Swimsuit shopping can often feel daunting. It’s a time when we confront our body insecurities head-on, making it a vulnerable experience for many. However, with the right mindset and a couple little tricks, finding the perfect swimsuit can be empowering and even enjoyable. Here are some tips to transform swimsuit shopping into a positive experience:
- Mindset is EVERYTHING: never go shopping (for any piece of clothing) if you’re not in a good mood. If I know I’m setting out to buy a new bikini I put myself in the right head space. I put on some good music and do my hair and makeup before I head out. I know this seems like a lot but florescent fitting room lighting can be a real b!t¢h and we can’t let it steal our thunder. Another thing to remember: not every swimsuit is made for every body type so if a couple of suits don’t wow you, keep your head up, it’s not you, it’s the swimsuit.
- It’s G-string time, Baby! That’s right, make sure you’re wearing the right underwear. The panties that you choose on a swimsuit shopping day should allow you to see what the suit looks like without anything on underneath so a thong or a g-string is the way to go. For hygiene reasons, please only put on a bikini without undies once you know you are going to keep it.
- Good morning, bikini body :) Shopping in the morning is going to be your best bet to feel great in your bikini. Over the course of the day, a lot of us tend to get a bit bloated and inflamed. I’m not saying do your try-ons on an empty stomach (even though that’s what I do) but do keep it light before you start throwing on bikinis.
- Bring a friend: We can be our own worst enemies, especially when it comes to a vulnerable experience like shopping for swimwear. If you are one of those people that tends to pick yourself apart, bring a supportive friend or someone close to you to cut through that noise.
- Consider context: Now this might seem obvious, you’re not going to choose a skimpy triangle bikini to swim laps but make sure to consider how you usually spend your time in, or out of, the water. If you tend to stay in the water during your chosen water activity, know that swimwear will stretch a bit in the water and you may want to consider a style that fits just a tad on the snug side. If you tend to be more of a poolside princess, just make sure you’re comfortable in the suit at the time of the fitting.
- Shop for your shape: Shopping for your unique shape can drastically impact how you feel in your swimsuit. Below is a list of body types along with tips to keep in mind when it comes to styling for your shape:
- Petite: Try high cut bikini bottoms to elongate your look.
- Apple Shape: Emphasize your waist to create a more balanced silhouette.
- Pear Shape: Draw attention to your top half to create more visual balance.
- Hourglass Shape: Emphasize your curves by highlighting your waist.
- Athletic Build: Have fun with design features like ruffles and pattern to create the illusion of curves
- For the love of God, know your measurements: Okay this one is more relevant if you’re shopping online but save yourself the hassle of shipping a suit that won’t fit and at least know your bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Fun fact: lots of swimwear companies (like mine!) base their size charts on bra sizes so if you don’t know your bra size, click here to learn how to measure at home. Another fun fact: 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size so if you aren’t positive, still, click here.
Some other things to consider:
- Dark colors create a slimming effect
- Bold colors emphasize
- Adjustable straps allow for a more custom fit
- Bikinis and tankinis offer versatility with regard to both style and varying body proportions with the ability to mix and match tops and bottoms (a blessing for top-heavy, bottom-heavy, and other atypical proportions!)
- One-piece options offer the most coverage and can be great on almost any body type but can be difficult for full bust women. I’ve been keeping an eye on Feel Good Swimwear for full bust one-piece options – they’re set to launch Summer 2024.
Swimsuit shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. By knowing what works for you and approaching the process with a positive attitude, you can find a swimsuit that makes you feel fabulous. Remember, the goal is to find something that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to enjoy every sun-drenched moment to the fullest. Happy shopping!
Hi! I'm Jenna, owner and design of Jenna Bricher Swim. As a natural 32H, I know the struggle of shopping for a large bust. You and I both know the experience of walking in and out of fitting rooms hoping to find something that fits, and leaving with nothing. It’s so obnoxious – honestly, having to settle for something that fits less than perfectly is simply below the standards Queens like us require. We’re tired of it, so I created Jenna Bricher Swim to give the busty babes of this world sleek, supportive, classically sexy swimwear. My mission is simple: to create finely crafted, designer quality swimwear that will inspire total boss babe energy.
