Cheap and cheerful supermarket swimwear - and all for under £15!

PUBLISHED: 00:05, 24 June 2013 | UPDATED: 02:24, 24 June 2013

There's no need to trawl the High Street to find swimwear - now you can pop it in your trolley at the supermarket.

Last month it was revealed that costume sales were up 259 per cent in a year at Sainsbury's, and the shops have been quick to rush out more.

But can a cut-price cossie really be flattering - and, more importantly, well-made - or is it wiser to invest in more pricey swimwear?

Here, Fashion Editor Eliza Scarborough picks the best for less than £15...

Best for tanning: Patterned bikini top, £6, and bottoms, £5, Tu at Sainsbury's, 0800 636 262

Balancing: Blue polka dot bikini top, £8, bikini bottoms, £4, George at asda.com

BEST FOR TANNING

The stylish paisley print makes this bikini look like it came from a trendy surf shop rather than Sainsbury's.

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The ties at the side and on the top are there for decoration only, so it's really secure, and the bandeau top comes with thin detachable straps and inbuilt padding to provide shape for smaller busts.

This is perhaps more suitable for tanning only: avoid big waves or you could be left red-faced!

BEST FOR BIG BUSTS

This bikini will provide shaping and support to a bigger bust.

The Fifties-cut top has extra fabric for fuller coverage, built-in underwire and a flattering detachable, halterneck strap. The bottoms also have a deeper cut which will balance out your figure.

Best to hide a tum: Navy swimming costume, £15, Tu at Sainsbury's as before

Great for short legs: Spot print Bodysculpt bandeau swimsuit, £12, George at asda.com

BEST TO HIDE A TUM

Navy swimming costume, £15, Tu at Sainsbury's as before
It's hard to believe you can pick up this swimsuit in a supermarket for a mere £15. From the ruching across the stomach, underwired bust, hidden Spanx-like panels to hold you in, a high cut for longer legs and a detachable strap if you need a little more support, it has every design detail of a more expensive costume, but it's a fraction of the price. Best of all it's a stylish shape and the navy shade flatters every skin tone. This really is the suit that suits all!

BEST FOR SHORT LEGS

Great for smaller busted or pear-shaped women, the pretty sweet- heart neckline on this swimsuit will draw focus upwards and the built-in underwiring gives shape and definition to any sized bust.

The polka dots and ruching across the waistline discreetly hides a tummy, and most importantly, the higher-cut legs lengthen thighs.

Boy oh boy: Red, blue and white stripe bandeau bikini top, £7, bikini bottoms, £5, clothingattesco.com

Best to swim in: Contrast trim swimsuit, £12, clothingattesco.com

BEST FOR A BOYISH BODY

Red, blue and white stripe bandeau bikini top, £7, bikini bottoms, £5, clothing attesco.com

This nautical bikini top combines the best features of a moulded cup and bandeau: it will enhance your cleavage, but has hidden underwires and thick straps, which minimise big shoulders and balance your figure.

The bottoms are cut generously, and the tie details conceal a big bottom or chunky thighs. This is great for anyone who wants to wear a bikini but not flash too much flesh.

BEST TO SWIM IN

This is a great option for active mothers (and grannies!) or keen swimmers as the high lycra content means it's comfortable and stretchy while the structured bust and thicker straps - which cross at the back - make it the most secure of all these costumes.

Unlike most 'serious swimming' costumes, the scarlet shade and plunging neckline still make this a glamorous choice.

Pictures: L+R and make-up: Nina Pach using Origins and Ojon, Fashion assistant: Antonia Magor, Model: Anel at MOT

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Monday, 24 June 2013