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The Guardian
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
‘Unexpectedly flattering': the 28 best women's bikinis and swimsuits for summer
Finding a swimsuit you like and feel comfortable in is an instant confidence boost and will make the precious time you spend in it – sea swimming, reading books in the sun and paddling with the kids – that bit more fun. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Though a lot of swimwear is made with virgin synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, hearteningly, a lot of brands are now focused on using recycled materials, such as Econyl (nylon made from discarded fishing nets and other waste) and recycled polyester. While that's a good thing, the fabric is still made of plastic, so it will shed when washed and survive long after you've finished front crawling in it. So buy well, buy to last and use a 'Guppy' bag when washing to catch some of those fibres being shed. For this swimwear guide, I have scoured the internet and shops, and tried on and turned inside out a lot of different cossies. I've also asked friends and family of different sizes and ages what their favourite swimsuit or bikini looks like. Here is a selection of the best. Ailla reversible scoop swimsuit £95 at Finisterre This is a well-made swimsuit from the B-Corp British brand born from surf culture. This brand knows its swimwear. Made from recycled fabric and in a print that looks much prettier IRL – although it is reversible, should you prefer plain – it also has a flattering deep back scoop. Sturdy enough for a game of rounders on the beach as well as a swim in the sea. Racer back swimsuit £44 at Speedo From £38.50 at Amazon Most of the people I know who actually want to swim swim would recommend a Speedo cossie. Based in Nottingham but founded in Australia, Speedo has served countless kids learning to breaststroke. It also has an illustrious heritage: more Olympic gold medals have apparently been won in Speedo than any other brand. This cossie also has built-in bust support, and the fabric should withstand as much chlorine and crawl as you care to throw at it. Opt for a racer back style – they really are comfy. Square neck seersucker swimsuit £175 at Net-a-Porter £175 at Selfridges This is the gold standard of swimsuits for those more into lounging than lengths. First founded in the 80s, then relaunched and now Instagram-famous, Hunza G is known for its crinkle fabric, made in the Midlands. If you've been noticing a lot of texture creep into swimwear of late, Hunza G is the reason why. The tightly ruched seersucker is flattering, and the cuts are too. It will cost you, but then it's not every swimsuit brand that can count Rihanna as a fan. Plus, the quality means this one's here for a long time, not just a good time. Allegra recycled swimsuit £57 at Smallable Made from recycled polyamide and available in orange or royal blue – both brilliant, both peppy – this swimsuit from Canopea is just the right amount of pretty. Plain but for the frilly straps, it's made by a French brand that manufactures in Portugal. Textured bow tie swimsuit £57 at & Other Stories £57 at Asos If Hunza G is out of your price range, you can still find that crinkled aesthetic but at a high-street price point. This swimsuit has a flattering square neckline, is beautiful in the blue, and the design means the decorative bows on the shoulders won't interrupt your swim. Elan one-piece £143 at Youswim Again, in the same mould as Hunza G but slightly more accessibly priced – and inclusively sized – Youswim makes excellent swimwear. This is one of several brands now doing a new kind of 'stretch' sizing: Stretch I fits 6 to 16, and Stretch II fits 18 to 28. It makes buying online easier, and it's great for fluctuating bodies, future-proofing against size changes between summers. Made in the UK, using an Oeko-Tex-certified blend of nylon and elastane, the espresso colour feels unusual in a swimsuit; the juniper is also stylish. Just make sure you sun cream your back to avoid a circular tan line, and follow care instructions for a long life. Swirl print swimsuit £65 at Whistles £65 at John Lewis A one-shoulder cossie won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I find them unexpectedly flattering. Plus, they add a hint of sophistication at a time when sun-cream grease and sticky sand make it otherwise hard to feel put-together. Made using a minimum of 60% certified recycled nylon, this one from Whistles is chic. Asymmetric ruffled swimsuit £85 at Cos £85 at H&M If you like your asymmetry with a bit more structure, this is a pretty take from Cos. Made using recycled nylon, the ruffle detail is a good shout if you often feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, providing extra coverage while also drawing the eye. The black keeps things classic. Cherry