Swimwear tops the list of essentials when holiday packing.  Whether you intend to hit the beach or just hoping to relax beside the pool, you’re likely to need something water friendly.  A swimsuit, rather than a bikini, is the ideal choice for a little extra coverage, and a suit that looks as great as you feel is the perfect combination.

The thought of stripping down and wearing something skimpy can be daunting, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from choosing a style that appeals to you, rather than something you think you should blend in with.  Summer is the time for embracing colour, and holidays are the best excuse to try something a little more exciting.

Fantasie is Freya’s older sister – vivacious and fun but little more glamorous and demure.  The brand is huge and as such offers an immense choice within their swimwear range, including some fantastic swimsuits.

I was gifted the Fantasie Portofino Swimsuit 32G, RRP £78

I chose to review the Portofino swimsuit because it’s such a vivid design.  The animal print is right on trend especially with the bright fusion of pink and blue giving it a current edge.  This modern theme works well with the classic style; the colourful, energetic print is eye-catching while creating diversion from any areas you’re least confident about.

The Portofino swimsuit is bra sized with underwiring but doesn’t have a fiddly clasp or tie at the back, so it offers more of a gentle, shaped support.  It boasts a v shaped neckline and back, and is medium cut on the leg, so it’s a generous and flattering style without excessive plunging or cut away.

Gathered fabric to the bust line and the sides of the waist accentuates and adds texture.  Also, the front of the suit features an extra supportive layer so it’s more comfortable and toning to the tummy area.

I’m usually skeptical about swimsuits sized like a bra, because I don’t ever have much luck with the all round fit.  Sometimes I find while I’ve got the correct top, my hips don’t fit, as some brands equate the band size I wear to a smaller body frame.  So it came as a massive sense of relief when I was actually able to put the Portofino swimsuit on without any problem!

The swimsuit feels really comfortable and I like that the underwiring isn’t tight.  It seems strange not having a band to fasten, but it’s the best of both worlds.

Now if you’re a regular reader you’ll be aware I got the suit in a 32G when I most often wear a 30GG.  Well that’s probably the only down-side to Fantasie swimsuits: they start from a 32, which excludes a lot of full bust women who wear a smaller band.  I sister sized (which means going up a band size and down in a cup) so even though it isn’t my exact measurement it does fit quite happily.

Have you got your holiday swimwear sorted yet?

What kind of style do you prefer to wear?

What do you think of Fantasie swimwear – like the Portofino style?