Buying the right swimsuit: A guide for women of all shapes and sizes

Buying a swimsuit is a necessity that most women dread, but there’s no need to put it off any longer. We’ll help you wade through the many options and buy a swimsuit that is the perfect style and cut for your body type and provide some tips to find the best suit for you.

How do I choose a swimsuit style?

If you are slim and in shape, you have a plethora of swimsuit options. Bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis and boy-short styles will all look good on you, as long the suit fits you appropriately. Of course, many of us don’t fit in that category, but never fear: there are many ways to play up your best assets.

To camouflage a small bust, stay away from traditional bikini tops and one-piece suits and instead try a suit with a halter or criss-cross top that will create the illusion of a more voluptuous chest.

Halter Swimsuits

If you’re wider on the bottom than on top, try a suit cut high in the thigh to make your legs look longer. You may also want to consider a cover up in a boy short or skirt style if you’d be more comfortable with extra coverage.

Suits with Skirts

Lacking a waist, or sporting a stomach that’s not quite Victoria’s Secret worthy? Choose a one-piece suit with cinching to create the illusion of a waist. These suits come in a variety of styles; some have a belt, while others use ruching to suggest a more hourglass shape. Try one made from a slimming material (like a MiracleSuit), possibly in a boy short style or with a skirt. Tankinis are also a good choice if you’d like a two-piece suit that doesn’t bare your belly.

Slenderizing Suits

Plus-size women will also want to consider the swimsuit types that look best on your body. If you’re self-conscious about your lower body, try a skirt, which come in a variety of lengths and styles. Or try a one-piece that is cinched up in the middle to give you a dividing line.

Plus-Size Suits

If you’ve got wider shoulders or an upper body that needs slimming, consider a cross-over top or halter top to create a slim division line up top.

What’s the best swimsuit cut for me?

Many swimsuits now come in various cuts. You can get the same suit with a high thigh cut, medium thigh cut or a low, almost boy-short cut. Generally speaking, the younger, slimmer and better shape you are in, the higher cut you can wear. If you have more to hide, you will want the suit to provide more coverage or wear a skirt or boy short suit over your bottom half. When you are trying on a skirt or boy short suit, you may want to bend over to see what can be seen when you do.

Swimsuit material

Swimsuits now come in a variety of materials, including a new nylon fabric that is extremely slimming because it really keeps you squeezed in. Avoid cotton or loose-knitted materials, they will not give you enough support and may become see-through when wet.

Each manufacturer uses their own unique name for their suit materials, but usually you will be able to glean clues from the name. Anything that sounds like a jersey will be a lighter, looser material. Their slimming material may be called something like “Slimtex”. Call their customer service if you have any questions. Swimsuit skirts tend to come in a stiff, waterproof form of nylon, or a looser, jersey style of nylon. It is really a matter of preference, as both work equally well.

What pricing should I expect?

You will get what you pay for when it comes to swimwear. Swimsuits that fit well and are made from a sturdy material will cost more than a thinner, poorly made suit. If you are using the suit just for exercise, you may be willing to pay for performance features, but not cosmetic ones. You can probably find something in the $40-$60 range that will work. Another thing to consider is that, if you swim with any regularity, your suit will usually not last for more than one season due to sun and chlorine damage. Even if you paid $80-$150 for a suit, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to use it next year. Even if you are diligent about rinsing it out after every use, it will still be worn out at the end of the summer if you swim on a regular basis.

Where to find swimsuits

Most swimsuits these days can be purchased as two separate pieces, so if you need one style and size for your top and a different style and size for your bottom, you can easily accomplish this task with little or no increase in the price. Many manufacturers offer suit style help on their websites, including programs that will virtually show how you will look in a swimsuit. You can also call the company and speak to them directly about the appropriate size. In fact, it’s easier than ever to avoid trying on a swimsuit in a dressing room; just make sure you give yourself enough time to evaluate each suit if you’re buying for an upcoming vacation. Look for a company that allows returns, such as Land’s End.

Tips for trying on

If something is hanging out, it is not the appropriate suit for you. Ask for the opinion of a friend or sales clerk if you are not sure. Do not buy a suit that is uncomfortable or does not fit correctly. Too big is just as bad as too small. The suit will move around in the water and show things that you do not want shown.

Tip for parents: When purchasing a suit for a young woman, make sure the suit fits correctly and is not too loose or too big. Give it a thorough inspection when she tries it on: tug on all appropriate straps to make sure nothing will slip down while she is swimming. Young people move around a lot and in motions that adults may not, so you will want to make sure the suit is secure. Have fun!