Gradient Two-Piece Bikini

Colour that deepens as it crosses the body, pale at one edge and rich at the other, gives these two pieces a soft, painterly finish. The top is lightly padded with no underwire, cut away at the back so shoulders and spine stay bare to the sun.

The outer fabric is 85% polyester; beneath it, a 90% polyester lining with spandex gives the fit a little give, so the pieces follow the line of the body rather than fighting it.

Made for long afternoons by water: a swim before breakfast, a towel and a book until lunch, a linen shirt thrown over for the walk into town. The gradient reads as considered rather than loud, and it works as easily at a resort pool as it does on a crowded public beach.

The set arrives as a top and briefs, in sizes S, M and L. The size chart runs one to two sizes smaller than US and EU sizing, so take the larger option when you fall between two.

• Two-piece set with a padded top and no underwire
• Gradient colour that deepens across the fabric
• Backless cut through the top
• Outer 85% polyester; lining 90% polyester with spandex
• Available in S, M and L