Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Shopping for a swimsuit may seem like a painful and unhelpful exercise, but it is really possible to find a swimsuit that fits your body and makes you feel good. A smart swimsuit shopper will be aware of all the suggestions made in this article.

To step

1. Know your body type. Your shape –– where your fat is naturally distributed –– determines which swimsuit suits you best. Measure your hips at the widest point, your waist at the narrowest point, and your chest at the widest point for the best data, as swimsuit sizes and models are based on these proportions. Here are some body shapes explained:
   • Pear shape: If your hips are significantly wider than both your waist and your chest, you are probably a pear.
   • Apple Shape: If your waist is significantly wider than your hips and equal to or nearly as wide as your chest, you may be an apple.
   • Hourglass Shape: If your chest and hips are about the same width, but your waist is noticeably narrower, you are a classic hourglass.
   • Straight (aka ruler or banana shape): If you are slim in all places, with no significant difference between your hips, waist, and chest, you are a straight shape.
2. Prepare yourself. Before you go out, make sure you have removed any unnecessary hairs. Remove any hair that you don't want to be seen when trying on a swimsuit, especially if you are going to show it to someone for review. And forget not to wear underpants! Every store with swimwear asks customers to try on swimwear over the underwear, and do you want to take the hygiene risk by taking everything off?
3. Choose a suitable swimwear store. There are stores that specialize in bathing suits (everything from sporty to glam), so do some research and find one that's right for you. In addition, if you don't have that many demands on your swimwear, there are many clothing brands that have their own line of swimwear in department stores. Online shopping is another option, but you might want to save it for when you already know what kind of swimwear fits you and need an extra or replacement version of one you already own.
4. Choose colors and fabrics that emphasize your best features and tone down your less loved areas. The secret to a good swimsuit is that it draws attention to the most flattering parts of your figure; this will help you feel more comfortable and look good too. Here are some basic tips to follow:
   • To emphasize a feature you like, use a bright color or pattern.
   • To hide something you don't like, use a solid color.
   • If you have pale skin, use black or deep jewel shades, such as dark purple, navy, or maroon.
   • If you have dark skin, bright colors can actually be more flattering and hide what you don't like.
   • To add volume (such as at the chest or hips), choose a swimsuit with ruffles in that area.
   • To hide volume (such as at the waist), use gathered or ruffled fabric.
   • Don't be afraid to buy individual parts that don't match perfectly! For example, suppose you want to emphasize your chest, but divert attention from your hips. You might buy a bikini top in a bright solid color or pattern and bottoms that are dark black, blue or brown (depending on the top).
5. Choose the right cut. Here's a quick rundown of what you may need to choose / avoid:
   • A one-piece swimsuit will hide your waist. Choose one with gathered panels across the belly or in a dark solid color.
   • A 1940s-style bottom with a high waist can also help hide your waist. Here too go for a dark color or wrinkle fabric.
   • A tankini emphasizes your waist because it draws attention to the area of ​​skin that is visible. If you like your waistline, but your hips or breasts aren't that way, you should choose this one.
   • Boyshorts make your hips look wider no matter what color. If you have large breasts and you want to widen your hips a bit to get a classic hourglass shape, you should get boyshorts. However, be aware that this style can feel a bit uncomfortable for some women, so make sure it fits before you buy.
   • High-cut bikini bottoms make your legs look longer. If you are short or long chested this is a good choice.
   • Halter tops draw attention to the chest, just like triangular tops.
   • Bikini tops with a front closure draws attention to the chest and draws the breasts together, making them appear larger. If you have small breasts and want them to look bigger, this may be a good fit.
   • Bandeau tops make your bust look wider.If you have a pear shape and want to look like an hourglass, choose a bandeau top with ruffles or some other print detail.
   • For large breasts, choose a straight cut at the top of the swimsuit, with wide-set straps to minimize your chest. Try a bikini top with an underwire and thick chest strap for extra support. A thick chest strap prevents wobbling, so she stays put and everything stays in it.
6. Choose a swimsuit based on the main use. It is useless to buy a string bikini if ​​you plan to go swimming or surfing jobs; in no time he is out and you look like a fool. Bikinis are quite limited when it comes to pool or ocean activities, but a firmer tankini will have no problem staying in place. Sports swimsuits often have additional features that provide support, streamlining and comfort, so check those out if you plan on doing more than just hanging out by the pool.
   • Most lifeguard work requires a one-piece swimsuit in a neutral color, sometimes your team's color. You may also need shorts or a wetsuit to top it off.
   • One-piece swimsuits can be very sexy, especially if you choose fun colors and a flattering fit.
7. Ask a professional for help. If you've already tried shopping on your own and can't find anything, ask for help. Go to a store that sells styles you generally like and ask a salesperson to advise you. Be clear about what you like and what you want to hide, and don't be afraid of the feedback you get - act on it and you'll probably get something you like.
8. When you think you've found the right one, grab the straps of your bathing suit and try to pull them up to your ears. If they come up to or below your earlobes, it fits well. (This is for competition or training swimsuits only.)

Tips

• Swimsuit sizes are usually different, and "more traditional" than most clothing. In many cases, you may need to go up a size or two of your swimsuit without it meaning anything other than the swimsuit fitting you properly.
• Swimsuits usually stretch slightly when wet, so make sure your swimsuit isn't too big when you buy it. You certainly don't want it to go out when you dive in! It can also wrinkle unflatteringly when wet and oversized, making you look fatter.
• Don't assume a more expensive swimsuit is better. The only way to find out if it's right for you is to put it on and move.
• Always be honest with yourself about how your swimsuit fits. If your skin is bulging, you may need to size up. In most cases, a larger size will be more flattering as there is no bulging skin anywhere.
• Take a good friend to the store when trying on swimsuits for an honest opinion.
• Always use colors that compliment your skin tone, for example if you have darker skin, lighter colors will enhance your complexion.

Warnings

• As long as you feel good in the bathing suit you shouldn't care about what other people think. If you don't feel good when other people say it's the right swimsuit for your shape, don't wear it.
• Don't follow fashion trends if they don't flatter your body type. What's in fashion this year shouldn't dictate which swimsuit you choose –– that's your body type and your comfort.