Growing up, there was nothing like a trip to the beach. We’d pack up the car with floats and buckets, towels, and beach chairs, and there was an implicit understanding that it was completely acceptable to live all day in a swimsuit.
As a teenager and young adult, nothing was more stressful than a trip to the beach. I’d pack up the car with all the makings for a fun trip, ready to relax with friends, and then fret on which swimsuit to take depending on who else might be there, what we would be doing, tan lines I wanted to avoid, and how I wanted to feel.
Then, I found the perfect swimsuit. It was deep pink, a one-piece, but with a high-cut bottom and gold keyhole detail at the chest. There were adjustable straps to make it a halter top or strapless, and it was the most flattering swimsuit I had ever owned. At some point over the years, it was left in the drawer of a beach condo, perhaps ending up with someone who came after me.
I’ve chased that feeling in every swimsuit since, and while I am likely never going to find that same suit, it did help teach me lessons on what to look for in a swimsuit. Here are those five lessons.
Hide the problem areas
We all have different body types, but one thing everyone has in common is problem areas. Even the most confident among us have a part of our body we are self-conscious about. So unless you and some friends stumble across some sisterhood of the traveling bikini bottoms, we all need different things in a swimsuit. Finding one that covers those areas can make the difference in comfort, and there are tricks to employ.
Wrap swimsuits have become increasingly popular in recent fashion. While slightly harder to put on, the wraps allow me to adjust the swimsuit to cover what I most want hidden. I can tie them around my waist, over my chest, or down the hips — the possibilities are endless.
If you, like me, want a swimsuit that specifically targets tummy control, look for a suit with ruching. The design choice looks cute and adds distraction plus coverage to that area of your body.
Find your color
The right color makes all the difference. If you know what colors look best with your skin tone, shop in that family! I loved that pink swimsuit because it was in my color palette and made me glow as a result. Plus, the right color can accentuate your tan, which is always a plus.
Make it special
Find a swimsuit that has special details. I prefer full coverage with my swimsuits to achieve my comfort level, but that doesn’t mean I want it to be boring. Keyhole designs at the chest, ruffles on the straps or bottoms, or a stylized bow can act as little winks that elevate the look.
Check out new styles
If you find a style of swimsuit that works well, it can be comforting to hold on to it for years. Fashion evolves, though, and with it, so do your tastes. There are designs and cuts I love now that I never would have worn 10 years ago. Search new swimwear for the latest styles each season and see if something speaks to you.
Conclusion
Above all else, find a swimsuit that makes you feel comfortable, because nothing looks better than confidence. Hopefully, though, these tips can help narrow down the options.
Feature image from Pexels.
