How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Choose a Swimsuit

Choosing a swimsuit can be an overwhelming task! There are so many options and new style trends every year. However, the best suit for you is whatever you find appealing and comfortable. Make sure to consider quality, fit, color, and style as you choose your new swimsuit.

EditSteps

EditChoosing a Flattering Style

Choose a one-piece if you want full-coverage. A traditional one-piece swimsuit will cover your entire torso, so this is the most modest option. One-piece swimsuits are also often better for exercise, so you might go with this option if you plan to swim laps or do water aerobics.
- You can find more daring one-piece styles if desired, such as a swimsuit with a deep v-neck, low-back, 1 strap, no straps, or side cutouts.^[1]
- Go with a high back one-piece to hide back fat and a low-back one-piece to show off your back.
- Try a swim-dress if you also want coverage for your hips and thighs.^[2]
Select a bikini if you are comfortable baring your midsection. Bikinis are the most daring type of swimsuit because they only cover your breasts and private area. This means that your entire midriff and back will be visible. If you are comfortable showing off your body, then this is a great option for you.
- You can purchase a bikini as a set, or get a coordinating top and bottom to wear together, such as a string bikini top with a bikini skirt bottom, a high-waisted bottom with a strapless top, or a full coverage top with a low-rider boyshort.^[3]
- Keep in mind that you may need a different sized bottom and top, which is another reason why it may be better to buy them separately.^[4]
Opt for a tankini if you want a more modest two-piece. You can find tankinis that provide full coverage of your waist, or that show part of your midsection. Select a tankini that shows an amount of skin you are comfortable showing. This is also a great option if you are pregnant since you can get a loose-fitting top to drape over your belly.^[5]
- For example, if you want full-coverage, then get a tankini top that overlaps the bottom.
- If you want to show part of your hips and waist, then get a tankini that falls just above your belly button.
Look for details on top to enhance a small chest. Ruffles, bold colors and prints, and padding can all help to accentuate your chest. If your chest is on the small side and you want to make it seem bigger, then opt for a swimsuit with extra elements to enhance and draw attention to your chest.^[6]
Get a supportive top if you are full-chested. Whether you are opting for a bikini, tankini, or 1 piece, you will want to have good support if you have a full chest. Check the straps and cups on any suit you consider to see if they are well-constructed and sturdy. Go with a with a halter, racerback, or something with thick straps.^[7]
- Avoid string bikinis, strapless suits, and less supportive swimsuits if you have a full chest.
Wear dark colors to minimize and light colors to accent a body part. Light colors draw attention while dark colors are less noticeable. Choose light colors for the part of your body you want to stand out or highlight, and dark colors for the part you want to minimize.^[8]
- For example, you could pair a black bottom with a bright red top to minimize your backside and accent your bust.
- Or, pair a white bottom with a navy blue top to minimize your bust and accent your bottom.
Choose full-coverage bottom to distract from your hips. These types of bottoms provide full coverage for your hips, which can help to make them seem smaller and hide imperfections. Go with one of these types of bottoms if your hips are a concern for you.^[9]
- For example, you could opt for a bikini, tankini, or one-piece with a sash-bottom, swim-skirt, or boycut bottom.

EditPicking a High-Quality Suit

Opt for a suit that fits you well above all else. Try on any type of swimsuit that appeals to you, but don’t get a swimsuit that does not fit you well. The swimsuit should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight on your body.^[10] You can also go with something that provides more or less coverage depending on what feels best to you.^[11]
- For example, if you feel more comfortable in a string bikini than a one-piece, then that is what you should look for. However, if you don't like showing this much skin, choose something that provides more coverage, such as a one-piece or tankini.
- If the swimsuit is baggy or you find it difficult to breathe, then you might want to go with another option.
Move around in the swimsuit to ensure that it moves with you. Walk around, squat, do some jumping jacks, and bend over. Try a variety of movements to make sure that the swimsuit will not come off, bunch up, or expose you as you move in it.^[12]
- For example, if the swimsuit bunches up along your backside when you walk, then it might not be a good choice.
Check the thickness of the swimsuit to see if it’s durable. Feel the material of the swimsuit. If it feels flimsy or cheap, then it will probably not last very long. Opt for swimsuits made from materials that feel durable and thick.^[13]
- Even if the swimsuit is lined well and you cannot see through it, thinner materials will not hold up over time.
Look at yourself from behind to make sure your bottom does not sag. The way your backside looks in the swimsuit can also give you a hint about its quality. Check to see if the back of the swimsuit is taut and flattering. If the bottom of the suit looks baggy or saggy, it may not be a high-quality suit.^[14]

EditSelecting a Color and Style That Works for You

Compare the color of the suit to your skin tone. Swimsuits come in a wide range of solids colors and prints, so you can express your style with the color you choose. Find a color or print that appeals to you and that will complement your skin tone.^[15]
- For example, you might opt for a red and white polka dot swimsuit for a vintage look, a swimsuit with pink roses on it for something feminine and romantic, or a dark brown swimsuit that complements your skin tone.
Look for swimsuits with built in hardware. It can be fun to pair a necklace or pair of earrings with your swimsuit. However, you run the risk of losing jewelry while at the beach or pool. Instead, try getting a swimsuit with built-in hardware. This gives the appearance of jewelry without the risk of losing it.^[16]
- For example, you might opt for a black one-piece swimsuit with silver accents along the neckline, or a bright blue string bikini with rainbow-colored beads on the ends of the ties.
Pick a chic coverup to wear over your swimsuit. Choose a coverup that matches or complements your swimsuit and wear it on your way to and from the pool or beach. This will make it easy for you to slip it off to go for a swim, and back on again to go about your day.^[17]
- For example, you could opt for a lavender-colored coverup to wear over a plum one-piece suit, or pair a zebra print coverup with a white bikini.