Just like her iconic formal outfits and her activewear, Princess Diana's style continues to inspire today - and we need to talk about her chic holiday looks, including her incredible bikinis and swimsuits. Diana's classic one-pieces, chic sarongs, and simple strappy bikinis are firmly back in style these days - and there's one look that's a fan favourite and admittedly, mine too. The People's Princess' leopard print look is the one we all want to emulate for our summer holiday.
The iconic pictures were taken during Diana's trip to the British Virgin Islands with her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and their mother, Frances Shand-Kydd, in 1990.
The Princess of Wales' animal print swimsuit was made by Jantzen, a swimwear brand that is still around today. And though that style has long gone, there are lots of similar versions of Princess Diana’s leopard swimsuit available to shop on the high street today. There are even matching sarongs, bikinis and sandals.
"I have been following royal style at HELLO! for years - and Princess Diana's leopard print swimsuit is still one of the most standout royal fashion choices of all time," comments HELLO! Lifestyle Editor Karen Silas. "It wowed then and now. With 1990s fashion making a major comeback over the past few seasons, the Princess' iconic wardrobe has been a major influence on trends. But her leopard one-piece goes even beyond what's hot now - it's one of her most timeless looks. It would fit right in poolside or on the beach today and for seasons to come."
Celebrities and royals wearing leopard print swimwear
Although leopard print wasn't a pattern that featured often in the Princess of Wales' wardrobe, it does feature in Princess Kate's quite frequently in the form of midi dresses. And leopard print swimwear is a staple for plenty of celebrities, from Vanessa Hudgens to Demi Moore to Joan Collins, and most recently, Kourtney Kardashian wore one on a babymoon! It really is a print for every age.
Leopard has long been a print that's considered timeless - style influencer Erica Davies' famously calls it a neutral - and woven into things like swimwear and poolside essentials, it can be a less harsh look than plain black, navy or white.
If you're feeling the leopard look, wear your leopard swimsuit to the bar too - they look chic with denim shorts, worn as a bodysuit, with chunky dad sandals or Hailey Bieber-style slip-on mules.
How we chose the best leopard swimsuits
Forever inspired by the royals, I've done a sweep of this season's swimwear to bring the best leopard print swimsuits. Here's how I chose them:
- Design: Only the true leopard print pieces made it into my edit - no cheetah or tiger print here.
- Inclusivity: I've found leopard swimwear in sizes 4-24, to cater to all shapes and sizes.
- Style: From cut-outs to tummy control swimsuits, I've found as many varieties on swimsuits as possible to suit everybody's style. This summer, swimwear has gone to two extremes: peekaboo and cut-out, or crinkled and full coverage. Luckily, both styles come in leopard print!
Shop the best leopard swimsuits
Add a little Princess Diana style to your summer holiday, whether you're holidaying in the Maldives or Margate.
ASOS Leopard Print Swimsuit
Editor's note: "This is a great example of a swimsuit you can wear anywhere - swimming with the kids, posing on the beach or down the splash park!"
This one is designed for fuller busts and is available by cup size – from DD to G.
The halter neck design is super flattering for bigger chest sizes, and the crossover back adds extra interest. Not too highly cut, the fabric is lightly ribbed for more comfort.
New Look Leopard Swimsuit
Editor's note: "New Look has come up trumps with this sexy swimsuit - note the belted detailing for a Bond girl look. I'd wear this with shorts and a linen white shirt for drinks around the pool."
This New Look swimsuit gets rave reviews from shoppers, scoring it 5/5 for "accentuating your curves" and great cup coverage.
The halterneck is a tie fastening, so you can make it tighter or looser depending on your preference.
Bravissimo Leopard Swimsuit
Editor's note: "What I love most about this leopard print swimsuit is the hidden bust support - you wouldn't know it to look at it, but inside, it has inner cups and underwire for maximum support."
Bravissimo really think about their swimwear like they do lingerie - full of support, and by creating designs that are flattering but fashionable. This swimsuit has adjustable straps, bust support and is
Tu Leopard Swimsuit
Editor's note: "I do love a tummy control swimsuit and paired with leopard print, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's have knocked it out of the park. Plus, it's only £20!"
Tu's swimsuit has removable cups and tummy control panelling for extra comfort. Available in sizes 6-26, shoppers are snapping this one up for their summer holidays.
River Island Leopard Swimsuit
Editor's note: "If you love the athleisure look, River Island's leopard swimsuit ticks all the boxes for embracing that look. Gives a real 80s vibe!"
With its open back and scoop neck, this RI swimsuit is a classic cut with sporty straps and a super high cut. With no cups or wiring, this isn't one for those that like a bit of bust support.
Accessorize Leopard Print Swimsuit
Editor's note: "I love the addition of ruffles to this leopard print swimsuit. A lot of leopard styles are quite plain and fuss-free, but the frills add a feminine touch."
There's a definite dainty look to this Accessorize swimsuit, with the keyhole tie detailing and slim adjustable straps.
Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Swimsuit
Editor's note: "D&G is synonymous with leopard print, and they've plastered their iconic design all over this gorgeous swimsuit. It's pricey, but if you're going to splurge on a leopard swimsuit, it has to be this one. It's also the closest to resemble Princess Diana's swimming costume, so has the royal touch."
This golden, glam number has a scoop neck, and those classic D&G spots. It's so good, you can wear from beach to bar or even as a bodysuit with jeans when you're not lounging by a pool.
Panos Leopard Print Swimsuit
Editor's note: "I love the ruching on Panos' version of this trend - it's a really flattering fit for those who are conscious of their tummies."
Available in sizes 8-18, Panos' swimsuit is all about comfort while looking incredible too. There's wide straps for extra support (no digging into the arms!) and a flattering twist over the bust too. John Lewis shoppers have praised the "beautiful" design of this one-piece.
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