Isola swimsuit £100.80 at Smallable £140 at Array Store OAS is a Scandinavian resort brand that started when its founder introduced espadrilles from Spain to Sweden. It makes 70s-tinged, beachy clothes beautifully, although this swimsuit is more of a timeless cut. But hurry, there aren't many left via UK stockists. One has the cherry version left in everything but large, the other has the burgundy in everything but XS and S. Ines Maillot swimsuit £85 at Casa Raki £170 at Harvey Nichols Casa Raki swimwear is designed in London and made in Portugal. While it doesn't come cheap, there's often a bargain to be had, such as this swimsuit, which is currently half price online at Casa Raki. The Econyl recycled fabric is SPF50+, the back design is beautiful, and the colours are pleasingly off-kilter for swimwear. Plus, a seam that sits between waist and boobs is known to make legs look longer, if that appeals. Lisbon one-piece £74 at Ookioh Swimwear prints are often nautical, so it's refreshing to find one decorated with farfalle and forks. The wide square neckline is flattering, though not the best if you plan to swim at speed. But for lounging and splashing about, this pasta-themed cossie from LA-based swimwear brand Ookioh is super-fun. Plus, it's made from 100% regenerated materials. One-piece swimsuit €76.30 (about £65) at Matona Matona puts sustainability at the centre of what it does. Making swimwear in small Gots-certified factories in Portugal and using Econyl regenerated nylon, it's greener than many swimsuits on offer. The cut is classic and the colour is lovely. Plus, it's on offer. The price is in euros, but the brand does ship to the UK. Nabaiji one-piece shorty swimsuit £13.99 at Decathlon If you're after a workhorse swimming costume on a budget, this Nabaiji one-piece with shorts is a great option. Cheap and entirely undemanding, it's favoured by a friend who puts it through its paces in freezing reservoirs. The shorts mean it won't ride up when you need to focus on staying afloat. Padded halterneck bikini top £19.50 at Marks & Spencer This is so much nicer in the flesh. The top is a flattering shape with adjustable straps, and the padding will be welcome if the sea is a little cold. The print is so sophisticated it doesn't look like it's from M&S (no offence, M&S). It does have matching bottoms, but they are currently out of stock. Bikini top £18.90 at Arket Bikini hipsters £18.90 at Arket Sometimes all you want is a classic: nautical stripes, no-nonsense square cut. Sporty in spirit, this is a good one if you want to actually swim as well as noodle around by the pool. Square neck bikini top £150 at Me+Em Adjustable rise bikini bottom £95 at Me+Em Seamless and smart, the bottoms are designed to fit how you would like them to – ie higher or lower up the leg. Plus, there are two types of tops to match: an adjustable halterneck or square neck (with straps that can be taken off). The bright papaya colour will pop, even on a grey day. Reversible bikini set £30 at Regatta From £17.86 at Amazon The perfect bikini cut if you're going to be making sandcastles, wiping noses and generally doing everything but sitting on a lounger and cracking into the latest Anne Tyler. The Orla Kiely print is bold and fun, but if you fancy a change, you can wear it inside out. Twist detail halterneck bikini top £70 at John Lewis £70 at Selfridges High-rise bikini bottoms £55 at Selfridges Classic but with a literal twist, this bikini from Australian brand Seafolly offers more coverage than most. The twist halterneck is flattering and fashion-forward, without being remotely fussy. Strappy triangle bikini top £16 at Weekday Strappy side tie bikini bottoms £16 at Weekday £16 at Asos This is classic, comfy and, while too skimpy for some (me!), it's a great option if you like this style. If you prefer more support on your lower half, you could pair these bottoms with a high, reinforced waist. You could also switch in the strappy bikini top, which has more coverage. Textured square neck bikini top £35 at the White Company Textured regular fit bikini briefs £35 at the White Company This boxy bikini top is given a bit of intrigue with a carefully placed cut-out. The textured fabric is a nod to the mood for textured swimwear, but there's nothing modish about this – it's a bikini that won't go out of style. Bikini shorts £39 at Organic Basics Scoop bikini top £42 at Organic Basics If you're after more coverage, these swim shorts are a good option. The work of a brand better known for its size-inclusive underwear, these go from an XXS to an XXXL, and are made with recycled nylon. The black is classic, but the blood orange and dove blue really zing. The top, made with 64% recycled nylon, does what it says on the tin. Elisa shirred recycled bikini top £57 at Net-a-Porter Tavira shirred recycled bikini bottom £48 at Net-a-Porter Faithfull does summer clothes