Summer Swimwear

I have a confession. I used to hate shopping for swimsuits. Every year when I grew up in Florida, my family would pack up the car and drive up the East coast to our shore house in New Jersey for the summer. But before we did that, my mom always took my sister and I swimsuit shopping, and it was usually a nightmare similar to bra shopping that caused catastrophic angst when I got to the dressing room.

It’s not that I am uncomfortable in a swimsuit. In fact, I have often felt more confident in a swimsuit than in clothes, because I grew up as a swimmer. But the act of trying on and finding a bikini that fit me as a teenage girl, size 12, with a 34 G cup size was…horrible. I couldn’t wear the cute swimsuits my friends or sister could wear; my butt was too big for tiny bottoms, and my boobs never fit in the cups.

I ended up finding my way to bra-sized swimwear, and still recommend these brands to those of you with bigger boobs. Brands like Freya and Panache make really great options that don’t feel super old and floral.

I had a breast reduction surgery a few years ago, and it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Not only was I uncomfortable with my body, but I was in chronic pain as a result of my larger chest. I went down to a D cup, and I haven’t looked back since. I mostly do online shopping when it comes to swimwear (just a personal sanity choice), and I am much more comfortable with my body now that I can find swimwear that both fits and shows my personality.

It’s still hard out there for a curvy lady to find a swimsuit that fits. The swimwear industry has a long way to go, but I do love to see some brands pushing to include more realistic bodies that represent real women, like some of the brands I am featuring below. And as we enter summer season, I am leaning into the one-piece and high-waisted bikini trends.

The good news is you don’t have to spend a ton of money on swimwear. I do believe you get what you pay for, and the quality of some of the more inexpensive swimsuits might not last you more than a summer. But do buy what is in your budget and right for your body.

One-Piece Swimsuits

I jumped into this trend two summers ago, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I think I was afraid I would age myself wearing a one-piece, but I feel more confident in a one-piece than anything else, and the long-lines of a higher cut leg are so flattering for a petite hourglass shape like myself.

Personally, I don’t air on the super modest side of this style. I love a cheeky butt, a deep scoop, and some good cleavage. I am not a tiny lady, and I love to let a little bit hang out. Those lines create V or U shapes that elongate your body.

I recently discovered Summersalt swimsuits in February when I ordered two (including this leopard number above) to go on vacation. And they are well worth the money. The quality of the material is insane, and they sucked me in in all the right places that made me feel by best. I have the black cherry print suit in a polka-dot print, and definitely have my eye on this one. They don’t go on sale, but they are well worth the investment in terms of fit and fabric.

I also love anything ribbed like the yellow Topshop suit and the Huzna G suit I have been eyeing for months (steep price tag). I also love Aerie for suits that flatter many body types. They fit me perfectly, and I order them summer after summer. While they are slightly better quality than some other budget-friendly brands, they don’t last more than a season or two. Personally, that’s okay by me so I can shop more on trend and mix and match as a I please.

Bikini Swimsuits

I always wanted to wear a bikini when I was younger, and the closest I really got was a tankini from Limited Too until my late teenage years when I discovered J.Crew suits. Now that I have a smaller chest, I do feel a bit more confident wearing a bikini, and I love something with more coverage if I am going to rock a two-piece swimsuit.

I don’t mind a higher-cut leg and cheekier booty (again, this elongates the leg), but I do like for my stomach to have some coverage with a medium or high-waist bottom.

For bikinis, I’ve had a lot of luck with Aerie and Target, even in their junior-sizing (usually take an XL). I like to push the envelope with color and print with my swimwear. Don’t be afraid to try a bold print, or a new color. I find that when I wear something bold, I feel more confident. I’m clearly having a thing for green this summer. I love this sage green suit from h&m, or this lace-up bottom from Summersalt.

I know navigating swimwear can be distressing, but finding suits that fit you can really boost your confidence. Try something unexpected- you might find a shape that you never knew you would like. The only thing you need to be in summer shape is to feel confident and yourself. Let me know which suits you try- I hope you enjoy any summer plans you might have, even if it’s your own backyard.