Women's swimwear

Buying guide: how to choose your swimwear

Which cut suits my body shape?

The right swimsuit flatters your figure by balancing proportions. For a triangle shape (narrower shoulders than hips), opt for an underwired top or a frill-detail style to add structure to the bust. For a rectangular shape, a tie-side bikini or a cut-out monokini will create the illusion of curves. For an hourglass figure, all cuts work beautifully ; go for coordinated sets to highlight your natural proportions. For an apple shape, a sculpting one-piece with a generous neckline will elongate the silhouette.

One-piece or two-piece: how to choose?

A one-piece swimsuit offers excellent support and a sleek, fashion-forward look. It's ideal for water sports, a tummy-smoothing effect, or simply making a bold style statement.

A two-piece bikini gives you more freedom: you can mix top and bottom sizes to suit your shape. Tie-side styles allow you to adjust the fit exactly as you like. For the best of both worlds, a tankini pairs a longer top with bikini bottoms.

Which fabrics make swimwear last?

A quality swimsuit is primarily made from polyamide or polyester ; two fibres that resist fading from chlorine, salt and sun. Some styles incorporate lycra (elastane) for a perfect fit and shape retention after swimming. Avoid cotton, which loses its shape in water. At Luxury Alley, every piece is selected for its lasting quality, even after frequent wear.

How to care for your swimwear?

After each swim, rinse your swimsuit in cold water to remove chlorine, salt and suncream. Hand wash with a gentle detergent ; the washing machine, even on a delicate cycle, damages elastic fibres and alters colours.

Never wring out your swimsuit: gently press it in a towel instead. Dry flat, in the shade, direct sunlight fades fabrics and accelerates wear. Store only once fully dry to prevent mildew.