Actually Have Fun Swimsuit Shopping

by WiredBerries Editors — February 1, 2008

After all the excitement from the holidays has worn off, your mind naturally starts to drift to a tropical respite from the cold. But the swimsuit shopping that goes hand in hand with a beach vacation can be intimidating enough to keep you wrapped up in your parka. It doesn't have to be arduous task! Follow these tips to find a suit that flatters you:

• Fabric type -- Although 100% cotton swimsuits may seem wonderfully light and very fashionable, they are quick to fray and sag when actually in use. The ideal fabric for a swimsuit is a cotton/Lycra mix.
• Brand - Although not the first thing to consider, better-known brands do have a tendency to produce higher quality swimsuits that are guaranteed to last longer.
• Size - In the dressing room, look carefully to make sure the suit isn't sagging, riding up, or bunching anywhere - if so, you probably need a smaller size. If it's cutting into your skin or you are bulging out of it, go for a bigger size. The fit matters much more than the size on the tag!
• Color and print - Will you feel comfortable wearing this color/print in public and will it still look attractive when wet?
• See-through test -- If you choose to wear a white swimsuit, make sure it has double or even triple lining. A good rule to determine if the lining will allow too much exposure when the swimsuit is wet is to look at the swimsuit with your hand inside of it. If you can see your hand through the swimsuit when dry, it will most likely become quite sheer when wet.
• Receipt - Keep the receipt and try the suit on again when you get home. Make sure it looks good in natural light, which highlights much different areas than the harsh fluorescent lights of the dressing room.
• Smile - We are all our own worst critics. Concentrate on making sure the suit makes you feel comfortable and good. Any energy you would normally waste on self-deprecation should be spent imagining yourself on the beach enjoying the surf, sun, and sand! And if you let yourself admit it, you look hot!

Bon voyage!