What to look for when bathing suit shopping


how to Make a splash

As the weather’s heating up, so are the clothes, which means it’s about time to start bathing suit shopping! Shopping for bathing suits can be depressing and unsatisfying, but forget all your body flaws and find out what you really need to look for when bathing suit shopping.

Perfect fit

Having a bathing suit that fits well is important. If you’re looking for a bandeau top, then you must make sure it’s tight enough around you that it won’t come down in the water. (Because that would be embarrassing.) Also, if you’re looking for a triangle bikini top, you want to make sure the fabric covers your breasts so that you don’t have side boobage or bottom cleavage coming out. If you’re looking for a halter bathing suit top, make sure it fits appropriately — the tie shouldn’t be too tight on your neck. Mainly, you want to make sure that your swimsuit top is supportive. This Old Navy bright pink swim halter top has a lot of support and style!

Bottoms are pretty straightforward. If you’re looking for regular, 75 percent- to full-coverage bottoms, then make sure they fit well and aren’t so tight where you have butt cleavage coming out from the sides. If you’re looking for a Brazil-cut bottom, then you don’t have to worry about showing too much, but make sure the front of the bottoms doesn’t go too low.

Color content

Different shades and hues look great on different people. A lot depends on your skin tone and hair color. or instance, if you’re blonde, then a royal blue will really stand out on you (in a positive way). Bright yellow looks great on brunettes. Whatever color you choose, make sure you love the way it looks on you and your body. Anything too light or close to your skin color might make you look a little too exposed — unless you’re going for that look, try to stay away from colors that will wash out your skin tone. Target has a great selection of neon swimsuits, including this fun neon yellow swim top.

The ultimate swimsuit guide: Finding the best shape, color & style >>

Pattern happy

Some bathing suits have really wacky, busy patterns. Those are fun, but they can also be a little too intense for a bikini. Choosing the right pattern for a bathing suit is essential. Depending on your style, you can have a subtle pattern or a loud one. Patterns can be tricky, so make sure you try the swim suit on before purchasing, unless you’re positive you’ll love that pattern on you. Victoria’s Secret has some new patterns that are flattering for many ladies, like this black-and-white zig-zag pattern swim suit.

Back to basics

Sometimes it’s just easier to sweep past all of the different styles, colors and patterns and just get a basic bathing suit. Black bikinis are always in style — so are white ones. Triangle-top bikinis are basic and supportive for the average girl. American Apparel has a wide selection of basic swim tops and bottoms for reasonable prices.

More on apparel shopping

Teach your kids to be savvy shoppers
Dress like a Gossip Girl
Celeb-designed style for less


Leave a Reply