Going on a (Much-Needed) Winter Break? Here Are Your Five Essential Swimsuit Shopping Commandments

by Rachel Jacoby Zoldan

Dewey Nicks
Dewey Nicks

Let's face it: It has been one long, cold winter. Odds are, you want to get away. A beach, a pool, really anything you can splash around on or in -- which is why you should book that vacay ASAP. Already took care of that part? Sweet! But then there's that task of finding the new swimsuit. Don't worry, you totally got this. Just repeat after us:


I WILL HIGHLIGHT MY BEST ASSETS.
Think about it: What's the part of your body you want to flaunt most? Go for whatever that is -- draw attention to your hottest feature. Is it your chest? Your toned butt? Choose pieces for those areas with crazy prints, embellishments and ruffles. Got nice legs? Make 'em look even longer with a high-cut suit.

I WILL GO UP OR DOWN A SIZE -- AND NOT FEEL BADLY ABOUT IT.
Girl, you want yourself to be covered, don't you? Do not think about that number on the tag, because it means nothing. A size 2 in one suit could be a 6 in another; your focus should be on fit. If you've got an ample rack, go up a size -- both beneath and the sides of your breasts should be completely encapsulated by the swimsuit. Alternatively, if a bottom feels loose, swap it for a smaller size as bathing suits tend to stretch. There are plenty of two-pieces available now that you can buy as separates for your perfect fit.

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I WILL THINK ABOUT WHAT I NEED MY SWIMSUIT FOR.

Are you sunning? (Be safe, please!) Stand-up paddleboarding? Think about exactly how you'll be wearing your bathingsuit. Lounging is totally different than waterskiing. While of course you can wear one suit for both (we're digging all the sporty halter malliots out there right now), not all suits are made for activity. For example, that itsy-bitsy bikini with gold hardware is best left for laying by the pool.

I WILL AVOID WHAT DOESN'T WORK FOR ME.
Sometimes, you just need to face the music. And it can suck when you've got your heart set on a certain style that doesn't work for your body type. But you're far better off finding a top that fits and a bottom that doesn't cover your bum than something that just appeals to the latest trend. For example, any gal with a size D cup or larger should avoid triangle tops. Go for supportive halters or underwire styles instead. Likewise, bandeau tops can flatten small-chested women, so if you're looking to make the girls look bigger, you may wanna skip this straight-across style. But don't totally shy away, because bandeaus are adorable. (As are you!)

I WILL SHOP WHEN I'M FEELING GOOD.
This means busting out all the stops -- don't binge on Doritos the night before, get in a quick sweat sesh or a few sit-ups beforehand, warm up skin with a faux tan, etc. You get the jist. Point is, you should feel hot and sexy when you go shop for swimwear. Not gross. And this also counts for online shopping, too! It is not a good feeling to be all schleppy when you're thinking about buying that rhinestone-encrusted bikini.

Got a swimsuit fit tip Q? Tweet me @rjacoby13 or our Fashion Director @evyanmetzner!

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