
Arket's bikini is made from the same seersucker scrunchie fabric that gave Hunza G its cult status. The simple underwired bra top and high-leg cut briefs have a playful, early Nineties feel – amp it up with hoop earrings and an oversized shirt coverup when you're poolside this summer.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £140
SHOP NOW High-waisted briefs, £80
Form and Fold is the new DD+ swimwear brand making waves in the industry. Bikinis for bigger busts can often look frumpy, but these styles have concealed underwiring and forgo that standard cumbersome padding.
But while brand is quite rightly receiving lots of attention for what's up top, we have to commend its briefs in particular: together the high-leg cut and quality Lurex fabric smooth and shape to flatter the figure.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, Was £140, Now £70
SHOP NOW Belt briefs, Was £140, Now £70
Made from dense lycra with a sateen sheen and always lined for structure, Evarae's swimwear is impeccably quality – so when we spotted one of the brand's sets for half price in the Net-a-Porter sale, we couldn't resist. This high waisted bikini is dyed in an on-trend mocha hue and finished with retro buckled belt detailing.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £70
SHOP NOW High waisted briefs, £70
Cossie + Co is has clear USPs: quality swimwear, made from its signature honeycomb fabric, in timeless cuts that will see you through countless summers. We love the brand's high-rise briefs in particular – the elasticated waistband creates instant hourglass curves and never slips or rolls down.
Oséree's swimwear has been worn by the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande. From the brand's coveted Lumière range, this two-tone bikini is cut from sparkling Lurex into a high-leg shape for to create a relaxed Nineties vibe.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £165
SHOP NOW High-waisted briefs, £123
Norma Kamali always stays true to her much-loved signatures: dropping a range of Fifties-inspired bikinis, complete with an authentic high-waisted 'skirt' brief, every summer. This set feels especially retro with its powder-blue hue, ruched stretch-tulle and sweetheart halterneck top.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £29
SHOP NOW High waisted briefs, £23
& Other Stories is a great place to shop for quality swimwear on a budget. This playful set is defined by its Sixties florals and ruffled bikini top that you can wear on or off the shoulders. The high-waisted briefs continue the retro theme.
With its classic cut and elegant blue-grey hue, Heidi Klein's Gainsborough bikini is a timeless investment. Made from a figure-shaping honeycomb fabric, it has full-coverage high waisted briefs and an underwired bikini top with pretty pleated wide straps.
SHOP NOW Bikini top, £89
SHOP NOW High waisted briefs, £69
Female-founded brand Away That Day recently shifted its entire production to the UK, to ensure its pieces are both designed and made at home. It was a dramatic move to lower the brand's carbon footprint, which alongside its 100 per cent recyclable packaging and recycled fabrics, helps to secure its status as one of the most sustainable swimwear brands out there.