10 Ways You're Shopping For Bathing Suits Wrong
It's that time again! Time to bust out the bikini from last year, find that one-piece you love so much, and maybe even add a new suit to your wardrobe. But swimsuit shopping can be such a pain and actually kind of stressful. It doesn't have to be, though! Avoid the following swimsuit shopping mistakes and you might actually have some fun.
1. You put too much focus on the size on the tag. Just like jeans, and really any other item of clothing, size varies from store to store. Bathing suit brands are actually the worst culprits! You might be a large in a junior's brand like Aerie, and a small in an ~adult~ brand like Panache. Always try on a few sizes and don't even think about what it "means" if something does or doesn't fit you. It's the bathing suit's issue - not yours.
2. You try on bikinis as a set, instead of different size tops and bottoms. Rarely are we the same size on top as on bottom. If you are, lucky you, but many of us have a larger chest with no hips, or curvy thighs and no boobs. Brands have finally caught on and many are making bikinis that you can mix and match (instead of having to buy the top and bottom as a set), so you can try on a bunch of different sized tops and bottoms, and buy what fits you best.
3. You stress about being "on trend." Sure, trends are fun to experiment with, but when it comes to buying a bathing suit, don't even think about them. Ruffled bikinis might be a fave with celebs, but if you feel totally uncomfortable in them, it's not worth spending money on a suit that doesn't make you excited to go to the beach. Instead, try a bunch of different styles on and choose what makes you feel cute.
4. You wear shoes that are hard to get off. Slip-on sneakers are your BFF while swimsuit shopping. You're going to have to take them off and on a dozen times, and you don't want to make yourself crazy with tricky laces or tight boots. And don't forget socks. You don't want to be barefoot on the dirty dressing room floor - ick!
5. You stick with the one store you know you love. You might live and die by Aerie one-pieces but make sure you check out the swimwear selection in other stores, too. You might find a diamond where you least expect it, like in a store your mom loves or a chain like Target.
6. You don't wear the right undergarments. Repeat after me: no bathing suit looks good over boy shorts. It doesn't matter how great it's going to look IRL, if you're wearing underwear with too much fabric, you're probably not going to like how the suit looks in the store. Wear a thong or other seamless panty and you'll get a better picture of how it will really fit.
7. You shop while PMS-ing. Even if you don't suffer from a lot of period-related bloating, you might be moody or more emotionally sensitive right before you get your period. This might not be the best time to be under bright lights in barely any clothes. You could totally hate a suit that you're actually into just a few days later.
8. You don't take photos. Kylie Jenner is on to something! She recently posted a pic to Instagram while bathing suit shopping, and while a bikini selfie is nothing new for Ky, it's actually a really good idea to take photos of yourself. You can see how the bathing suit looks from all angles, and get a better idea of the fit. Whether you post it to Instagram is all up to you.
9. You only check yourself out in one light. If you feel comfortable, step outside the dressing room stall to the bigger mirror in the main room. This is often totally different light and you can get a better feel of how the suit looks. Is it sheer at all? Because if it is even a tiny bit, it will turn VERY see-through when it gets wet.Check all of those things out before you take the suit home.
10. You don't take a friend with you. Friends don't let friends shop for bathing suits alone! Even if your mom is your BFF, it's important to go with someone. You'll need an extra hand to grab another size when you're half naked, or to honestly tell you if yellow is really your color. She'll also remind you that you're super hot when you need it.
Follow Seventeen on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