well. The linen is amazing quality, and the swimwear is similarly special. Part of Net-a-Porter's 'Net Sustain' range, these are made using some recycled materials, but it's also a very pretty set that would look great on the beach. Porto bikini top £23 at Boden Porto bikini bottoms £21 at Boden Wavy rick-rack detailing has become a popular look in recent years, in part because of the designs of Spanish brand La Veste. Here, Boden offers its own colourful take on the trend to make this fun bikini pop. The top is a supportive shape with a wide waistband, but if you go for the blue, there's also a tankini option available (although only size 16 is currently in stock). Maldives bikini top £100 at Paper Maldives bikini bottoms £85 at Paper A little bit retro and a little bit modern, this checked bikini from a sustainably minded London-based brand brings with it the fun of the fair. The top is cut, with cups and straps, to be supportive, but it's currently available only in XS and XL. Valley print bikini top £30 at White Stuff £30 at John Lewis Valley print bikini bottom £25 at White Stuff £25 at John Lewis The on-the-nose shell print is given a twist with the green of this easy-going halterneck bikini. The thick straps offer support, but if you want more coverage, then there is a tankini top available. Note: White Stuff doesn't have many of the tops left on its own site, but you can also try John Lewis. Cross-front tankini top £17.50 at John Lewis Bunny tie bikini bottoms £9 at John Lewis If you like print but are on the petite side, a smaller-scale design can be more flattering. This khaki tankini from John Lewis also has helpful ruching and a strap that can be removed. The 'bunny ties' on the bottoms are a nice touch. Tugless strappy tankini top From £27 at Lands' End Tugless high bottoms From £18 at Lands' End This tankini, especially in the black, is a great option for someone who wants minimal fuss. Entirely plain at the front, this is countered by a slightly more elaborate back, complete with a shapely strap detail. Lara tankini top £39 at Phase Eight £39 at John Lewis Lara tankini bottoms £29 at Phase Eight £29 at John Lewis With ruching, removable straps and some support at the bust, this tankini ticks a lot of boxes. The lively geometric print makes it just as ready for a lunchtime spritz as any actual swimming. Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian's fashion desk
The Guardian
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
I'm just a bride-to-be. Looking for a suit. That doesn't make me look like a politician
It's a month until my wedding, and my suit has arrived in the post, unceremoniously crammed into a plastic postage bag. I wasn't expecting it to come from China, but China is of course where things come from. Unbagging the crinkled jacket and trousers for my supposed Big Day felt a little deflating. Although I'm not sure what I did have in mind. I've never fantasised about getting married. As a gay woman, this wasn't even an option for me until 2013. In fact, the closest I ever came to daydreaming about this occasion was when I was around four and I'd inferred from Disney movies that 'getting married' was the act of a prince ballroom dancing with a princess. The dancing was neither here nor there, but I knew I wanted to be the prince. There wasn't a single a-ha moment when I twigged that feminine clothes made me feel like the world's most reluctant drag queen (a drag peasant?), but gradually I embraced being butch. And casual butch I can do – wearing Carhartt, Finisterre, even M&S menswear for that middle-aged dad look. Then it comes to formalwear. Not that 'formal' was what I had in mind aesthetically for the wedding (so far it's looking more like a very slightly upmarket children's birthday party). But turning up on the day dressed like a contractor feels like a tantrum, and there's no small part of me that wants to look nice, whatever that means. I settled on the idea of a suit: something classic and well tailored. In women's sections of high-street shops, lurid blazers with flouncy embellishments seem to whisper to each other about me, like a pack of vicious teen girls who only found out what a lesbian is by watching a controversial episode of their favourite soap. After several trips like this, I hadn't tried anything on, and bespoke women's suits from some of the beautiful female tailors of Savile Row are financially out of the question. It's surprising to me how stressed I've become about looking good on my wedding day. But weddings get to you. No matter how much of a non-wedding wedding you think you're having, it's still … a wedding. While doing my utmost to queer the term 'bridezilla', I'm just a woman looking for a suit that doesn't make me look like a member of the shadow cabinet. When the desperation hit after another three hours' Googling variations on 'women's suit wedding androgynous', I