Bathing Suit Shopping Tips

Buying a new bathing suit should be carefree and fun -- but it's often one of the most miserable experiences a woman can endure. With the proper preparation, your suit shopping can go from painful to pain-free. It also helps if you remain realistic and optimistic.

Preparing

Trying on a bathing suit in the fitting room's bright florescent lights, especially after you spent a winter swaddled in heavy clothing, is going to be shocking. You may have put on a few pounds or you skin may be sallow from lack of sun. Don't fret. Prepare yourself by shaving or removing hair from the bikini area and other places that will be visible outside the suit. Wear underwear that fit closely, such as a bathing suit bottom, so you don't have large amounts of fabric exposed. You can even darken light skin with a self-tanner if you really want to combat the lighting. Also remember the lighting will play tricks on even the best toned bodies.

Measuring

Another way to prepare for buying a bathing suit is to take your measurements. Measure yourself wearing your undergarments with a tape measure. Write down your chest, hips and waist measurements to have handy while shopping. There is no standard sizing that bathing suit manufacturers follow, so one company's medium may be equal to a small or large in another brand. Finding a sizing chart for a particular brand, either at the store or online, is always helpful.

Being Realistic

Knowing your body type -- or what you want to downplay -- is an instant way to help you choose a suit. Make sure to pick a suit style that offers adequate coverage and support. Large busted women should steer clear of thin, spaghetti tops while those who want to hide their tummies may want to opt for a one-piece suit, rather than a bikini. Also be realistic with the style and color. Prints are more forgiving than solids, and darker colors sleeker than lighter hues. While the metallic leopard print with beaded fringe or other flashy style may look cute on the hanger, ask yourself if you'd really be comfortable in it carousing near the pool.

Testing

One you've chosen a suit that seems to fit and fills all your criteria, test it. This means bending down, bending over, bending sideways and engaging in other movements to insure the suit stays where you want it to. Touch your toes. Squat. Make swimming motions. Reach. When it's dry, the suit should be a tad snug, but not tight, as most bathing suit materials will stretch about a half-size when wet.

References

• Sizing tips at eBay.com

[beautyqueen26]

on 9/21/2009 Fantastic info! Five stars *****