I’m a 34G & I tried 7 high street swimsuits – I felt like a Bond girl in Primark’s £5 buy, it really flaunts your figure
IF you’re a 34G like model Rachel Peru, 55, getting a cossie that flatters your figure is no mean feat.
Here, she rates budget styles out of five and tells Olivia Howlett if they support bigger boobs.
Green tropical print bikini top, £38, and bottom, £26, Pour Moi
RACHEL SAYS: “This isn’t your average swimwear.
“With a properly fitted bra, it feels like you would be able to enjoy all your activities without a worry.
“Forget those flimsy fillet inserts. This bikini comes with full bust support.
“Plus, the flattering fit and pattern is an added bonus, making it as stylish as it feels supportive.”
Rating: 4/5
Cream bikini top, £5, and bottoms, £5, Primark
RACHEL SAYS: “I feel like a Bond girl when in this bikini.
“It’s perfect for flaunting the figure or catching some sun, but the quality is questionable.
“With this colour, I would be worried that it would turn a little transparent when in water, which would be less than ideal.
“Despite its comfy fit on the back and great potential for avoiding tan lines, it’s definitely not got any support.
“So it would be more suited for lounging than swimming.”
Rating: 3/5
Neon pink swimsuit, £16, Tu at Sainsbury’s
RACHEL SAYS: “You will certainly stand out in this vibrant pink number.
“However, while the colour is fabulous, the support for the boobs is somewhat lacking.
“If you’re planning to do more than just lounge and look lovely, this might not be your best bet.
“Especially for those with a fuller bust.
“Functional for a casual dip, but not really one for vigorous swims.”
Rating: 2/5
Purple bikini top, £20, and bottom, £16, JD Williams
RACHEL SAYS: “The colour of this bikini is absolutely stunning.
“But when it comes to support, it falls a bit short.
“The band isn’t wide enough under the boob, which made me feel like it could lead to some spillage.
“However, the bottoms are probably the most flattering yet, which does make up a little for the bikini top’s shortcomings.”
Rating: 3/5
Green scalloped swimsuit, £35, Marks & Spencer
RACHEL SAYS: “Now, this colour is beautiful and, for me, it’s a holiday must-have.
The stunning colour, flattering shape and double-lined thickness pulls everything in and flatters my curves beautifully.
“Although, the underbust wire doesn’t quite sit right, which I can imagine would cause a bit of discomfort when swimming.
“Also, the scalloped detail at the top can be a bit unruly, which I know would just drive me mad.”
Rating: 3/5
Red & pink bikini, top, £40, & bottom, £26, Bravissimo
RACHEL SAYS: “Pink and red.
“The two colours that you never expect to go well together but in fact always do.
“This bikini made me feel glamorous and sexy.
“The playful cutout details on the bottoms add a fun flair (and a unique tan line) into the bargain.
“The bra cups also provide strong support, making me feel secure and confident, ready for any holiday adventure.”
Rating: 5/5
Flower print suit, £62, Bravissimo
RACHEL SAYS: “This fits like a glove, I feel really supported but it’s not packed with padding so doesn’t feel heavy.
“I really like the shape and it fits nicely across the back.
“It is pricier than the others, but will stand the test of time.”
Rating: 4/5
RACHEL’S VERDICT
RACHEL, from Harrogate, North Yorks, who has two daughters in their twenties and only started modelling a few years ago, says: “I’m in a good place in life where I’ve stopped worrying about what people think of me or the size of my clothes.
“It’s refreshing. I think every woman should own their body and be confident in who they are.
“Swimwear now brings me a massive amount of confidence as I’ve embraced my body.
“I tend to wear bikinis more than costumes.
“I just prefer them and I like to chop and change the sets for mix-matched looks.
“And I love a bright colour on holiday – it gets you in the holiday mood.
“Some of these high street swimsuits really did impress me.
“However, I would say my top tip would be to buy a properly fitted bra bikini top, like the one from Pour Moi or Bravissimo, and not those with the fillet inserts in.
“You can always chop and change the bottoms for a new style but support in a correctly fitted bikini is worth the investment, especially when going swimming and not just sunbathing.”