finally submitted to the eerie siren song of a site claiming to make affordable bespoke suits. With its slick UX and promise to solve an issue that had now been consuming me for months, I was sold. I designed my perfect suit – dark navy, streamlined and flattering without any frills – added it to my cart and entered my card details in a trance. A month later my AI-generated, SEO-advertised, Shein-era bag of 'what did you think you were getting?' flew in from Shanghai. I'd thought I was ordering it from a Europe-based company, but the item had been 'dropshipped', sent directly from the manufacturer rather than the e-commerce retailer I bought it from. The jacket was at least five inches longer than what I thought I'd ordered, and putting it on felt a little bit like trying on one of my dad's blazers as a kid. The suit looked better after having been left to hang for 24 hours, but marriage material it is not. After a brief identity crisis in which I wondered whether my gender expression might be 'scam victim', I managed to override a lifetime's worth of social conditioning and enter a full-on menswear store. I'd been drawn to the brand, Percival, since it released a Seinfeld-inspired collection. Even if I'm way more of a George than a Kramer. The moment I walked through the door, I also managed to find a near-perfect outfit. Which turned out to be a green linen suit – exactly the same one that was worn by Sadiq Khan last year. My partner tried to console me on this matter by reminding me that 'we did vote for him'. Yes, I'll be taking my Sadiq suit to a tailor to shorten the arms and bring in the shoulders. No drastic alterations, though. Even if you have boobs, I've learned, the term 'menswear' should be consigned to the past, along with bathroom carpeting and lobotomies. While we're at it, bring on the grooms in white dresses. Eleanor Margolis is a columnist for the i newspaper and Diva Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Shop the fleece gilet that Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan owns in 2 colours
Harriet Cowan has become the standout star of season five of Clarkson's Farm, and her uniform fleece gilet is already being coveted by fans – so we tracked it down When on the lookout for fashion inspiration, you probably wouldn't think to head straight to Diddly Squat Farm, the location of Jeremy Clarkson 's Amazon Prime hit series Clarkson's Farm. However the arrival of new team member Harriet Cowan is about to change all that, as fans have already labelled her a fan favourite, not to mention been searching her social media for where to buy some of her outfits. And whilst Harriet's outfits are all done with practical farm life in mind, it seems this summer everyone's hoping to copy some of her country chic looks. One piece that's been a stand out is her fleece gilet, which has appeared in several scenes on the show, not to mention been spotted in multiple social media posts of hers posted prior to the show airing. In fact, Harriet loves the gilet so much she owns it in at least two colours. Whilst she's not mentioned the brand on her TikTok and Instagram posts, an eagle eyed look at her previous posts indicated it's most likely to be Schoffel's Lyndon Fleece Gilet. Although plenty of other outdoor brands have created their own versions, Schoffel's is considered the original blueprint for the look. It's also been worn by fellow Clarkson's Farm stars Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper, although they would have presumably opted for the men's Oakham version. Harriet appears to have both the navy and the forest green colours, and a close look at some of her TikTok videos shows the white writing detail on the front zip and Schoffel's signature brown trim. It also features an adjustable drawcord around the waist which lets you cinch it in for a little more shape. The technical fleece is soft, warm, breathable and hard wearing, making it perfect for being out in the British countryside, and is made from Italian-milled Pontetorto fleece. It's currently available in sizes 6 to 22 for £160, with 10 colours to choose from. Although there are TikTok videos of Harriet wearing the iconic fleece as far back as 2021, more recently, Harriet shared a new addition to her fleece gilet collection, posting that Beaumont and Bear had also gifted her a navy fleece with a similar design. There are also plenty of other options around, including Finisterre's Women's Hegen Wool Fleece Gilet which is £135 and comes in a light oatmeal colour. For bargain hunters, Craghoppers has slashed the price of its Women's Dinas Vest from £65 to £45.50. Meanwhile Regatta's currently has 50% off slashing it to £12.50. However for the true authentic countrywear look – and to follow in almost all of the Clarkson's Farm stars' footsteps, shop Schoffel's women's Lyndon Fleece Gilet and men's Oakham Fleece Gilet now.
