How to get beach-ready with season's best swimwear
Swimwear, like lingerie and gym wear, is one category that it doesn't pay to cheap out on, unless you are Gisele Bündchen. For the rest of us, good swimwear can hoick bits up, smooth bits down, and distract from the bits where we'd rather not have bits at all. Yes, under-arm bulge, I am looking at you.
My non-negotiables when shopping for swimwear are straps robust enough for decent bust support (or underwired cups if you prefer a tan line-friendly bandeau top), generous bottom coverage, and a luxurious fabric to smooth, sculpt, and support. I've yet to find swimwear that meets this Holy Trinity on high street, but given that baring all on the beach requires wearing next to nothing in full daylight, I am happy to spend on swimwear that I can put on and forget about.
The OG of luxury swimwear and a perennial can't-go-wrong option is Melissa Odabash. The UK-based brand has just opened its first UAE store in Dubai Mall, and Melissa's designs – much like the American designer herself – are eternally chic and classic. I've got my eye on the sporty zip-front 'Bellino' one piece (approx. Dh1,265) in zesty clementine this season. In the same category, but even more luxurious, I'd put the Chanel-owned Eres, which has stores in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. The French brand's fabrics are unparalleled, and when I put out a call on Instagram for swimwear recommendations, the most elegant women I know all replied with Eres.
Happily, swimwear is a category where we no longer need to look overseas to style up beach club days. A slew of Dubai-born brands have made it their mission to respond to the regional client and climate with astute local insight. Launched in 2021, therinós, which means 'summery' in Greek, is the brainchild of Dubai resident Mandy Oikonomopoulou Bosini. Its couture sensibility offers a high-fashion style statement, akin to ready-to-wear, without compromising on fit or form. The 'Grace' style, as a one-piece or high-waisted bikini, has ingenious hidden bust support to make you the most elegant on the beach, while the brand's clever use of ruching flatters women of all ages. Whether you are heading to Abu Dhabi's Anantara Santorini, or Sirene by Gaia in Dubai's J1, therinós embodies Greek chic in the Gulf. Also locally born, and aimed firmly at the body confident, is Salty Swim, founded by UAE media exec Habiba Basiony. Think Brazilian flamboyance in a riot of carnival colours and perfect for the UAE's beach club party scene. Another local favourite is Caha Capo, founded by the effervescent entrepreneur Donna Benton. This season, the brand has a beautiful turquoise in the exact colour of the Abu Dhabi ocean; I'm buying it in the 'Brigitte' one piece (Dh650).
The most recommended swim brand on my Insta poll was UK-based Hunza G, the one-size-fits-most label known for its crinkle fabric. Feeling conservative? Opt for its Coverage styles for more bust support, a higher back scoop and a lower-cut leg. Or, to dial things up a notch, the '80s-inspired 'Tiffany' (Dh1,100) has
cutout bow detailing down the sides. On that note, judicious cut outs can be surprisingly flattering. Cleverly-positioned cutaways on either side of the rib cage give the optical illusion of a narrower torso and get my wholehearted seal of approval.
I recently discovered Istanbul-based OYE Swimwear, available at Ounass, and it's now my go-to for boujie boat days. The chic monochrome one-pieces are the beachwear equivalent of a black-tie gown, albeit with a price tag to match. It might be 38-degrees out there, but in swimwear of this calibre, you'll look hot for all the right reasons.
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