Could John Lewis steal Boden's swimwear crown?
- John Lewis has given its swim range a chic overhaul just in time for summer
- READ MORE: Swimwear reaches Saudi Arabia! Models strut the catwalk in bikinis for the first time ever at Red Sea Fashion Week
Swimwear season is nearly upon us, which likely means one of two things; either digging an old-faithful cossie from the back of your cupboard and trying to pretend you don't mind that you've worn it four summers straight.
Or, gulp, traipsing along the High Street in search of something flattering that won't make you want to lunge for your towel the second you get out of the pool.
Because as we get older, this can start to feel like an impossible task — sizes tend to be inconsistent, shops are awash with flimsy cut-out designs suitable for twentysomething Instagram influencers rather than mere mortals, and the more functional pieces are often plain or frumpy.
It's why many midlife women have long trusted only a vanishingly small number of shops to provide their swimwear, such as Boden, Marks & Spencer and Next.
This year, however, our swimwear options have gained a glorious new addition. John Lewis has given its swim range a chic overhaul, changing 75 per cent of its offering with the aim of appealing to a wider audience of women of any age who want to feel supported and effortlessly stylish.
Coral swimsuit, £33.60; earrings, £16, accessorize.com All swimwear johnlewis.com unless stated
Bikini top, £24, and bottoms, £14.40 earrings, £32, boden. co.uk
Palm print twist-neck swimsuit, £32
According to Mark Finerty, head of the store's swimwear design, this has meant making multiple tweaks to give the swimsuits and bikinis the best fit possible and an increasing style choice, with 90 pieces on offer.
Fear not, you'll still find the reliable classic black swimsuit but now it's joined by an edgy one-shouldered cut-out version, £36 (already a bestseller).
The plain fabrics are all sustainable and there's a focus on breathable material, including a new crochet design with support hidden inside to flatter.
The range is full of covetable, expensive-looking yet wallet-friendly pieces across all of its own brands (Anyday, John Lewis and And/Or).
Alongside the swimwear, there's also a new range of tempting beachwear, including an oversized linen shirt, £36, to throw on by the pool.
More designs now feature adjustable straps — it's a small detail, but the option to give yourself an extra hoik if necessary is transformative.
Don't feel the need to forgo an ice cream, either; cleverly placed ruching offers a flattering style to disguise tummies, like this coral one-piece (above left), while a thinner mesh fabric gives a smoothing effect.
The result is comfortably shaping, instead of squashing, and much easier to wriggle out of once it's wet.
Monochrome swimsuit, £33.60; bracelet, £80, wilsonjewellery.com
Stripe swimsuit, £28.80; necklace, £95, wilsonjewellery.com
Postcard print, £22.40, Anyday; bangle, £95, florence-london.com
Black cut-out, £28.80; necklace, £105, wilsonjewellery.com; sunglasses, £17, accessorize.co.uk
Equally flattering are the belted styles, which will create a cinched look. Don't want the fuss? The belt is removable, as are the straps if you're mindful of tan lines.
Look out for the Anyday sky blue print swimming costume (top right), which feels like a grown-up version of Pamela Anderson's Baywatch days with its high leg cuts and scoop at the front and back.
Plus it's a steal at £22.40; a similar style from Hunza G, the designer beloved by the likes of Holly Willoughby and Kim Kardashian, will set you back £165.
Following a trend without slavishly pursuing it and updating your style without spending a fortune is part and parcel of what we've always relied on with John Lewis. And now it's arguably not following the swimwear game, it's leading it.
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