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Travel + Leisure
11-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Coastal English Area Is Known for Stunning Beaches—but It's Home to a Community of Artists, Too
I suppose there was a moment when someone hiked this cliff, above this opal-colored sea, for the very first time. Humans have occupied Cornwall, in southwestern England, since the Mesolithic period. Back then, however, they wouldn't have seen the town of St. Ives in the distance, with its tiered cottages and fishing boats. I imagine they might have admired the purple heather on the hills, like I did, or maybe noticed a pair of gannets, like the ones I saw plunging into the water for fish. 'This is an ancient area, a Celtic area,' Tom Kay, my hiking companion, told me—a fabled land of mermaids and giants. 'There's old myths everywhere.' Kay is the founder of Finisterre, the Cornish outdoors brand. An ardent surfer, he started making fleece sweaters in St. Agnes in 2003, because nothing in the local wave shops suited the Cornish climate, so often windswept and cold. Finisterre now has stores in St. Ives and London, as well as 12 more across the U.K. The label is still headquartered in Cornwall, with the region's history of craft woven into the designs. From left: The beach in St. Ives; low tide in St. Ives harbor. Hayley Benoit Cafés along the St. Ives waterfront. Hayley Benoit Kay held out a navy sweater he'd brought for our hike, made in collaboration with Britain's Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The pattern is inspired by the Cornish gansey, which was originally knitted by fishermen's wives and daughters: a tightly woven woolen style designed to keep out the wind and saltwater spray, with a pattern of chevrons above the chest. 'In the 18th century, the nearby villages each had their own knit pattern so, if you got washed overboard or were lost at sea, they could identify where you came from by the pattern,' he said. This was my first time in Cornwall, and I had only known the region for its greatest hits: beef-filled pasties, seaside holidays, a cultural identity that carries an independent political streak. (Cornish, a historic Celtic language, is now taught in some primary schools.) From left: Shellfish traps in storage at Porthmeor Studios; Philip Medley at Porthmeor. Hayley Benoit From left: Tagliatelle at the Harbour View House restaurant; a guest room at the Harbour View House. Hayley Benoit But St. Ives, which has a population of about 11,000, is also the region's creative hub, and has deep artistic ties. J.M.W. Turner, the Romantic artist, painted some of his best-known works in the area. Barbara Hepworth, the 20th-century British sculptor, lived in town, where a museum and sculpture garden preserves her studio and works. Cornwall has suffered from long declines in the fishing and mining industries, but the arts community remains strong. In recent years, a new group of craftspeople and artisans—'makers,' basically—have hunkered down and are reviving old traditions. 'There's a lot of opportunity for creative work here,' Andrew Todd, a fashion designer and mixed-media artist, told me one morning over coffee. 'It feels like Cornwall is building on its legacy of arts, crafts, and niche businesses.' From left: Works at Leach Pottery; Roelof Uys at Leach Pottery. Hayley Benoit From left: Tom Kay, the founder of Finisterre; a Finisterre vest. Hayley Benoit So what is it about the area that people find so inspiring? I flew in to London's Gatwick airport last July and took a quick flight to Newquay, followed by a 40-minute drive down the coast. It was an easy trip, but a long one—I was traveling from Los Angeles—so when I checked in to the Harbour View House, I gratefully accepted a Negroni. Then I started to look around. With some surprise, I noticed the staff was young and the décor rustic and sunny. The vibe was kinda Melbourne, kinda Malibu. To discover the next morning that there was a surprisingly good breakfast burrito—well, if I hadn't known St. Ives was a beach town, I did now. My first outing was the cliff hike with Kay. He thought the coastal vistas were key to understanding what stirs creativity—the ruggedness of the hills, the soft colors. Afterward, I continued walking, but in a more urbane fashion: strolling the streets around my hotel. St. Ives is hilly, and filled with cottages, tiny shops, and art galleries, all of them overlooking a bay of fishing boats. In the summer, it's also smashed with tourists. I was lucky to snag a table for lunch at St. Eia, a chic wine bar and coffee shop that served me a delicate, delicious sandwich filled with Cornish crab. A short walk later, I arrived at Leach Pottery, a town institution that's both a museum and a working studio. Founded in 1920 by a pair of ceramists, Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, it continues to draw potters from around the world to learn from its unique melding of British and Japanese traditions. 'Getting all this knowledge is highly coveted,' Callum Cowie, one of two current apprentices, told me. The restaurant at Harbour View House, in St. Ives. Hayley Benoit Roelof Uys, the studio's lead potter, said generations of artists had traveled to Cornwall for its scenery and rustic, small-town culture. 'It's about a way of living, and living in a beautiful way,' he said. Historically, rent was also cheap. But that is no longer the case—especially since the pandemic, when Londoners snapped up coastal homes and prices spiked. Uys, who has lived in Cornwall for 26 years, worries that his children won't be able to afford to stay when they grow up. Leach Pottery has persevered, he said, because of its devotion to the craft. 'It's about continuing the tradition of Cornwall being a place for creativity.' St. Michael's Mount, near Penzance. Hayley Benoit For a fuller picture of Cornwall's creative pedigree, I headed back toward the sea, to the Tate St. Ives. What other beach community can claim a major museum with ocean views? Opened in 1993, the Tate celebrates the area's artistic legacy. One gallery had a special display of five abstracts by Mark Rothko. The paintings were originally commissioned for the Four Seasons restaurant in New York. But Rothko, who took a break from the murals in 1959 and visited St. Ives, decided they weren't right for the Four Seasons and donated them to the Tate Gallery shortly before his death in 1970. I was able to sit quietly for 10 minutes and absorb them; for a moment, I honestly felt like they were speaking to me. From left: The studio of Andrew Todd, Finisterre's head designer; Andrew Todd in his studio. Hayley Benoit I dined that night at the Fish Shed St. Ives, a light meal of oysters and french fries, and on a recommendation from my bartender, I finished the evening with a hike up to St. Nicholas Chapel (in the summer the sun sets as late as 9:30 p.m.). The church has been there since the 15th century, overlooking the beach. It made me wonder if the light had always been so sumptuous, and if it had seemed that way to people centuries ago. My second day started at Porthmeor Studios, possibly the oldest artists' studios in England. It has provided workspaces for fishermen and artists since the 1880s—a truly Cornwall-esque combination—which meant some rooms were full of nets and buoys and others stocked with art. The artists I met were all professionals represented by galleries in London, New York, and beyond. I asked one painter, Philip Medley, if the ocean inspired him. His abstract work did not look remotely nautical, but his studio had massive windows that faced the sea. 'Subconsciously it gets in,' he admitted. 'Especially in the winter, when the weather kicks off. I'm not conscious of it, but I suspect it's there.' From left: The Roundhouse, in Penzance; baked goods at the Roundhouse. Hayley Benoit Perhaps that was the key. Cornwall is more than just a place—it harbors a mystery and mystique that stir the imagination. I spent my final afternoon in the nearby town of Penzance, where I visited a modern art gallery called the Exchange. Lunch was a Cornish beer and a superb mortadella sandwich at the Roundhouse, a tiny café housed in a Victorian-era toll booth whose owner bakes his own focaccia. I felt nourished—by art, by nature, by the spirit of people creating with their hands. To live and work in Cornwall has probably never been easy, but its tradition of resourcefulness and artistry is thriving more strongly than ever. A version of this story first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline 'Dyed in the Wool.'
