There's not a more iconic swimsuit than Princess Diana's leopard print swimming costume. Even Bond girl bikinis and A-list swimwear doesn't compete with the timeless appeal of Princess Diana and her endlessly chic leopard swimsuit, worn with a matching sarong like the style queen she was.
It's been a fan favourite for years, admittedly mine too, and with leopard print is officially back in favour for 2025 (did it ever go away?!) why not take your love of leopard from dresses and jeans to your swimwear too?
- The strapless leopard print swimsuit: New Look Swimsuit, £32.99
- The leopard swimsuit with tummy control: Next Leopard Swimsuit, £40
- The one most like Princess Diana's: M&S Swimsuit, £35
Princess Diana was first pictured wearing the leopard swimming costume in 1990, while on a family vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Joined by her sons Prince William and Prince Harry, sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and their mother, Frances Shand-Kydd, the world gasped in glee at the People's Princess in her trendy swimwear, worn with a matching sarong and tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Princess Diana's swimsuit was made by Jantzen, an American swimwear company that still exists today - but sadly hasn't brought back the leopard bathers made popular by Princess Di. Luckily, the high street has cottoned on to the universal appeal of leopard print, and created a range of leopard swimsuits to suit all shapes, sizes, budgets and needs. According to research by clothing brand George, searches for leopard print fashion doubled in the last year - so if ever there's a time to try it, it's now.
How I chose the best leopard print swimsuits
- Design: Animal prints are great, but this edit focuses solely on leopard - no cheetah, tiger or zebra prints included.
- Style: Along with your traditional scoop-neck swimsuit, I've found as many swimwear varieties as possible to show that anyone can wear a leopard print swimsuit. There's tummy control, strapless leopard swimwear, crinkle, frilled, the lot, plus leopard print bikinis too.
- Inclusivity: The swimwear in this edit ranges in sizes from a UK6 - UK24, and some come in petite or tall sizing too.
- Price: To suit all budgets, I've included swimwear across the price range.
- Royal-inspired: Since Princess Diana is our muse here, I've included a few leopard swimsuits that are extremely similar to hers in both print and style.
1/7
M&S Printed Trim Detail V-Neck Plunge Swimsuit
© M&SM&S Printed Trim Detail V-Neck Plunge Swimsuit M&S Leopard Print Swimming Costume
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard Print
- Sizes: 6 - 24
- Removable padding in cups
- Composition: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane Lining - 100% polyester
Editor's Note
I'd reach for this swimsuit for the print and stye alone - it gives a sleek, streamlined finish which is worth its weight in gold.
With a plunge neck, M&S' take on the leopard print trend also has removable padded cups and a flattering v-neck - plus adjustable straps.
StayNew™ chlorine-resistant fabric keeps your swimsuit looking newer for longer.
2/7
Phase Eight Leopard Print Belted Swimsuit
© Phase EightPhase Eight Leopard Print Belted Swimsuit Phase Eight Leopard Print Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print
- Sizes: 8 - 20
- Neckline: Round neck
- Composition: 20% elastane, 80% polyamide-Recycled fibres
Editor's Note
Phase Eight's leopard swimsuit is ridiculously chic, with a matching belt complete with tortoiseshell buckle.
Designed with a scoop neckline, this swimsuit is finished with a matching belt and tortoiseshell buckle for contemporary detailing.
3/7
Next Animal Plunge Shaping Tummy Control Swimsuit
© NextNext Leopard Print Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print plus 9 other prints
- Sizes: 6 - 24
- Neckline: Plunge
- Composition: 85% Nylon, 15% LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ elastane.
Lining: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane.
Editor's Note
I did a double take on this Next swimsuit in leopard print, which looks super luxe. There's a tall version available, and both have a tummy shaping panel for comfort.
A classic shaped swimsuit in leopard print, this animal print swimming costume is cut in a high leg with plunge neck and tummy-shaping panel.
4/7
Cupshe Leopard Print Plunge Halter Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit
Cupshe Leopard Print Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print and black, plus five other colourways
- Sizes: S - L
- Bust support: Medium support
- Composition: 84% polyester, 16% spandex
Editor's Note
Cupshe swimwear is renowned for its clever solutions, like tummy control and bust support. This halter neck leopard swimsuit is not only cool to look at, with tummy control, but the black bottoms are flattering and draw the eye to the leopard half - genius.
With a spandex mix, Cupshe's swimsuit in leopard print has medium bust support, removable padding and a plunge halter neckline.
5/7
New Look Brown Tummy Control Leopard Print Underwired Swimsuit
© New LookNew Look Brown Tummy Control Leopard Print Underwired Swimsuit New Look Leopard Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print
- Sizes: 32B - 36DD
- Bust support: Yes
- Composition: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Editor's Note
New Look has created an incredibly flattering leopard swimsuit with this one - the cups have plenty of support and the removable straps mean you can wear it as a bandeau. Plus, it has a tummy control panel for extra support.
With adjustable straps, light compression and a scoop neckline, this swimsuit is ideal for your next holiday.
6/7
Bravissimo Lagos Swimsuit in Leopard Print
Bravissimo Leopard Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print, copper, tropical and floral
- Sizes: Cup size 28D - 40K
- Bust support: Sizing based on bra size
- Composition: 60% polyester, 21% nylon, 19% elastane
Editor's Note
Bravissimo create swimwear that offers amazing bust support, and this leopard swimsuit is no exception - choose your sizing based on your cup size.
Hidden inside this leopard print swimsuit is bra-sized support, with concealed inner non-padded and underwired cups. Adjustable straps also help with the bust support.
7/7
Damson Madder Cheyenne Shirred Ruddle Leopard Swimsuit
Damson Madder Leopard Swimsuit
The Details
- Colourways available: Leopard print
- Sizes: 6 - 10
- Bust support: No
- Composition: 82% Recycled Polyamide 18% Elastane. Lining: 92% Recycled Polyester 8% Elastane
Editor's Note
I absolutely love that Damson Madder have incorporated the shirred bust trend on a swimsuit - and in leopard print!
Damson Madder is a brand known for its leopard print pieces (the leopard gilet is forever selling out) and this sweet ruffle swimsuit in leopard is an ideal piece to add to your summer wardrobe.
The endless appeal of leopard print
Princess Diana wasn't a big wearer of leopard print, but royals including Princess Kate and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden have leopard print on speed dial. Their royal wardrobes are often peppered with a sprinkling of leopard print, be it a dress, an accessory or a shoe.
Leopard print bikinis and swimsuits are a popular choice for celebs, with the likes of Demi Moore, Kendall Jenner, Dame Joan Collins and Hailey Bieber being spotted wearing the daring print. Leopard print, despite what you might hear, is a print for every age, every body shape and every style.
