How to shop for swimsuits without hating your body

I’m not the kind of girl who will spend a long time picking at my flaws in front of a mirror. Though my body is far from perfect, I’m quite happy with how I look most of the time. But no matter how comfortable I am in my own skin, shopping for swimsuits manages to sneak in a few blows to my self-esteem. Stripping down in a harshly-lit dressing room and confronting my least favorite body parts has the uncanny ability to bring all my insecurities to the surface. I used to avoid bikini shopping like the plague, but over the years I’ve figured out ways to buy swimsuits without hating my body in the process. Here’s how you can do it too.

Know what your body likes

It helps to do research about your body type and the styles that flatter your figure. Doing so will not only make your shopping trip more efficient; trying on styles that make you look good will also make you feel good. You’ll also get to avoid styles that highlight what you perceive is the most unsightly part of your body.

Photo from here

If this isn’t your first time to buy a swimsuit, you’re probably aware of what styles and shape look flattering on you. If not, here’s a quick rundown of the best swimsuit styles according to body type:

Strawberry (broad shoulders, large bust, narrow hips)

Best tops: tank, halter, triangle, kerchief

Best bottoms: string ties on the hips

Ruler (small bust, long legs, narrow hips)

Best tops: triangle, ruffles, textured, underwire

Best bottoms: string styles, low riders

Hourglass (large bust, tiny waist, broad hips)

Best tops: bandeau with straps, halter (thick straps)

Best bottoms: low riders

Pear/triangle (small bust, narrow shoulders, wide hips)

Best tops: triangle, tankini, or one-piece with deep v-neck (for larger busts)

Best bottoms: string styles, triangle cut at the back, solid dark color

Athletic (undefined waist, small bust)

Best tops: triangle top, ruffles, bandeau with front tie, one-piece with cut-outs at the waist

Best Bottoms: string styles

Scope out stores

It also helps to do a bit of research on the stores that carry the styles you want, or that have an atmosphere you prefer. There’s nothing more annoying than shopping for swimsuits with a salesperson following close behind. Shopping at a store with a well-lit, spacious dressing room is also a plus.

If you’d rather buy bikinis online, make sure you look for customer reviews and photos before making a purchase. Don’t trust the size chart; ask customers if the swimsuits run true-to-size. I remember feeling terrible about my body when I bought a bikini from a popular online store, only to discover that my size 34” bust and 37” hips was considered “large” – and that their largest bottom barely covers my butt. Needless to say, it was the worst swimsuit purchase I have ever made, but that’s what I get for buying a bikini on impulse.

Wear something pretty

Trying on swimsuits will involve a lot of undressing and dressing, so you’ll definitely want to wear something you can easily slip in and out of. However, I discovered that it also helps to wear an outfit I know I look pretty in. Taking off a bikini you hate only to wear a dress that you also hate won’t do much to lift your mood.     

Shop with a friend

Some girls like to shop for swimsuits alone, but I like bringing a close friend or my boyfriend so I can get an honest opinion and/or much-needed encouragement.