Here are 5 Tips to help you find a swimsuit you feel great in

Shopping for a swimsuit or bikini can be an incredibly daunting and overwhelming process for a lot of women. From weird sizing, seemingly endless options, and unflattering lighting, it can leave you feeling worse for wear.

However swimwear shopping doesn’t have to be this way - here are some of our tips to help you find a swimsuit you feel comfortable and confident in.

Lace Up One Piece Magenta

Have an Open Mind

While you might be feeling a bit self-conscious at the thought of trying on swimwear, it’s best to go into the experience with an open mind. If you have a positive mindset, you’re more likely to trust the process, try on a variety of different styles and pick the one best for you.

Having confidence is easier said than done, but this might mean you shop at a particular time during the day (when it might be quieter), with a supportive friend or even online. It also helps to choose stores that specialise in swimwear. The shop assistants exclusively help people try on and find swimwear and will have the knowledge and experience to know what will suit you.

Don’t Stress About Size, Just Focus On The Fit 

Don’t worry about the size on the tag - there is probably going to be some inconsistency between different brand’s sizes. In swimwear at one company you might comfortably fit in a size 16 but in another that size might be too snug - it really does depend on the individual brand. It’s recommended that when trying on swimsuits you should always grab two sizes - the size you normally wear and one above. The most important part is that you feel comfortable in the swimwear you’re purchasing. 

Here at Curvy Swimwear our swimsuits are true to size, meaning what you would wear in a bra is the size you would order from us. 

Acapulco Peplum Bandeau Tankini

Focus on your assets

We all have parts of ourselves we don’t want to show off, and that’s alright. The great thing about swimwear is that there are so many options that you can choose the pieces that will flatter the parts of yourself that you love. Look for swimsuits that show off your best assets, whatever they might be. 

Here’s a few styles and their benefits:

• High Waisted - Covers the tummy while accentuating your curves.
• Ruching and Panelling - A great option if you’re wanting tummy control.
• Frills and Ruffles - When on the bottom another option for tummy control and if on the top they add volume to smaller busts.
• Halter necklines - Comfortable and flattering for bigger busts.
• Wide Straps - Helps support a bigger bust.

Bohemian Sunset Ruched Tankini Top

Try On A Variety of Styles and Colours

You might have an idea about the style of swimwear you want to buy, but it definitely isn’t the only style that will suit you. Step out of your comfort zone and try on a variety of different styles - you might surprise yourself and find something you like. If you’re unsure about the different styles of swimwear, check out our other blog post, ‘The Best Plus Size Swimwear Styles That Will Flaunt Your Curves”. 

If you’re wanting to try something different, why not try a swim dress? They have extra coverage over the hips, thighs and booty allowing the wearer to feel more confident moving around while swimming. Our swim dresses come in a range of styles including underwire, panelled, and a strapless bandeau as well as exciting colours and prints. 

There is also this misconception when it comes to colours that flatter plus size women - black has often been considered a safe option. This is not always the case though, especially if the swimsuit doesn’t fit properly. Bright colours and patterns can help accentuate and show off your curves, and disguise body parts you might want to hide. 

Here are some examples:

• Swimsuits that have blank panels down the side and a bright pattern in the middle helps to make your body look longer and leaner.
• Bright colours will help accentuate your features, and plain or darker colours can have a slimming effect.
• Bikini bottoms with bold colours and prints help draw attention away from your bust.
• Similarly, bright colours and prints on the top help to draw attention to your bust and away from the lower half of your body.
• A bright colour overall and a darker one around the waistline will disguise your waist and give you an hourglass effect.

Flamingo Swim Dress Set

Use social media to your benefit

Instagram can be used as a source for inspiration, and a great place to go if you’re wanting to see how swimsuits look on different bodies. You can use social media to see how a swimsuit you’re looking to buy looks on photos from the brand themselves, but you can also go to their tagged section to see photos they’ve been tagged in. This way you’ll get a good mix of real women sharing their thoughts on the pieces they bought, and see how they fit on them. 

Bahama Bloom 3 Tier One Piece

Don’t let the stress of finding a swimsuit stop you. The most important thing to remember is that every body is a bikini body, and you will look good if you feel comfortable and confident.