Why the simple black swimsuit is the best thing you can buy for a confidence-boosting summer

I bought a simple black swimsuit on a whim last weekend and it unexpectedly sky-rocketed my confidence at the beach, fast becoming my favourite purchase so far this year. It was a last-minute purchase for a staycation in Cornwall, after I’d forgotten to pack my snazzy floral and colourful swimsuits. I quickly dashed into H&M for the first costume I could find. The one I found: a simple black swimsuit.

I didn’t even try it on in the shop, I just bought it and dashed to the train. What I swiftly found once I tried it on in Cornwall was that it fitted amazingly well. It gave me that all-important slimming factor that black fabric does so well and it had this effortlessly chic quality that made me think why on earth hadn’t I invested in a black swimsuit before!

It styled with EVERYTHING else I packed, from shorts to dungarees to my white-linen-trousers-and-cardigan combo once the sun started to set. I didn’t have to worry about overspilling skin, potential flashing disasters or regretful wears of an overly flashy swimsuit that never really was my style. Instead, I exuded effortless style and confidence throughout the entire weekend.

Sometimes, we get so overwhelmed with choices on the high street that we go for the boldest print or fit to try and boost confidence. But what if it was as simple as the humble black swimsuit? It’s time to go back to basics – here’s my pick of the best 8 chic black swimsuits, so that you can find one you’ll love, no matter your size, problem or style.

From Boden bestsellers to active costumes and suits that are size-inclusive for height, width or bust, we have gorgeous buys to take you from beach to bar in style. Forget fancy cutouts or overly padded styles, this edit is about good quality and enduringly classic swimsuits that, like my H&M buy, will become your new favourite costume to pack for every holiday or swimming trip this year and beyond.

Our top black swimsuit to shop now: