5 Steps to Swimsuit Shopping

I just came back from that right of passage for spring: the trip to look at suits. Oh my! I saw suits of every kind: retro patterns, cabbage roses, cut outs, skimpy, frumpy, glittery, two pieces, on pieces ... even muumuus. What I didn't find were suits that were flattering to your average woman.

The "skinny-minnies" are all set this season. They can choose from adorable string bikinis (I had assumed the "half-off" sign was referring to the price ... it was actually for the material used!), tankinis (adorable little halter tanks with boy short bottoms), one pieces that untraditionally have the side cut out so they might as well be two pieces, and the very traditional two piece. However, for the well endowed female, the options are frighteningly similar! Ais a full bodied female, I must protest. I do not want a deep-V to worry about spilling out of, suits with the side panels missing, or skimpy tops that offer no support. Veering to the other extreme, I do not want to wear yards and yards of fabric that look like they need to be on my grandmother! Why isn't there a suit that is modestly flattering for the slender miss, and modestly attiring for the well endowed?

It is a fashion conspiracy! The media is forcing women to view skin and bones as attractive and "booties" and "bosoms" as chubby. Today's fashions are following Hollywood's lead. I look to the future and worry about my daughter's self image. For a four years old little girl, the suit are surprisingly small. They offer string bikinis to my toddler, not just the teens and twenties today! This is simply not appropriate.

So how does one find the "right" suit.

1. First, identify your body type. Women are generally pear shaped (larger bottom than top), apple shaped (fairly rounded), or hour glass waist (busty and hippy with a nipped in waist).

2. Maximize and minimize the proper part. Pear shaped misses should opt for a tankini with a designed top that draws the eye up, and a simple bottom. Apple shaped ladies should go for something with a belt to emphasize a waist and give the appearance of curves. The hourglass woman, if not too well endowed, can wear nearly anything. However, if she is full figured, should be careful to support and cover.

3. Consider color. White suits look great with a tan, but when wet leave little to the imagination. Black suits are great slenderizers, but if you're going to be in the sun for a long time, might not be the best choice. Also, if used frequently, lend itself to fading. Bold patterns are great, as long as they don't look like Victorian wallpaper. Larger women need to avoid horizontal stripes.

4. Modest is Hottest. Consider your best assets and realize that leaving some things to the imagination is a good thing. If it's too skimpy, you'll be too busy trying to keep it in place to have fun.

5. Get a nice cover-up. It is, after all, a part of the suit ensemble. A flattering, comfortable cover-up that will allow to run inside a place of business is great for a trip to the beach, the community pool, or even for a cookout.

Summer is here ladies! Just remember that it's like a treasure hunt; once you find the perfect suit, it's golden!