If you are anything like me, you’d rather take a pop quiz than go bathing suit shopping. Maybe your breasts are asymmetrical (normal); maybe you did not stick to your resolution to hit the gym so you are a little curvier than you had hoped (common); or maybe you do not look like Heidi
Klum (because no one does) and trying on a bathing suit just adds to this insecurity. There are a bevy of reasons why bathing suit shopping is less than desirable. However, if you go into the store knowing exactly what to look for in a suit as opposed to beating yourself up over what you can’t wear, it will make the process a lot less daunting.
We will start with tops. Are you of the small-chested persuasion? It’s totally okay to be insecure about that body part but also grateful when you think of all the dresses and low-cut tops you can wear. But I digress. Bikini shopping can be tough; luckily Victoria’s Secret Miraculous Push-Up Halter Top boosts your boobies by two cup sizes while adding a little lift. And if you are on the curvier side, the tops not only come in bikini but tankini as well.
The opposite of small chested is big busted and that can make for a disaster of a bathing suit shopping trip. I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum, having had a reduction twelve years ago, and I can recall going to the bikini section, trying on tops, and crying, “Why don’t you love me?” Yes, I cried to a bikini top. But that is because I just didn’t know which one was right for me. If you are slim with a big chest, your best bet is to go to Soma Intimates, because they focus on bigger busts and sizes most lingerie stores don’t typically have. The Bondi Sweetheart Bikini Swim Top comes in D-FF and has underwire to help keep the girls in place. If you are big busted and curvy, I LOVE Torrid’s Black Wireless Lattice Bikini Top. It’s wireless for comfort and super cute. Plus, black is extremely slimming as are all dark and solid colors so remember to stick with those.
Athletic girl? Swimspot.com has some of the best bathing suits, both bikinis and funky one pieces for the athletic girl in you. My favorite? The Shiny Spice Bralette Bikini Top, available in XS through L, and a handful of bottom choices, depending on your personal comfort level. The floral design is perfectly placed right in the center of the bosom, making this the best choice for all you athletes out there.
Curvalicious body? Again, this is why I love Torrid, which is specifically designed for plus-sized females. The Black Push-Up Demi One-Piece lifts the chest while slimming the tummy and the rest of the body. Plus, as previously mentioned, black is super slimming though Torrid has some amazing patterned suits that are actually quite flattering. But, regardless of your body type, if a one-piece or bikini just is not your style, tankinis are most definitely a cute and fun option and can be found practically anywhere.
As for bottoms, this is fairly simple. I base my choices on my panty preference and I actually love boy shorts so my bikini bottom of choice is of the boy-shorts persuasion. I want to be as comfortable as possible plus I know what looks the most flattering on me. Boy shorts work well for girls who are more curvaceous, have hips and thighs or minor insecurities. They also help tame the tummy just a tad so that’s an added bonus. The same goes for high-waisted bottoms, which are not only in style but also erase the need for belly bloat stress. If you are super slim, bikinis that tie at the sides allow you to adjust the bottoms for comfort, or if you like bikini-style panties, that should be your guide for the bottoms you buy. Ultimately, there should be no overhanging skin, excess fat, or anything unsightly when it comes to purchasing bottoms, which is why I tend to buy a size up so I know I will be comfortable.
The bottom line with bathing suits is that everything should be seamless, tucked in, and you should feel confident. Every body part should be in the right place and you should get this excited feeling like you want people to ask you where you got your suit, and if someone happens to take photos, you’ll be totally cool with it because you feel cool and confident.