IF you’re a 34G-ish model Rachel Peru, 55, getting a cossie that flatters your figure is no small feat.
Here she rates budget styles out of five and tells Olivia Howlett whether they support larger breasts.
Model Rachel Peru tried eight swimwear styles for her large bust, starting with this Pour Moi set[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “This is not your average swimwear.
“With a well-fitting bra, you feel like you can enjoy all your activities without any worries.
“Forget those thin 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 is supportive.”
Rating: 4/5
This cream-coloured Primark set made Rachel feel like a Bond girl[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “I feel like a Bond girl in this bikini.
“It’s perfect for showing off your figure or catching some sun, but the quality is questionable.
“With this color I would be concerned that it would become a little transparent in water, which wouldn’t be ideal.
“Despite the comfortable fit on the back and the great potential to avoid tan lines, it provides absolutely no support.
“So it would be more suitable for lounging than swimming.”
Rating: 3/5
This pink Sainsbury’s suit is not really suitable for vigorous swimming[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “You will certainly stand out in this vibrant environment pink number.
“Although the color is fantastic, the support for the breasts is somewhat lacking.
“If you plan on doing more than just lounging and looking pretty, this might not be the best choice.
“Especially for people with a fuller bust.
“Functional for a casual dive, but not really for a vigorous dive.”
Rating: 2/5
This bikini has a beautiful color but lacks support[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “The color of this bikini is absolutely gorgeous.
“But when it comes to support, it’s a bit lacking.
“The band is not wide enough under the breasts, which gave me the feeling that this could lead to leakage.
“However, the bottom is probably the most flattering yet, which somewhat makes up for the shortcomings of the bikini top.”
Rating: 3/5
This M&S suit has a flattering shape, but the scalloped detail at the top can be a little unruly[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “This color is beautiful and for me it is a must-have for the holidays.
The stunning color, flattering shape and double-lined thickness draw everything in and flatter my curves beautifully.
“Although the underwire under the bust does not fit quite right, I can imagine that it would cause some discomfort swimming.
“Plus, the scalloped detail on the top can be a little unruly, which I know would just drive me crazy.”
Rating: 3/5
This Bravissimo set was Rachel’s winner and made her feel glamorous and sexy[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “Pink and red.
“The two colors that you never expect to go well together, but actually always do.
“This bikini made me feel glamorous and sexy.
“The playful cut-out details on the bottoms add a nice flair (and a unique tan line) to the purchase.
“The bra cups also provide strong support, making me feel safe and confident, ready for any holiday adventure.”
Rating: 5/5
This one has a higher price tag, but will stand the test of time[/caption]
RACHEL SAYS: “This fits like a glove, I feel really supported, but it’s not packed with padding so it doesn’t feel heavy.
“I really like the shape and it fits nicely over the back.
“It is more expensive 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 20s and only started modeling a few years ago, says: “I’m in a good place in life where I no longer worry about what people think of me or people think. size of my clothes.
“It’s refreshing. I think every woman should own her body and be confident in who she is.
“Swimwear now gives me a lot of confidence because I have embraced my body.
“I wear bikinis more often than suits.
“I just prefer it and I love to chop and change the sets for mix-matched looks.
“And I like a bright color on holiday, it immediately puts you in the holiday mood.
“Some of these famous swimsuits really impressed me.
“My top tip, though, would be to buy a well-fitting bra bikini top, like the ones from Pour Moi or Bravissimo, and not the ones with the fillet inserts in them.
“You can always cut up the bottoms and swap them for a new style, but support in a correctly fitted bikini is worth the investment, especially if you’re going swimming and not just sunbathing.”