The Guardian
30-03-2025
- The Guardian
Always roll your clothes! 13 travel packing hacks to save you space and money – according to seasoned travellers
Packing is a fine art. No one wants to lug heavy bags around transport hubs or arrive at the other end to a chaotically stuffed bag full of creased clothes. But we all have our 'essentials' to cram in. For some, that'll be a full skincare routine or a semblance of a wardrobe; for others, it'll be sports equipment (though you really should leave the weights at home). So whether you're flying on an airline offering ever-dwindling luggage limits, trying to cram a car for the whole crew, or rushing between trains with a backpack, it really does pay to travel light. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But what are the secrets to lightening the load without compromising? To find out, we've asked world travellers for all their best hacks and buys. Whether it's the travel writer who's been solo backpacking for more than 20 years or the hotel designer who has to dress smartly while zipping to locations across Europe, our globe-trotters shared their tips for everything from the ultimate wear-everywhere shoes to the best tech cheats. Ziploc variety pack (347 bags) £25.38 at eBay£25.15 at Amazon Rather than packing cubes, I use large ziplock bags; they are cheap and flexible. There are many sizes, so you can pick the right one for the job. Plus, they adapt to what you are packing: they can be rolled, squished and used inside one another to save space in your suitcase or bag. Ruby Hammer, makeup artist and founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty Drift 35-litre bag £110 at Finisterre I swear by my Drift waterproof tote bag from Finisterre. It's an essential part of my surf kit, though I also use it as my bag for cafe laptop sessions and as a catch-all for my beach gear. It fits everything I need, keeps it dry and works as hand luggage if I'm flying, too. Lindsey Holland, founder of surf retreat company Marnie Rays Travel yoga mat £55 at Yoga Design Lab£54 at Amazon This packable yoga mat by Yoga Design Lab is a gamechanger. It has revolutionised my routine when I'm travelling because I hate borrowing the gym studio mats. It's made from recycled bottles and is completely foldable, like a towel. It reacts to slight moisture, so if you are travelling to hot places the sweat on your hands makes the mat more sticky – which is great! Tamara Lohan, co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith Houdini jacket £100 at PatagoniaFrom £60 at Cotswold Outdoor Fitz Roy down hoodie £240 at Patagonia I pack only a week's worth of clothes, even if I'm away for a month. Laundry can happen at the hotel. During the cold season, lightweight, technical coats and jackets cut out bulk: the best ones either pack into a tiny built-in bag or are made from down, which flattens and is super lightweight, taking up minimal space. I recommend Patagonia's Fitz Roy Down and Houdini jackets – I wear them while travelling to save room in my carry-on. The Fitz Roy is so warm you don't need to pack layers – just a T-shirt. Chuck George, founder of Chuck's restaurants Nevis Extreme 65 + 15 litre rucksack £99.99 at Mountain Warehouse£99.99 at Debenhams As someone who's on the road more often than not, packing light and for different weather is essential. For ease of jumping on and off public transport, I travel with backpacks. I like the selection at Mountain Warehouse because they're affordable and durable, which is important as they get chucked around on local buses. And as simple as it sounds, rolling and separating clothing (dresses, tops, bottoms) into fabric tote bags is my biggest space-saving hack. Why buy packing cubes when tote bags do the same job but roll up even neater? Rolling your clothes condenses them, so you can fit more in, and also keeps creases at bay. Lydia Swinscoe, solo travel writer, @lydiaswinscoe I pack colours and tones that pair well together, allowing me to mix and match while sometimes wearing the same pair of shorts or jeans on multiple occasions. I stick to packing the following: a cashmere jumper, a jumpsuit, a dress, four tops and