Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 25 October 2026
If you want to know what swimwear brands British people actually wear-rather than just what looks glamorous in holiday magazines-the answer is a mix of high-street favourites, practical swimming brands, and more premium labels for beach holidays.
The UK has two quite different swimwear markets: everyday swimming \(pools, swimming lessons, wild swimming) and holiday swimwear \(the Mediterranean, beach clubs, resort pools). The brands people buy can be very different depending on which one you mean.
## The swimwear brands Brits really buy
A useful mix of market-share evidence, mainstream shopping habits and current UK fashion recommendations.
!Tummy control swimsuit: M&S' flattering option just £32.50 - Yahoo Life UK
1\. Marks & Spencer \(M&S)
(Mainstream favourite)
Classic swimsuits, flattering one-pieces, bikinis and good-value holiday essentials. A very safe choice for a typical British shopper. www.independent.co.ukwww.marksandspencer.comwww.thetimes.co.uk
Price: £-££
---
!Speedo Endurance+ Medalist Swimsuit, Black
2\. Speedo
One of the most established choices for lane swimming, lessons and regular pool use. It ranked first in UK swimwear retail-value share in 2023, at 10%. assets.ctfassets.netwww.independent.co.uk
Price: £-££
---
!Bikini con estampado floral estilo color block de ASOS DESIGN | ASOS
3\. ASOS DESIGN
A popular place to look for trend-led bikinis, cut-out swimsuits, different fits and affordable holiday outfits, especially for younger shoppers. www.independent.co.ukassets.ctfassets.net
Price: £-££
---
!Buy Women's Swimsuits Black Floral Swimwear Online | Next UK
4\. Pour Moi
Particularly worth knowing for supportive swimwear, underwired bikini tops, fuller-bust sizing and shaping one-pieces. It has a significant presence through M&S. www.independent.co.ukwww.marksandspencer.comwww.thetimes.co.uk
Price: ££
---
!Sports bikini top - Black - Ladies | H&M IN
5\. H&M
Affordable bikinis, simple one-pieces and fashion-led colours. A sensible option if you want current styles without spending a fortune. assets.ctfassets.netwww.independent.co.uk
Price: £
---
!【楽天市場】アリーナ レディース FINA承認 アクアアドバンスト リミック クロスバック スイムウエア スイミング 水泳 競泳水着 ブラック 黒 ネイビー ブルー 青 送料無料 arena ARN1021W:バイタライザー
6\. Arena
Another serious swimming brand. It ranked second in UK swimwear retail-value share in 2023, reflecting the importance of performance swimwear in the British market. assets.ctfassets.netwww.independent.co.uk
Price: ££-£££
---
!Australian Swimwear | Shop Women's Swimwear Online | Seafolly Australia
7\. Seafolly
A more premium holiday choice, with resort-style prints, flattering cuts and coordinated beachwear. Available through UK retailers including Next and M&S. www.marksandspencer.com
Price: ££-£££
---
![HUNZA G - One Piece Domino Swimsuit
- Bigley Shoes and Clothing](
8\. Hunza G
A more fashion-conscious, premium choice, known for its distinctive crinkle fabric and minimalist one-pieces. Better thought of as a style-led label than an everyday mass-market favourite. www.independent.co.ukassets.ctfassets.net
Price: £££
## What about men?
The familiar choices include\:
- Speedo and Arena - for swimming, training and fitted swim shorts.
- M&S and Next - everyday swim shorts for family holidays.
- Nike and adidas - sporty shorts and branded beachwear.
- Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger - logo-led, casual designer styles.
- Orlebar Brown - premium tailored swim shorts, more of a luxury holiday purchase.
The broader UK market-share data also puts Nike, adidas, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger among the leading swimwear brands. assets.ctfassets.netwww.independent.co.uk
## The real takeaway
If you want a shortlist that reflects ordinary British shopping rather than aspirational luxury, I'd start with M&S, Speedo, ASOS DESIGN, H&M and Pour Moi\. For a more elevated, fashionable holiday look, add Seafolly and Hunza G\.
One important distinction: the available market-share figures are from 2023, so they show established purchasing patterns rather than a definitive ranking of what every Brit is buying in 2026.
Are you asking about women's bikinis and swimsuits, or men's swim shorts? I can narrow it down to the brands British people wear on holidays, including which are genuinely fashionable versus simply practical.