Four Summer Swimwear Tips

Last week, a reader pointed out that it has been two years since I last wrote a post about swimwear.  That’s probably because it’s been two years since I last wanted to wear swimwear.

Being in my late thirties, shopping for and wearing swimwear is a much different experience than it was in my twenties or early thirties.  Gone are the tiny bikinis, replaced with searches for suits that offer flattering coverage, but aren’t the frumpy skirted-suits that many of the moms wore in my youth.

And, admittedly, most of the influencers I follow are no help here.  When they fret about their minor, 27-year-old imperfections (as we all once did) while looking fresh from a Summersalt ad, I swipe left with unprecedented speed.  When they talk about a swimsuit top that’s “flattering on every body” but covers less square footage than a standard Kleenex tissue, I must banish the thoughts of self-shame from my mind.  So here I am, a woman with flaws that she wants to conceal, but who still wants to look cute at the pool, to make swimsuit suggestions for all the women who fit into that category.

Swimsuit Tip No. One: Bright Colors

Black is a classic.  But if you want to look like you came to party and relax, bright colors are the ticket.   Plus, you’ll get endless compliments on your suit, which helps you feel better about wearing a swimsuit in public.

This Land’s End suit is my current favorite.  I’m sorry to say that since I bought it 10-days ago, it sold out down to size 10.  But if that’s your size, this is the cutest most fun suit ever.  It’s also available in plus-size.  If it’s gone in your size, this Anne Cole suit is one-shoulder and comes in bright melon.

If you prefer a suit with ‘tummy control,’ Land’s End has the widest selection of cute, fun one-pieces.  I also bought this long-sleeve suit to wear tubing later this summer so I don’t have to worry as much about getting scorched.

I own this J.Crew Square Ring Suit.  I wear it with the optional straps though, because without them, I gives me a uniboob.  But the color and the slightly higher cut leg are really fantastic.

Swimwear Tip No. 2: Mix-and-Match

We’re all pretty comfortable with the idea of mixing different bikini top and bottom styles, but mixing up the color combinations is one of my new favorite things.  Cossie + Co has a lot of fun colors that you can switch up along with the styles.  I really like these bright pink bottoms with this orange top.

Old Navy also has a lot of different colors and prints that would be fun to mix-and-match.  Try a pale blue or hot pink top with these tropical-print bottoms.  Athleta has several mix and match styles as well.

Swimwear Tip No. 3: Fun Prints

I bought this Anne Cole high-neck suit, in a seersucker-textured, palm print, for my birthday trip in May, and I loved it so much that I also bought the open-back one piece suit.  If you like this suit, I should warn you that it would be tough to a woman with a large bust to stay in either of these styles.  I know that will be a let down for some of you, but I wouldn’t want you to order it and be disappointed because of the cut.

Athleta has some fun prints this season.  I like this tropical Bora Bora print.

Athleta is also a nice option for several reasons.  1) All of their pieces come in a bunch of different styles and colors.  2) They sell tops in bra sizes, so you know how to find the right fit.  And 3) the more athletic style is a better solution for chasing kids around the pool or if you actually like to swim, than most fashion suits.

Swimsuit Tip No. Four: Don’t Be Afraid of a Modest Suit

Not everyone wants to be half-naked at the pool.  Maybe it’s a comfort thing, a sun damage thing, or a religious thing.  Either way, if you don’t want to show off your body, you don’t have to.  More and more brands are making modest swimwear for those who need or want it.

A number of brands are making rash guards this season.  I like the simplicity of this Madewell one.  Shopbop also has a few styles.  And J.Crew has one in a lot of great, bright colors.

Board shorts are also a great option for the pool or the beach.  I like to stand up paddle board, and I would much rather do that in shorts than in swim bottoms.  These La Blanca shorts are a nice option.  And a lot of the 90s surfing brands — O’Neill, Billabong, Roxy — also make nice shorts.

I also bought this pair from Athleta earlier this year.  It’s selling out, but if they have your size, I really like them.

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Body image struggles are normal, especially as we age.  And growing up in a world that emphasized small, fit bodies, I’m just not to a place of body acceptance when it comes to swimwear yet.  So I like to focus on picking a swimsuit that I really like and try ignoring the rest.

If you have a specific area of your body that needs flattering — bust, hips, tummy — and you’ve found a suit that works for you and makes you feel great, leave the recommendation in the comments.  My body isn’t your body, so what works for me, may not for you.  So let’s crowdsource some other options.

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