Lina Rennell swimwear

Having spent loads of time analysing the ‘I hate swimwear’ phenomenon, I have come to the conclusion that even the most confident woman will, if pushed, have something horrid to say about some part of her body and that she would prefer to keep covered up.

Unfortunately, my pleas to clients about how gorgeous women’s bodies are and how marvellous it is that we are all unique works of art, falls on stony ground when the time comes to bear all.

So, my answer is loads of fake organic tan applied expertly in my favourite salon Glams in Soho, high heels and a few clever camouflage tips:

1. Curvy (aka problem hips)

Tip 1 Loads of people think that by raising the leg line and making the leg seem longer works. Uh no, not always! Here’s an easy home test. Take a pair of knickers by standing in front of a mirror and check this out. Pull knickers up above panty line (a la Brazilian model) or leave on panty line. You will find that a leg line which follows your natural panty line reduces hips.
Tip 2 Pick a swimsuit or bikini top that broadens the shoulders. You can do this with lines following the neck lines or a deep ‘V’ that brings your eyes to the shoulders, think Speedo look.
Tip 3 Simple. Wear a darker colour on the bottom part.

2. Tummy My sister just always hounds me around summer. She has had a couple of children and can’t understand why her stomach is not as flat as it once was. Well there is loads of control swimwear out there but sadly have not seen any that are ethical yet!

Tip 1 Stick to a swimsuit – very on trend this summer so plenty out there to choose from.
Tip 2 Colour blocking – the use of diagonal or vertical lines across the stomach is miraculous.
Tip 3 Wear rouching across the midriff and tummy.

3. Full thighs (i.e. putting shorts over swimwear like me!). As you can imagine, I have had loads of experience in this area.

Tip 1 Pick your bikini top or suit carefully so that the eye drifts upwards. Favour embellishments and use colour, prints or trimmings.
Tip 2 The swim dress has made a come back and as long as your accessories play to that vintage period, it’s a winner. Just make sure the skirt part cuts over the widest part of the thigh, otherwise no go!
Tip 3 Wear a sarong. A little bit of a cop out and of course you can’t swim in it. Choose the short one mind!

4. Large bust Follow the same rules that you would for getting a good bra.

Tip 1 Pick a wider strap to prevent digging and a really good cup.
Tip 2 Choose high cut armholes to eliminate bulges and give a rather sleek ‘Riviera’ look.
Tip 3 Lighter bands of colour or prints that cut the bust in half are also a good bet.

5. Flat chest

Tip 1 A bit of padding can up a cup size.
Tip 2 Rouching on the bust always makes it look bigger and well as trimmings.
Tip 3 Make sure you use a lighter colour on the bust – it really helps!

For more information about the swimwear pictured email contact@linarennell.com