Time To Dive Into Bathing Suit Shopping

Yes, the time has come (whether you’re ready or not) to begin your hunt for the perfect bathing suit. If you’re one of the few women out there who jumps for joy at the idea of bathing suit shopping, well, you’re one lucky girl. Otherwise, if you’re like the rest of us, the truth is that most women cringe at the thought and would rather step on nails than try on swimsuits.

Hopefully, now that the sun’s shining, you’ll feel a bit more motivated to get the shopping process started. Here are some bathing suit styles that are specifically designed to complement or hide certain areas of your body:

• If you’re trying to hide your hips, you may try bathing suits with skirted bottoms or even a swim dress such as a Nautica polka dot swim dress for $98 at Macy‘s.
• If you’re trying to slim your tummy, you may try a Land‘s End slimming tummy control tankini swimsuit top for $40 and bottoms to match. 
• If you need support for a large bust, you may try the 24th & Ocean Swimsuit, Dot Print Halter Tankini Top & Hipster Bottom for $80 at Macy’s.
• If you want to minimize your rear/thighs, again you may want to wear swim dresses or skirted bottoms to help with coverage. However, if you still like to wear your bikinis but want a little coverage, you can always wear a sheer sarong from for $19.99. 
• If you're trying to enhance a small bust, you may try ruffles on top that add fullness such as a Kenneth Cole Reaction bikini at Lord & Taylor for $44.  

Although many of us will be searching for swimwear based on what it covers or enhances, there are always the classic “go-to” styles for the season:

• Athletic swimsuits — For a beach volleyball game or swimming laps at Sudbury Swim & Tennis try a Nike Racerback one-piece swimsuit on sale for $44 at Kohl’s.  
• Bikinis — For those of you who are more comfortable in a two-piece suit you could try the Daisy Push-Up Triangle Top & Double String Bottom for $40 at Victoria Secret. Bikini tops come in different styles such as bandeau, halter, strapless, triangle, and push-ups.
• One-piece swimsuits — These bathing suits come with different necklines ranging from halter to strapless, high-neck, or low-neck. Try a one-piece contrasting black and white stripe swimsuit for $35 at H&M or a twist bandeau suit at JC Penney for $39.99. 
• Separates — Many women find it challenging to find a bathing suit that’s the right size on the top and bottom when sold as a set. Separates are a dream come true because you can mix and match to make the sizes work for you. Separates can be found in many stores nowadays such as Everything But Water (for more designer end) to Target.
• Swim skirts and swim shorts — Try Merona women’s swim short black at Target for $22.99.
• Swim dresses — Similar to a flattering a-line dress in a bathing suit, try an Allan B. bandeau swim dress at JC Penney now on sale for $39.99.
• Tankinis — According to Victoria Secret, tankinis have ”the comfort and coverage of a one-piece ... the sleek, sexy shape of a two-piece”.
• Bikinis and tankinis — Both styles come with different bottom options such as the hipster, string, tie bottom, high-rise, low-rise, and skirtinis (a skirted bottom) such as the Juniors Polka Dot Skirtini Swim Bottom at Target for $14.99.

Of course, one of the most exciting parts about swimsuits is in the details. Everything from ruffles, to colorful and fun prints, sequins and even jewels will all be seen at the beach this year.

For those of you are more concerned with the quality of your suit and sun protection, there are many bathing suits made of fabric treated with SPF 40 such as a Nylon-Lycra, L.L. Bean suit for $105. I realize this is on the more expensive side, however, if protecting your skin is a top priority then this would be a suit for you.

Just an FYI ... if you're looking for designer brands only and you can wait a little longer, July is the best time to buy a designer suit on sale. Most retailers slash their prices, in some cases, almost as much as 75 percent off, to get ready for back-to-school items.

I hope you now have enough information to get you started on your bathing suit hunt. Unless you plan on wearing a snowsuit at the beach, swimsuit season is here and it’s time to get shopping. Remember, there are bathing suits out there to flatter any body type, while still being comfortable and stylish.