Now that more people head off for winter sunshine, or go shopping in Jaipur in February rather than August, it is time to think about swimsuits. Yes, really. If you want to catch the cream of the crop, let alone get organised for the new luxury among the over-40 set, which is the bespoke swimsuit, now's the time to think about it.

If you're Anna Kournikova or Carla Bruni, itsy-bitsy triangles that cost only a few pounds in the chain stores are all you need and there's no need to plan ahead. Come the years and the children, and a little more skill and disguise is required. For some, the beautifully crafted but ready-to-wear swimsuit, of which La Perla, the French brand Eres (both stocked by Essenziale at Grafton Street, London W1) and Liza Bruce (Pont Street, London SW1) are perhaps the best-known masters, are enough.

They are made by designers who understand the art of corsetry and they give proper support. But for those who are tired of the dismal experience of trying on swimwear that does nothing more than make them want to rush for cover there is an answer - the made-to-measure swimsuit.

The grand mistress of the bespoke bathing suit is generally agreed to be Marisa Padovan, to whose atelier in Rome come all manner of princesses, film stars and well-heeled mamas in search of swimsuit bliss. She doesn't come cheap, one-piece bathing suits costing about £300, but more to the point she needs time to bring off her little works of art. Anybody who has despaired of finding a swimsuit that flatters should book a long weekend to Rome now.

But back in the UK we now have some swimsuit artists of our own. Carine Gilson, who does exquisite (and it has to be said expensive) lingerie now has a line of beautifully made couture swimwear - that is, each is made to measure from scratch but she will make any of the designs that she stocks in any size or colour. On top of that, each design is fitted by her own bra fitters and then made to order. Hollywood glamour and retro designs with halter necks and tie-back bathing suits were the hot thing last year and show no sign of losing their popularity this year. Gilson is at Lowndes Street, London SW1.

For the full made-to-measure experience, there is also Biondi (Old Church Street, London SW3), where they'll make up whatever design you like and make sure that it supports where you need it and fits beautifully.

For the prettiest of cover-ups, perfect for hiding winter cellulite as well as making one look more than halfway decent at a beach café, check into www.lottyb.com. Lotty Bunbury has a small collection at The Shop at Bluebird, Kings Road, London SW3, and you can also buy through her website.

Finally, if you're looking for infinitely cheaper solutions to the problem of looking less than slug-like on the beach, don't forget www.figleaves.com. It doesn't ignore the older, less well endowed among us and there are quite a few swimsuits specially geared to those who need more, rather than less, support.

I clocked especially the Triumph Doreen swimsuit, left, which goes up to a size 44, is a flattering black with some white stripes around the neck and costs only £55. If you want something more colourful, there's the Anita Classix (£72), which is black with some pink and white flowers and goes up to size 40E. Something for everybody, then.

LUCIA VAN DER POST