British women biggest bikini prudes?

British women have been described as Europe's biggest holiday beach prudes.

During a Europe-wide poll for retailer isme.com, it was found two-thirds of continentals believe UK females are the most likely to cover up rather than flaunt their bodies in swimwear.

The poll revealed just 15 percent of Britons rate themselves as stylish in a bikini. They believe Italians look the best.

Nearly two-thirds of women aged 50-plus hate wearing swimwear, and even a third of 18-25 year olds dislike disrobing, Daily Express reported.

TV stylist Brix Smith-Start said: "I'm not surprised women can take up to an hour to pick swimwear. It is a tricky garment to get right."

"But we can all take inspiration from glamorous older ladies like Helen Mirren and Kim Cattrall," she added. Germans were voted the least stylish for being too keen to go naked.