jeans or shorts – depending on the weather. And I buy toiletries at my destination. I once moved to Palermo for six months, to research a cookbook and do travel writing, and just took a holdall using this technique. Anastasia Miari, of @MatriarchEats and author of Yiayia: Time-perfected Recipes from Greece's Grandmothers If you're off on a ski weekend and don't want to pay extra for checked luggage, it's possible to pack what you'll need within your cabin allowance. Free up space and weight by wearing your ski jacket and beanie. Take a pair of waterproof shoes with a good grip for walking around the resort, and wear these on the flight, too. Hire your skis and boots instead of bringing them, and clip your helmet to your bag, so it hangs from it. I've never had an issue flying with mine on display with British Airways. Alexander Blunt, co-founder of Heidi, the ski holiday planners Muji travel accessories From £1.50 at Muji Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion To maximise space in my suitcase, I streamline my toiletries, opting for products that double up. I also skip some makeup products altogether, such as blush and concealer – when travelling to hot destinations, I wear less makeup anyway. Alternatively, I decant as much of my skincare into reusable 100ml bottles that I can bring onboard with me in my hand luggage, freeing up valuable space in my suitcase. Muji's are best for clever packing, as they come in lots of shapes and sizes. Gina Jackon, author of An Opinionated Guide to London Hotels and travel writer, @ginagoesto For more, read our guide to the best refillable beauty Anker Prime charger £79.99 at Anker£64.99 at Amazon Although there aren't baggage limitations on trains, I like to pack light. I usually travel with my husband and two daughters and we always take just one multi-adaptor and multi-charger that the whole family can use. We like Anker and we always pack them in our rucksacks so we can use them on the train. Cat Jones, founder and CEO of Byway, the flight-free travel company Minako dyed linen trousers£140 at Toast Birkenstock Boston clog Men's, £140 at SchuhWomen's, £140 at Schuh I've finally cracked the capsule travel wardrobe: linen separates. A shirt and trousers in the same colour are lightweight, pack well, and can be styled in multiple ways. Pair them with classic foundational pieces – a tee, white shirt, jeans, Birkenstock clogs and a cardigan – and you're set for the whole trip. Rosie McKissock, brand director of Toast Keen Uneek sneaker £60 at Office£110 at Keen It's easy to overdo shoes when you go away, but I've realised that a single comfortable, neutral pair fulfils all my needs, and saves a lot of space. On a recent retreat in Ghana, I took a versatile sandal that was closed at the front, open with a strap at the back, and had a high-grip sole, making them perfect for pretty much every occasion. I also plan my outfits ahead of time, looking back at photos from previous holidays to see what I actually wore to help me pack smarter. Rebekah Jade, founder of Pana yoga and retreats Traveller shirts From £79 at Suit Supply I love travelling with my foldable Roav sunglasses – a space-saving gamechanger. They fit into a credit card-sized pouch rather than a bulky case. I also pack travel-friendly shirts from Suit Supply (they're made from a special type of high-twist pima cotton that is stretch- and wrinkle-resistant), packed with wire hangers to help maintain their shape. And remember: some items, such as toiletries, are best bought at the destination. Jacu Strauss, designer and creative director of Lore Group hotels Bob Beauté correction sticks £25 at Bob Beauté Violette_Fr Bisou balm £30 at Violette_Fr I travel with a few multifunctional beauty products that do it all. Makeup-wise, I like the Bob Beauté sticks – tiny pencils that work as a beauty balm, which is lighter than a foundation, and is buildable, so you can increase the coverage. Violette_Fr's lip balm is also a double lip moisturiser and colour in one. Inge Theron, founder of FaceGym Hayley Spencer is a journalist and editor with 15 years of experience in writing on topics spanning style, beauty and wellness
