Find the perfect bathing suit with these tips!

This is probably our most dreaded shopping experience. Some women avoid it for years but at the end it has to be done. These are some helpful tips to make this shopping experience as quick and painless as possible.

1. Give yourself some time.  
    Don't go shopping the day before a weekend getaway expecting to buy your perfect bathing suit. Take
    your time to look around and try things on.

2.  Bring a friend or a significant other.
     Bring someone along, but be careful who you bring.  Take someone who's opinion you respect and who
     can articulate. I'll explain what I mean.  You try something on and ask the person how you look. They
     say they don't like it because you look fat. Whether it's true or not is not the point, they are not being
     helpful. A better friend could say something like "I don't like the way it looks on you, it doesn't help your
     shape.  It makes your waist appear larger, how about something in a different print."  That is a good
     friend to take. They are honest but can explain themselves, therefore helpful. Taking a friend like this
     along can make the process a lot quicker.

3.  Know your body shape.
     Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Determine which are your problem areas and
     which are your assets. Then buy accordingly.  If you are busty find tops with enough coverage.
     Underwires and wide straps can help with support.  If you are small busted try triangle tops or
     underwire tops with padding to add a little something.  If you are hippy a smaller bottom with adjustable
     ties draws the eye up.  If you are straight up and down ruffles, rushing and diagonal lines help create
     curves. A banded midsection draws in your waist and vertical lines make you look long and lean.

4.  Know what prints you are looking for.
     There are many print styles this season; tropical, boho, stripes, florals, nautical and glamorous (camels,
      browns and black).  Remember soft colors and small prints look better on fair skin.  Brighter and bolder
      colors tend to look better on dark skin.  Keep your print style in mind this will help you look through
      a sea of racks a lot quicker.

5. Don't be your worst judge.
    Let's be honest, most of us don't have a supermodels body.  Know your flaws and try to find a bathing
    suit to disguise them and play up your assets at the same time.  At the end be content with the choice that
    you make.  Remember the beach and pool suppose to be about relaxing, exercising, spending time
    outdoors and being with the people we love. Your bathing suit is just something you wear to be there.

Don't forget to accessorize! Add a hat, sunglasses, simple jewelry and cute sandals to complete your look!


Have fun and don't forget the sunblock!